In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with David Stewart — property investor, developer, and founder of My Local Property Buyer. David shares his journey from a career in civil engineering and commission-only sales to becoming one of Scotland’s most experienced direct-to-vendor specialists, flipping properties with six-figure profits and running a successful off-market property business.

From being made redundant multiple times to building a thriving property brand, David’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and integrity. He opens up about the realities of the quick-sale industry, the ethics behind vendor negotiations, and the lessons learned from fires, floods, and bankruptcies along the way.

🎙️ Episode Highlights

🌟 From Civil Engineering to Sales

  • Grew up in the East End of Glasgow, born in Shettleston

  • Chose a civil engineering apprenticeship over university

  • Faced several redundancies during the 2007–2008 financial crash

  • Transitioned into commission-only sales, learning resilience and people skills

  • Worked in shopping centres selling gas and electricity contracts, then moved to Sky, excelling in telesales and leadership

🏡 Breaking into Property

  • First exposure came through a quick-sale estate agency role

  • Later joined a major auction and property buying company, learning the full process of valuations, negotiations, and acquisitions

  • Developed strong communication and listening skills — the key to converting off-market leads

  • Spent years understanding vendor motivations, negotiation strategies, and the ethics of buying directly

💼 Building My Local Property Buyer

  • Founded My Local Property Buyer, specialising in direct-to-vendor deals across Scotland

  • Balances multiple income streams — property flips, assisted sales, and sourcing fees

  • Works with trusted partners including auction houses and ethical investors

  • Operates with transparency, ensuring fair offers and honest communication with sellers

  • Spends £1,500–£5,000 per month on online marketing to generate consistent off-market leads

🔥 Deals, Risks & Lessons

  • North Berwick Flip: Purchased at £138k, valued at nearly double — discovered bankruptcy days before completion and navigated the legal and financial risks successfully

  • Assisted Sale Fire Damage: A refurbishment project that caught fire due to a nearby caravan blaze — still turned a profit of over £20k and delivered a positive outcome for the seller

  • Lanark Country House: Bought for £100k, invested £180k in refurbishment, expected to sell for £425k–£500k

  • Kilmacolm Commercial Conversion: Transformed a former beauty salon into two luxury flats — exploring refinancing or serviced accommodation due to slower sales

⚖️ Ethics & Reputation in Quick Sales

  • Strong focus on honesty and transparency with vulnerable sellers

  • Condemns companies exploiting people in financial distress

  • Works alongside trusted solicitors and partners like Michelle Wales to maintain professional integrity

  • Believes small, fair profits build longer-term success and repeat business

  • Encourages offering sellers multiple routes — direct sale, auction, or assisted sale

📈 Scaling & Strategy

  • Portfolio of around 16 properties, including buy-to-lets, flips, and commercial-to-residential conversions

  • Uses bridging finance, investor loans, and recycled profits to fund projects

  • Works closely with business partner John, who manages refurbishments and trades

  • Keeps operations lean, leveraging unencumbered assets for cash flow flexibility

  • Balances short-term profits with sustainable business growth

💬 Mindset & Motivation

  • Not motivated by flash or status — focused on family and freedom

  • Values work–life balance after becoming a father

  • Keeps a grounded lifestyle despite success — recently upgraded from his Ford Focus only for practicality

  • Believes real success in property is built on patience, ethics, and persistence