Prize-winning Liverpool property investor aims to open up market to over-50s

Property investor Nick Rowland has won a national competition after generating more than £2m since the start of the year.

Now, he wants to encourage more people to share in the opportunities successful property investment can bring.

The Liverpool-based businessman was one of 40 contestants who entered the Millionaire Maker Challenge last January.

He was crowned champion this week after amassing a portfolio of owned and managed properties, with a combined value of £2.3m.

His prize includes a VIP package worth £18,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to a Formula One race weekend with competition organisers Touchstone Education, a Doncaster-based wealth training company.

Father-of-four, Nick, said he now plans to launch a new venture, helping over-50s live more fulfilled lives through property investment.

He said: “For me, it was never about becoming a millionaire, rather it was having the knowledge and confidence to help others.

“Little did I imagine how much reach I would gain during the year.

“My Facebook profile had around 20 friends when I started – now I have 5,000, many of whom I thank for following me and voting for me.”

The Millionaire Maker Challenge aims to help as many contestants as possible generate a property portfolio worth £1m or more.

Each submitted a business plan at the start of the year and those who passed an initial audition were ‘mentored’ by judges before facing a public online vote.

Nick’s plan involved setting up a serviced accommodation (SA) management company in his home city and converting his occupational pension into a Small Self-Administered Scheme (SSAS), allowing him to invest in commercial property.

He said: “During the course of the competition I met all my objectives and even surpassed some.

“I grew my personal portfolio of SA units to five, with a value of £1.2m. I also currently have 31 properties under management yielding an average income of £5,000 per month, and my first commercial venture, bought from my SSAS, cost £350,000 to buy, and when the project is complete will have a value of £1.1m.”

Nick, who became involved in property investment following a career in banking and the Civil Service, now plans to mentor others.

He said: “I had three principal aims when I entered Millionaire Maker – to ensure my own and my children’s financial security, to inspire my children and friends, and to help rebuild the lives of those over-50s who were struggling with life via a mentorship programme.

“I realised there were many people in their 50s and 60s in my situation – formerly successful people in their golden years who should be helping others by sharing their life’s knowledge.”

After being interviewed about Millionaire Maker on Expat Radio, Nick was offered his own weekly show, discussing property and personal finance.

He said: “This has led to discussions about building and running retirement villages in several European countries.

“I also have plans to work with other broadcasters who want to use TV and radio to highlight the investment opportunities in the Northern Powerhouse towns and cities, by linking them to trusted property professionals and deals.

“If the Government can’t deliver on the Northern Powerhouse, then the private sector needs to mobilise, and I hope to be one of those leading the way.”

Paul Smith, founder and chief executive of Touchstone Education, said: “Nick has been working with Touchstone Education for 18 months on our Platinum mentorship.

“It is amazing to see Nick progress and go on to win Touchstone Millionaire Maker.”