Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa April 2015 | Page 58

London

All That Life Can Afford
“When a man is tired of London, he tires of life.” Mike Smuts talks
about how he became involved in the London property market.
Q: How did you become involved
in the property industry?

has seen the company grow
from a single person startup to the buying consultancy
of choice for high net worth
South Africans looking to
purchase property in London
for investment or personal use.”

A: “Property has always been a
part of my life. My father
was a property speculator and
my godfather owns one of
the largest building firms in
Knysna. I always knew I wanted
to be involved in property.
My professional career in
property started with a large
portfolio management firm in
central London. I soon realised
that my working knowledge,
along with my first-hand
investment experience and
professional qualifications put
me in a unique position. This
enabled me to bring my fellow
South Africans the guidance
and direction they required
to build a successful London
property portfolio and to
secure their family’s financial
future. Smuts & Taylor Ltd
was founded in February 2008
specifically to help South
African investors enter the
London property market, and
now has offices in London and
Cape Town.”
Q: Please briefly describe your first
property investment and the
most important lessons you
learnt from that experience.
A: “I bought my first investment
property, at a young age, after
56

April 2015 SA Real Estate Investor

Q: Who do you consider to be
your most important mentors
or role models?

my first year working in London. I still own it today. I think
the most important lesson I
learned that it is not about
timing the market, but time in
the market. Invest in income
producing properties for the
long term. Be prepared to be in
the market for 10 years minimum, otherwise you are just
speculating.”
Q: What has been your most
significant property deal and
what insights can you share
from the experience?
A: “It was undoubtedly the first
ever acquisition we made under
the Smuts & Taylor banner in
2008. Not because of its value
but because it was the first step
in an incredible journey which

A: “First and foremost, to my
parents to whom I owe
everything. They taught me
the importance of hard work,
respect and perseverance while
striving to give the best possible
opportunities for their children
to grow and succeed.”
Q: What is your life and
investment philosophy?
A: “A quote from the famous
engineer Gottlieb Daimler, ‘das
beste oder nichts’. The best or
nothing at all.

Set high standards of yourself
and demand the same of those
around you. Seek out and
surround yourself with the best
people, whether it is in your
personal life, professional life
or the investment arena. Do
not compromise, whether it
be your integrity, your health,
happiness or next investment

www.reimag.co.za