The Yorkshire-based Bolton family set out to acquire a portfolio of traditional properties in Edinburgh for each of their five children as a future investment. They were attracted to Edinburgh as one of their children is at university there and they were recommended to McEwan Fraser from a number of professional advisors.

The Boltons wanted to diversify their investments in to property, as their existing investments were mainly in stocks and shares. Their experience in property, particularly in Edinburgh, was very limited and they required the services of a professional property investment company that had expert knowledge of the Edinburgh area. They looked at a number of companies that could help them and chose McEwan Fraser because of their professionalism and excellent reputation.

McEwan Fraser suggested that they should take expert advice about setting up a family trust, which legitimately reduces their tax liability as well as equally splitting any future gains in the properties between their five children. The Bolton Family Trust took further advice from their accountant, who set the trust up for them.

The Bolton Family Trust has, to date, acquired five properties through McEwan Fraser, and plan to purchase more in the future. Four of these properties are in central Edinburgh and one is in Livingston. The Trust%u2019s most notable acquisition through McEwan Fraser was a traditional period property in Bank Street (close to The Mound in the city centre of Edinburgh) which was acquired for £230,000, an incredible £40,000 less than its independent market valuation.

The eldest Bolton son, Alex, has recently graduated with a business degree and is keen to begin a career in property development with the expert help of McEwan Fraser. He is now beginning to renovate the Bank Street property. After the property is fully refurbished, it is expected to achieve a net profit return of around £75,000.

The Trust has built up an impressive portfolio in a short space of time using the equity on existing properties, including the family home. There has been very little cash deposit used and McEwan Fraser has professionally helped them build up an impressive traditional property portfolio with a current value in excess of £1 million. Due to the excellent location of the properties and high demand by tenants, we are confident their portfolio can only grow in value in the future.

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