Solid Foundations Property Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Ray Cooke, founder of Ray Cooke Auctioneers, to explore his journey through the Irish property market—from launching his own firm in 2005 to navigating the financial crash and building a diversified property business.
Ray shares how he got started in the industry, the mindset it took to step out and build his own brand, and how he scaled the business into one of Dublin’s most recognisable estate agencies.
🧠 From Startup to Scale
We discuss the early days of setting up Ray Cooke Auctioneers in 2005, the challenges of building credibility, and how strong branding and local expertise played a key role in the company’s growth across Dublin.
📉 Surviving the 2008 Crash
A major focus of the conversation is how Ray navigated the 2008 financial crisis—one of the most difficult periods in Irish property history.
 He talks candidly about:

 The realities of operating during a market collapse 

 The importance of resilience and adaptability 

 How diversification became essential to survival 

🔄 Diversification & Growth
Ray explains how the business expanded beyond traditional estate agency, including:

 Financial services 

 Property management 

 Broader real estate offerings 

This shift allowed the company to stabilise and grow despite market volatility.
📊 The Dublin Market Today
We also dive into how the Dublin property market has performed in recent years, with insights on:

 Persistent supply shortages 

 Strong buyer and rental demand 

 The evolving role of investors and landlords 

🔮 What’s Next for Irish Property?
Ray shares his outlook on where the market is heading, particularly in light of increasing regulation for landlords. Despite these challenges, he outlines why he still sees strong long-term potential.
🇮🇪 Why Ireland Still Attracts Investment
A key takeaway from the episode is Ray’s belief that Ireland—and Dublin in particular—remains a highly attractive market due to:

 Economic stability 

 Ongoing housing demand 

 Ireland’s position as a global business hub 

🔗 Connect with Ray Cooke

 🌐 https://raycooke.ie

 📸 Instagram: @ray.cooke1 

 💼 LinkedIn: Ray Cooke 

Pauric Hilferty
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paurichilferty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paurichil/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pauric.hilferty/

Lisa O'Reilly
Website: https://lorpropertysolutions.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-oreilly/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Lisaoreilly20

 #PropertyPodcast #DublinProperty #IrishRealEstate #PropertyInvesting #HousingMarket #RealEstateIreland #RayCooke #InvestmentProperty #Landlords #DublinInvesting

In this episode, I sit down with Tom Smith, a property investor, entrepreneur, and the founder of Dream Apartments and Dream Mentoring.
Tom shares his full journey into property investing — starting from a very young age right through to building an international property business operating across both the UK and the US.
We dive into:

 🏗️ His early beginnings and how he got started in property 

 📈 Scaling a property portfolio and building successful businesses 

 🔍 How to find great deals in today’s market 

 💰 Raising investment and funding property opportunities 

 🌍 Expanding internationally, including insights into the US market 

 🏙️ The impact of large-scale developments and what they mean for communities 

 🎓 Dream Mentoring and how he helps others break into property 

 📅 A sneak peek into his upcoming event

This is a really insightful conversation packed with practical advice and real-world experience. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow your portfolio, there’s something in here for everyone.
Connect with Tom; Tom Smyth: Business Coaching - Dream Mentoring
Business Blueprint Event;
The Business Blueprint - Work Smarter. Not Harder. // Tom Smyth - Dream Tickets, Thursday, April 16  •  7 PM - 9 PM | Eventbrite
Podcast Sponsor’s

GAP Property Investments: https://www.gappropertyinvestments.com/
City Stays: https://www.citystays.ie/

Stay Connected

Pauric Hilferty
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paurichilferty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paurichil/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pauric.hilferty/

Lisa O'Reilly
Website: https://lorpropertysolutions.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-oreilly/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Lisaoreilly20

🔗 Listen Now — Available on all platforms!

Today we’re joined by property investor Kristina Castellina—known for her honest, down-to-earth, and engaging approach to property.
A former professional singer turned investor, author, and entrepreneur, Kristina has built a multi-million-pound portfolio from scratch, acquiring over 30 properties using creative finance strategies.
Alongside her property journey, she’s also a dedicated mum of two, balancing family life with building and scaling her business.
From buy-to-lets and HMOs to serviced accommodation, mixed-use developments, and flips, Kristina brings real, hands-on experience across multiple strategies—sharing both the wins and the challenges along the way.
Now the owner of Empress Hall, she’s passionate about helping others get started and grow—especially when it comes to raising private finance and building confidence in property.
🔥 Why Listen?
If you want real insight into building a property portfolio from zero—and how to use creative finance to scale—this is one you don’t want to miss.

Connect with Kristina - Kristina Castellina | Property Investing Coaching

Podcast Sponsor’s

GAP Property Investments: https://www.gappropertyinvestments.com/
City Stays: https://www.citystays.ie/

Stay Connected

Pauric Hilferty
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paurichilferty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paurichil/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pauric.hilferty/
Lisa O'Reilly
Website: https://lorpropertysolutions.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-oreilly/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Lisaoreilly20

🔗 Listen Now — Available on all platforms!

Unlocking the 7 Pillars of Wealth with Kevin Whelan

In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin Whelan, Founder of Wealth Builders, to explore the Seven Pillars of Building Wealth and how property investors can grow their portfolios using smarter, alternative strategies.
Kevin shares his proven framework for creating long-term financial freedom — not just through property, but by building multiple aligned income streams that support sustainable growth. If you’re looking to scale your portfolio, reduce reliance on a single income source, and build wealth more strategically, this episode is packed with practical insights.
🔑 We discuss:

The Seven Pillars of Wealth explained

Why diversification is key to long-term success

Alternative ways property investors can accelerate growth

Building multiple income streams alongside property

Practical steps to strengthen your financial foundation

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling an existing portfolio, this conversation will help you think bigger and build smarter.
Connect with Kevin;
Audience Resource Page: https://www.wealthbuilders.co.uk/solidfoundationsproperty
Kevin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjwhelan/
WealthBuilders Socials: 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WealthbuildersUK 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wealthbuilderstogether/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@wealthbuildersuk
WealthBuilders LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthbuilderstogether 
Website - https://www.wealthbuilders.co.uk/ 
 Podcast Sponsor’s

GAP Property Investments: https://www.gappropertyinvestments.com/
City Stays: https://www.citystays.ie/

Stay Connected

Pauric Hilferty
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paurichilferty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paurichil/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pauric.hilferty/
Linktr. ee: https://linktr.ee/paurichilferty

Lisa O'Reilly
Website: https://lorpropertysolutions.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-oreilly/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Lisaoreilly20

🔗 Listen Now — Available on all platforms!
👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on property and wealth creation.
#PropertyInvesting #WealthBuilding #PassiveIncome #FinancialFreedom #PropertyPortfolio

🧭 Episode Overview
In this episode we speak with Sarah Cronin Airbnb host and spokesperson for short-term letting hosts in Ireland, about the Short-Term Letting & Tourism Bill coming into force in 2026.
This legislation will radically change how short-term rentals — including Airbnb, self-catering cottages, and holiday homes — are regulated across Ireland. Sarah explains what the Bill really does, who it affects, and why thousands of small hosts fear it could end their businesses.
Podcast Sponsor’s

GAP Property Investments: https://www.gappropertyinvestments.com/
City Stays: https://www.citystays.ie/

Stay Connected

Pauric Hilferty
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paurichilferty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paurichil/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/pauric.hilferty/
Linktr. ee: https://linktr.ee/paurichilferty
Lisa O'Reilly
Website: https://lorpropertysolutions.ie/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-oreilly/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Lisaoreilly20
🔗 Listen Now — Available on all platforms!
🎧 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts
📣 Don’t forget to like, share, and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!