People, Property and the North East
I’m Jamilah, founder of JH Property Connect, and I’m incredibly proud to be writing this monthly column.
I was born and raised in the North East (Jarrow to be exact), and everything I do in property comes from a genuine love for the region and the people in it. For me, property has never just been about bricks, numbers or transactions. It’s about people, opportunity and creating something meaningful.
JH Property Connect was built on a simple belief: property works best when everyone wins. The seller. The investor. And the community.
Over the past few years, I’ve worked closely with homeowners, investors and agents across the region, and one thing has become very clear. The North East continues to be one of the strongest areas in the UK for building a sustainable property portfolio. Affordability, strong rental demand and ongoing regeneration create real opportunity for those who take the time to understand the market properly.
But what I’ve also learned is that the way you build matters just as much as what you build.
In an industry that can sometimes feel fast-paced and transactional, I’ve always taken a different approach. At JH Property Connect, we focus on relationships, really understanding the numbers, and long-term thinking. We work with time-poor business owners and investors who have the capital but not the time to speak with agents daily, scroll property portals for hours or attend endless viewings. I work closely with a small group of clients, taking care of the entire process from sourcing through to completion, so they can build their portfolios without the day-to-day involvement.
That means looking beyond the surface of a deal. Understanding the area, the tenant demand, the long-term potential, and making sure every decision aligns with the bigger picture.
Over the coming months, I’ll be using this space to share insights, lessons and practical guidance for anyone looking to build or grow a property portfolio in the North East. From understanding the fundamentals of a good investment, to breaking down strategies like buy-to-let and value-add opportunities such as BRRR (Buy, Refurbish, Rent, Refinance), and sharing what I’m seeing on the ground.
If you’re already investing, or thinking about getting started, my hope is that these columns give you confidence and a real understanding of what’s possible in our region.
Because when done right, property isn’t just about financial returns. It’s about building something that lasts.