The Early Days of Headway Property Investments: Building the Foundation with Our First Property Investment

The story of Headway Property Investments began with determination, education, and a vision for financial freedom. The early days were a mix of challenges, hard work, and invaluable lessons that shaped the foundation of the business.

Laying the Groundwork for the First Property Investment

Michal started preparing for the venture at the end of 2017 by enrolling in an educational program with Fielding Financial. This gave him a solid understanding of property investment strategies and introduced him to a network of like-minded individuals. At the same time, Michal and Slawek began working on refinancing Slawek’s property to fund their first project. The process, however, was slower and more complex than expected, requiring patience and persistence to overcome various hurdles.

Through his education and mentorship, Michal learned how to evaluate opportunities, research areas, and conduct due diligence. After thorough analysis, they decided Hull was the ideal location for their first project. The goal was to begin with a straightforward buy-to-let property—an essential first step into the property market.

The First Purchase

After months of research and numerous viewings, Michal and Slawek found the right property in the summer of 2018. While it wasn’t in terrible condition, it needed significant cosmetic work to be tenant-ready. On November 22, 2018, they officially purchased their first buy-to-let property—an important milestone for Headway Property Investments.

Renovation Challenges

Renovating the property proved to be a demanding experience. Michal and Slawek planned to take a week off work, travel to Hull, and complete all necessary renovations within that time. However, they were met with unforeseen challenges from day one.

The gas engineer who inspected the boiler deemed it unsafe and disconnected the gas supply, leaving the property without heating or hot water during a bitterly cold winter. Despite this, Michal and Slawek pressed on, sleeping on inflatable mattresses in the property and working long hours each day. The renovation involved tasks like painting, plastering, and installing new flooring, and the property was covered in dust from top to bottom.

One week wasn’t enough to complete the work, so after returning to their full-time jobs for two weeks, they went back for another week to finish the project. By this time, a new boiler had been installed, providing heating and hot water, which made the second week of work much more manageable.

Early Success and Setbacks

Once completed, the property quickly attracted interest and was rented out to a young family after the first viewing. This was a proud moment for Michal and Slawek—their first tenant in their first buy-to-let property.

However, the realities of property investment soon set in. After a few months, the tenants faced financial difficulties and stopped paying rent, resulting in an eviction. While challenging, this experience underscored the importance of resilience and learning from every situation.

Balancing Work and Investment

One of the biggest challenges during this period was balancing the demands of property investment with full-time jobs. Michal and Slawek often found themselves making early morning phone calls, sending emails during lunch breaks, or stepping out of work for quick, discreet conversations with solicitors, mortgage brokers, and contractors.

The workload was intense, and the pressure of managing their first project added to the strain. Yet, despite the long hours and constant juggling, Michal and Slawek stayed focused on their vision. They knew this first property was a crucial step toward their long-term goal of financial independence.

The Beginning of a Journey

The first project taught Michal and Slawek invaluable lessons about determination, problem-solving, and the importance of staying committed to their goals. Purchasing, renovating, and letting out their first property marked the start of a journey that would ultimately lead to the growth of Headway Property Investments.

Though the challenges were significant, this experience reinforced their belief in the power of property investment to transform lives. It was the foundation upon which they would build a thriving business and take their first steps toward financial freedom.

Stay tuned for the next part of the story, where we explore how Headway Property Investments expanded and the freedom that came with building a successful portfolio.