I stack shelves in Sainsbury’s but still own 11 homes worth £1.2 million at 23 – strangers lend me the cash to get rich
A SUPERMARKET worker has shared how he bought nine homes in the past year – but still works at Sainsbury’s.
Ayobami Akeju, 23, has a portfolio worth £1.2m with 11 properties in total across the country.
Despite his investments, he still has a regular 9 to 5 warehouse worker job at the supermarket chain in south east London, to keep making his property dreams come true.
“I have not treated myself to anything, I live very frugally and remain highly disciplined,” Ayobami, originally from Dartford, Kent, told AbsolutelyBusiness.
“When I was 20 I made a three, five and 10-year plan, which I will not deviate from.
“I still have my day job at Sainsbury’s, where I work 40 hours a week.
“When I leave I will definitely miss the management who’ve not only been flexible with my work schedule but also very supportive in growing my business.
“I’m here to do whatever is required of me to win and make the future versions of myself proud of the work that past and present me did.
“For me, age 20 to age 25 is the season to work like hell, block out all the noise, distractions and temptations.
“There will be a time to come for me to enjoy but that time is not now, especially as I don’t believe in balance.”
It’s not all been plain sailing; the worker suffers from migraines and is often under pressure due to having an intense workload.
Ayobami has turned his pennies into pounds by working with private investors.
I’ve been able to grow quickly by working with private investors who invest into my property deals for a return on their money,
“As opposed to leaving their funds sat in the bank, which would decrease in value due to inflation.
“To date, I have raised £828,000 of investment for my property deals.”
Ayobami has homes in Hull, East Yorkshire and Carlisle; he has purchased seven properties in the latter.
He tends to go for portfolios of properties instead of buying singular purchases as “It’s a faster and more efficient way to scale.”
Each home ranges in value from £95,000 to £220,000.
This journey has been extremely tough but I’d do it all again. I look back fondly at every job I have ever worked at, no matter how difficult it may have been.
Ayobami Akeju
The property whizz purchased his first property in 2022 after working three day jobs at Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Kaplan Care, a care home company, as well as moonlighting at Amazon.
He said: “I remember in 2021, while working at Sainsbury’s during the day I did night shifts at Amazon.
“And there was a period I went three days straight without sleeping.
Despite his impressive property portfolio, Ayobami still feels like he’s not doing enough.
He said: “There’s always a nagging voice telling me that I’m not doing enough, there’s still more work to be done and more to accomplish – and that voice is right.
“I have goals I’m working towards, which I’m very far from, so in my mind I have still achieved nothing.
“The work never ends, I am on a mission.
“I’ve done all this at 23 years old – whilst still having a day job at Sainsbury’s.
“I will never retire – I love the sport of business and will continue to build.”
5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder
Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers.
1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving
Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out – holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway.
Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month.
2. Have a realistic property search
Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it?
3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes
The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they’re great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London.
4. Consider buying with another person
Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner.
You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven’t already.
5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order
A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs.