This week on The Property Mindset Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Sunil Popat—a well-known name in the property world who’s built an impressive career spanning over 30 years.
Sunil’s journey is anything but ordinary. Starting out with his very first buy-to-let in Middlesbrough (for just £15,500—imagine that today!), he’s gone on to convert everything from churches and pubs to office blocks, creating a diverse and resilient property portfolio. But what’s really powerful is how his mindset evolved to match each new challenge.
We all know that property isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about who you become in the process. And Sunil’s story proves that time and again. In this episode, we delved into:
✅ The mindset traps that can hold even seasoned landlords back – and how Sunil had to consciously shift from “landlord mode” to “business owner mode” to really grow his letting agency.
✅ The role of creative funding – including lesser-known council-backed schemes that helped finance multi-unit conversions (hint: there’s more out there than just your typical buy-to-let mortgage).
✅ Scaling beyond single lets – how he made the leap from buying one property at a time to developing full blocks of flats and why strategic partnerships (and a bold mindset) made it possible.
✅ The future of estate agency – Sunil’s prediction that social media will soon overtake the traditional high street model, and why adapting early is key to staying relevant.
We also touched on his belief that it’s never really about the money—it’s about the mindset and growth that come with every new challenge.
Whether you’re new to property or looking to scale up, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable nuggets that can change how you think about your journey.
👉 Want to know how Sunil found funding in unexpected places? Or how he pushed through setbacks to keep building?
We don’t give it all away here—this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about levelling up in property.
🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast app, or catch the full video on YouTube.
