Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa February 2015 | Page 33
CELEBRITY INVESTOR
The Streetwise
Millionaire
Gordon Mackay
Gordon Mackay speaks about his
44 years of experience investing
in property.
Q: How did you become involved in the property
industry?
My life partner, Liz, who is very supportive
in what I do and who is limitless!”
A: “By luck! At the age of 20, I saw a large advert in
the Sunday Times selling land for R395.00 deposit
and R39.50 per month, which I invested in.
I bought properties over the years, borrowing
most of the money and never selling. I bought for
the long term.”
Q:
Please share any insights gained during your
career journey.
Q: Please describe your first property investment.
A: “At the age of 23 in 1982, I bought a one acre prime
three bedroom apartment in Umhlanga Rocks for
R26, 000 with a low deposit and rented it out.
I stopped the monthly payments after a few
years as I thought the development would never go
ahead – big mistake! The piece of land today is in
Durban is worth lots of money. I have learnt to be
patient!
I will not buy land today, as the building costs
are too high. You can buy second hand property
way below building cost.”
A: “I made a big investment mistake in the early 90’s
by borrowing money to invest in the Stock Market.
I lost nearly all my properties and was technically
bankrupt.
This mistake turned out the best thing that
could have happened to me, as I got out of my
comfort zone and worked like crazy to get out of
the financial disaster I had created. I would never
be doing so well today if I hadn’t been through this
period of my life.”
Q: What do you consider to be your most significant
professional achievement?
A: “Helping others to become successful wealth
creators with great success. Many have become
millionaires in a short space of time.”
Q: What has attributed to your success?
Q: What is your investment philosophy?
A: “I have a very positive attitude and always see the
good in any situation.
I have lots of patience and am prepared to go
without, until I can afford the things I want.
Everyone that I have met along this journey
of life has contributed to my success, because there
is a lesson to be learnt from everyone we meet (i.e.
in some cases what not to do).
A: “Take responsibility for your own money. No one
cares more about your money than you do.
Be honest in all your dealings. Buy property – it is
the greatest, most rewarding and safest investment
you can make. Work hard!”
www.reimag.co.za
February 2015 SA Real Estate Investor
33