From First-Time Buyers to £3.5m Portfolio
Our tenant-first approach has led to relationships lasting over 14 years, with residents proud to call our properties home, creating communities that thrive together, rooted in trust and mutual respect
Our hands-on experience and assembled team of reliable tradespeople ensure immediate solutions, even when that means ourselves rolling up our sleeves to fix a faulty doorbell or unblock a toilet. We recognize that property investment isn’t always glamorous, but at Homely Habitats, we prioritize our tenants’ well-being above all else.
Run by the devoted husband-and-wife team, Ian and Nicole Horner, Homely Habitats embarked on its investment journey over 20 years ago, long before they tied the knot. Since purchasing their first investment property in 2003—which they still own—they’ve cultivated a diverse portfolio, including single family lets and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Surrey, valued at £3.5m.
At Homely Habitats, our mission transcends property investment; we strive to offer accommodation that’s not just high quality, well-maintained, and functional, but also a place where tenants feel truly at home.
Meet the Owners
Crafting Comfort, Building Trust
Meet the Heartbeat of Homely Habitats: Ian and Nicole Horner. Together, they’ve woven a 20-year tapestry of dedication, expertise, and genuine passion, crafting homes that resonate with warmth and promise.
Meet the Owner, Ian Horner
Ian Horner’s journey began at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where he earned a Masters degree in Metallurgical Engineering. After working in South Africa, his career took a turn towards IT in the UK. Ian’s passion for property investment, cultivated alongside Nicole, led to weekends and holidays dedicated to their growing portfolio. This dedication blossomed into a full-time focus, symbolizing Ian’s commitment to excellence and innovation in property investment.
Blending his analytical prowess from engineering and strategic acumen from IT, Ian approaches property investment with meticulous attention to detail and a forward-thinking mindset. Underpinning his technical expertise is a deep-rooted belief in creating homes, not just properties. At Homely Habitats, Ian embodies the essence of harmonizing hard data with human touch, ensuring that every investment is both a calculated decision and a step towards building lasting relationships.
Meet the Owner, Nicole Horner
Nicole Horner’s path to property investment is shaped by her diverse background. With a foundation in Architecture from the University of the Witwatersrand and experience in Germany, Nicole’s arrival in the UK marked a new chapter.
Here, she embraced project management, eventually leaving full-time employment to devote herself to property and her innovative Sleep pods venture (www.spodstore.com). Nicole’s continuous pursuit of growth is evident in her completion of the Property Entrepreneur Programme and personal development courses like AMP Gold and Insane Productivity.
Our Dedicated Crew
Heart & Soul Behind Homely Habitats
From meticulous management to hands-on maintenance, our team embodies dedication at every turn. Meet the enthusiastic individuals who breathe life into Homely Habitats, ensuring every tenant feels truly at home and every investor confidently connected.
Nikoletta
Cleaner & Tenant Coordinator for Viewings/Check-Ins/Outs
Nikoletta serves as our cleaner and has additionally taken on the responsibilities of checking tenants in and out when we’re unavailable. As our eyes on the ground, she reports any issues with the house or tenants during her weekly cleaning sessions. Nikoletta is both reliable and meticulous in her duties. Plus, she bakes delicious cakes.
Michael
Handyman
Michael Moore serves as our handyman, handling various minor tasks. He previously worked in the maintenance department of British Rail and is now semi-retired. Michael enjoys a good chat and cherishes the social aspect of his role.
Natasha
Administration
Natasha Benigan, our virtual assistant from the Philippines, prepares all the documentation for new tenants. She also aids in managing properties through the online property management software we utilize.
Pebble
De-Catering
Pebble, our dog, is responsible for consuming any food she can get her paws on, ensuring the site remains free from tradesmen’s sandwiches.
The Trades Team
Property Maintenance and Development
Led by our trusted plumber Bill Tuck, electrician Sam Fagan, and builder Piotr Magda, our trades team embodies reliability and expertise. With their combined skills, we ensure every property is in top-notch condition, ready for our tenants and investors.
Got property aspirations or questions but don’t know where to start? Dive into the world of Homely Habitats and let’s shape your journey together.
20+
Years of Experience
3.5M+
Portfolio Value
50+
Satisfied Tenants
Real Stories, Real Success
Navigating the world of property investment is a journey, and nothing speaks louder than the experiences of those who’ve embarked on this path with us. Dive into genuine feedback from our clients and investors, illuminating the dedication and results that define Homely Habitats.
A Journey of Dedication.
Building a £3.5m Portfolio from Scratch
Ian and Nicole Horner’s arrival in the UK marked the start of something extraordinary. With nothing but the bags on their backs, they embarked on a journey that led to building a portfolio worth £3.5m. Their first decade in property investment was fueled by personal savings, a testament to their dedication and vision. As opportunities grew, they began partnering with investors, handling each project with careful consideration. Both risk-averse and strategic, Ian and Nicole have ensured that all their projects have resulted in profit, reflecting the unerring success that defines Homely Habitats.
Our Aspirations for the Next 3 Years
At Homely Habitats, our vision extends beyond property investment to fostering mutual success. We are dedicated to providing investors with superior returns without the day-to-day management hassles, allowing us to expand our quality accommodations. Our use of investor funds is not just about buying more properties; it’s about fulfilling our mission to enrich tenants’ lives by maintaining and optimizing our existing properties, while growing our income. The essence of our strategy is a win-win-win approach, aligning the interests of investors, tenants, and ourselves. Our ambitious goal is clear: to double both the income and equity generated from property investments within the next three years.