Leaving a structured career in the military and transitioning into civilian life can feel like stepping into the unknown. For Stephen Blunston, that uncertainty became the spark for a brand-new direction, one that would eventually lead him to build a property portfolio worth over £100,000 in profit and equity.

In this blog, we unpack Stephen’s inspiring journey from forces to financial freedom. You’ll learn how he leveraged property investing education, momentum investing, and trusted partnerships to turn a modest start into long-term results.

Stephen met his wife while serving in the British military. When she became pregnant, he knew he needed a career change. The military no longer fit the future he envisioned for his growing family. But what came next wasn’t clear.

Like many people, he had always been interested in property. Watching Homes Under the Hammer became more than a pastime, it planted a seed. With no prior experience and limited capital, he started researching how to get involved in UK property investing.

Stephen came across Simon Zutshi’s 3-Day Property Mastermind Accelerator and decided to attend. Importantly, he brought his wife along. This turned out to be a game-changer. Having her support from the beginning meant they could move forward with a shared vision and strong belief in the process.

That weekend provided clarity, direction, and the tools needed to get started. It was no longer just an idea, it was a plan.

Encouraged by what they learned, Stephen joined the 12-Month Property Mastermind Programme. There, he immersed himself in the strategy of momentum investing: buying below market value, refurbishing, refinancing, and pulling out most of the initial deposit.

But when the money ran out (as it does for most investors), Stephen pivoted. He used joint ventures to keep moving, raising capital from others who wanted to benefit from property but didn’t want to do the work themselves.

His approach wasn’t about chasing trendy areas or complex developments. Instead, he focused on overlooked towns that offered strong rental yields and realistic price points. This grounded strategy allowed him to scale without unnecessary risk and helped him build his UK property portfolio with limited capital.

Stephen’s efforts paid off. After applying what he learned and steadily building his portfolio, he was invited into Simon Zutshi’s £100K Club, a recognition for Mastermind graduates who’ve generated at least £100,000 in added value.

That milestone wasn’t just about money. It represented the shift from uncertainty to clarity, from employment to empowerment.

Here are a few of the biggest takeaways from Stephen’s journey:

• Keep it simple. Focus on fundamentals: find motivated sellers, add value, recycle cash.

• Get your partner onboard. Shared belief and support are critical when things get tough.

• Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Take action with the knowledge you have.

• Leverage community. Being around other committed investors builds confidence and momentum.

• Use creative deal structures. Strategies like joint ventures and BRR let you invest in property with little money in the UK.

Now an experienced investor, Stephen continues to grow his portfolio while helping others get started. He believes anyone can do what he’s done, with the right mindset, education, and support system.

If you’re feeling stuck in your job, unsure where to start, or wondering whether UK property investing is really for you, let Stephen’s story be your proof. You don’t need a huge budget. You just need a plan, a support network, and the willingness to take the first step.

How can ex-military personnel get started in property investing?
Start with foundational education like a short accelerator course, then focus on practical strategies like BRR and joint ventures. A supportive community also makes a huge difference.

Do you need a lot of money to build a property portfolio in the UK?
Not necessarily. With creative strategies and smart financing, it’s possible to build a portfolio using joint ventures and by recycling deposits through BRR.

What is momentum investing in property?
It’s a strategy where you buy below market value, add value through refurbishment, then refinance to pull most of your initial capital out, allowing you to reinvest.