From Banker to Property Investor: Building a £5M Portfolio and Financial Freedom in 10 Years

In this episode, Simon Kallu sits down with Ian Bluck, CEO of HMO Professionals and Co-Founder of CoHome, to answer one of the biggest questions aspiring entrepreneurs ask: do you really need decades of wealth or luck to achieve financial freedom?

After 24 years at Lloyds Bank, Ian made the bold decision to leave corporate life and step into the world of property investing. What started with a single buy-to-let in 2014 has grown into a £5M+ portfolio, three successful joint ventures, and a lifestyle business that now gives him the freedom to retire early and relocate his family to Spain.

• How Ian scaled from one property to a £5M+ portfolio in just 10 years
• The mindset shifts that turned “boring consistency” into long-term wealth
• The biggest mistakes Ian made (and how you can avoid them)
• Why values, community, and people are the true foundation of property success
• The “Beat the Day” system Ian uses to stay fit, focused, and financially free

This is a raw, practical, and inspiring conversation for anyone who’s ever thought about leaving corporate life, scaling a side hustle, or building wealth through property.

• Property isn’t just about bricks & mortar – it’s about people, values & systems
• Financial freedom comes from consistency, not shortcuts
• Community-led investing creates longer tenancies & happier tenants
• Health, mindset & balance are as critical as profit

Ian’s journey is proof that with the right systems, values, and consistency, you can build a business and lifestyle on your own terms — without decades of waiting or relying on luck.

Ian Bluck is the CEO of HMO Professionals and Co-Founder of CoHome. After a 24-year career in banking, he transitioned into property investing, building a diverse £5M portfolio and multiple joint ventures. Today, Ian focuses on creating sustainable, community-driven property solutions while helping others achieve financial freedom.

Simon Kallu is an entrepreneur, business advisor, and host of Founder Stories. As the founder of GrowFactor, Simon helps business owners scale smarter and design the life they want.

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