Voices in Property - Simon Taylor

Welcome to our quick-fire spotlight on industry leaders and entrepreneurs in Property.

In this edition, Simon Taylor,  Founder of Empty Property Hunters shares personal insights and experiences with anyone who may be currently working in or aspiring to join the London property industry.

What are you most proud of in your career?


Founding Empty Property Hunters with some of the best people in the property world. We’re bringing long-term empty homes back into use and having a lot of fun doing it.

First property job and how did you get it?

Work experience at an estate agency in Belfast in 1999. I dropped in a printed CV, got told to answer the phones that Saturday… and that was the training.

What motivates you?

The hunt. One minute it’s a dead lead, the next you’re tracing an owner to the other side of the world. That never gets old.

Best advice for preparing for an interview?


Do your homework. Find recent deals, news, or activity involving the firm and ask smart questions. It’s amazing how few people actually do.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?


Find a mentor early. Learn from people who’ve already done it and consume everything you can from people like Jim Rohn.

Which leader, entrepreneur, founder, or CEO inspires you?


Michael O’Leary at Ryanair. Ruthlessly clear positioning, no fluff, and he built a giant by doing things differently.

Your best deal?


Probably not the most profitable one. We traced the owner of a long-term empty house to a tiny village in rural South Africa. That’s what unlocked the deal — and it’s the sort of research most people simply wouldn’t do.

What’s your favourite restaurant?


Honestly, an outdoor table at The Coffee Cup Hampstead with my family hits the spot for me. Casual, relaxed, and usually exactly where I want to be at the weekend.

Apple or Android?


Apple. No hesitation.

Find out more about Empty Property Hunters here and connect with Simon Taylor here.

Collins Property Recruitment is a business with a purpose: to enable talent and businesses to meet and do great things together. We make this happen through an unrivalled network, a values-led, consultative approach and a hard-earned reputation as the go-to recruiter in property.

Should you have any enquiries, email us at info@collinspropertyrecruitment.com or give us a call on 020 7435 0309.