In this episode, Nick and Steven sit down with Scott McFarlane, property investor, serviced accommodation specialist, and founder of Retrofit Properties. Scott opens up about his journey from a difficult childhood to military service, railway engineering, a life-changing accident, and eventually scaling a thriving SA management company and a growing property portfolio.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

🌟 From a Tough Start to Army Discipline

• Grew up in Galashiels facing violence, instability, and school expulsions

• Joined the Royal Regiment of Scotland, gaining structure, discipline, and resilience

• Army experience shaped his mindset and approach to business

💥 The Accident That Changed Everything

• Suffered a major railway accident while working as an electrical engineer

• Forced into recovery, triggering a life reset and deep focus on long-term goals

• Used the setback to pivot fully into property

🏡 Building Retrofit Properties & Discovering SA

• Bought his first properties in his early 20s

• Learned SA through self-study, research, and hands-on experience

• Now operates high-performing SA units achieving £12k–£13k in peak months

📑 Navigating SA Licensing & Compliance

• Expert at securing SA licences across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Midlothian

• Helps investors avoid common mistakes in planning and compliance

• Challenges councils when their own rules are unclear or applied incorrectly

🏘️ Scaling to 13 Units & Major Deals

• Owns a mix of SA, HMOs, and buy-to-lets

• Completed a £1.7m building purchase with Kyle Black, now valued higher

• Growing a management business, strengthening partnerships, and planning future aparthotel projects

Scott’s story is raw, honest, and packed with lessons — from overcoming adversity to navigating licensing, building strategic partnerships, and managing 13 units (including HMOs, buy-to-lets, and high-performing SAs). He also shares the realities of dealing with councils, neighbours, compliance challenges, and the rapid growth of his management business.