A Day in the Life of Running Cox & Co: Inside Edinburgh’s Boutique Property and Mortgage Brokerage
By John Cox, Managing Director
When you think of letting and estate agents, mortgage brokers or property investment agents, you might imagine endless paperwork, lengthy phone calls, or bustling high-street offices. But at Cox & Co, we pride ourselves on being a bespoke, client-focused firm rooted in Edinburgh’s rich property landscape. No two days are alike, but certain themes always run through: dedication to our clients, collaboration between our teams, navigating complex transactions, and a passion for helping people find their dream homes across the central belt of Scotland.
Here’s a look at a typical day managing Cox & Co – the highs, the challenges and what keeps us motivated in this dynamic property industry.
6:30 AM – A fresh start over coffee
My day begins relatively early, with a freshly brewed coffee in hand after walking my dog along the River Tweed (I live in the Borders), reviewing emails and reading through market updates. Scotland’s property scene is always changing – new listings, interesting portfolio opportunities, interest rate shifts, and sometimes unforeseen challenges from mortgage lenders. I prioritise urgent enquiries first: reviewing & signing off client proposals for my team or liaising directly with an overseas investor considering further portfolio growth. Ultimately, staying ahead of the market ensures we provide the most up-to-date guidance.
9:00 AM – early calls, team briefing and planning
My only non-negotiable is completing the school run in the morning. Living in the Borders but working in Edinburgh means that I’m away from the house a lot – so ensuring that I’m there for my daughter each morning is important to me. By 9am, I’m on the road on my way to the office, and this is when the phone calls start! I have quickfire morning briefings with my directors (this is crucial for aligning our priorities for the day). Each director reports on ongoing cases and workloads – from new enquiries to those in progress. We also discuss any issues that might need resolved that day. Our core values emphasise personalised service, so I make it a point to remind everyone that understanding our clients’ unique circumstances is key to delivering tailored solutions.
10:00 AM – client calls and follow-ups
The phone never stops! I spend a good part of my morning catching up with clients, especially those in the final stages of their mortgage applications and property purchases / sales. Today, I was on the phone with a local family who were assisting with the sale of their current home and the source of their new one. They’re slightly anxious, which is natural, so I walk them through the process again, reassuring them that we’re handling all the behind-the-scenes work. Clear communication is vital.
10:00 AM – meeting with potential partner
Part of running Cox & Co involves building strong partnerships with other property businesses. Today, I met with a well-known estate agent to strengthen our referral network. We discussed recent market trends, shared insights, and explored how we can better serve clients together, especially sellers and buyers who may require lending. Strong relationships with our competitors – estate agents, property managers and financial advisors – allow us to provide a seamless experience for our clients. Collaboration is key.
11:00 AM – reviewing mortgage cases
Back in the office, I review lending options with my mortgage team, tailoring search criteria for an ex-pat client who’s interested in a buy-to-let property in Leith. We analyse different lenders’ criteria, current interest rates, and repayment strategies. Edinburgh’s property market is competitive, so finding the right mortgage isn’t just about the lowest interest rate; it’s about stability, flexibility, and fitting the client’s long-term goals. Once sourced, the mortgage team then shared the findings with our in-house investment manager so they could calculate the potential net returns while continuing their review of future capital appreciation potential.
12:30 PM – lunch and market news
I take a short break and catch up on emails and industry news over lunch – the latest FCA updates, shifts in property prices, and new government schemes. Staying informed ensures we advise clients thoroughly and remain compliant with regulations. I also hate letting my inbox overflow!
1:00 PM – meeting with a client face-to-face
The afternoon kicks off with a face-to-face ‘Discovery Meeting’ with a prospective new client. Today, alongside three other members of our team, we meet with an experienced landlord investor who’s overwhelmed by his current property portfolio. We discuss their financial situation, goals, pain points and what’s realistic in today’s market. We go on to explain how we can assist with the current management issues, how we review existing leverage to try and reduce costs while setting out clear next steps. Nothing beats personal interaction while introducing the wonderful professionals in my team – it builds trust and clarity.
3:00 PM – administration and documentation
After the client meeting, I dedicate time to administrative tasks: ensuring current documents are up to date, compliance checks are completed, and properties are going live to the market within the promised timeframes. Precision and efficiency are essential – mistakes can cost clients time and money, which in turn costs us time and money too!
4:00 PM – training and development
I like to hold irregular short training sessions, and today I spent this time with my lettings team. Staying sharp ensures we continue to offer expert, compliant advice.
5:00 PM – reflection and planning
As the day winds down, I review overall performance by reading emails, chatting with our directors and I begin to firm up my diary for the next day – our aim is always to improve. We received a couple of Google reviews today; the feedback highlighted appreciation for our clarity and personal touch, which is always gratifying. Tomorrow’s schedule is looking rather daunting: three face-to-face meetings and two on Teams, all with new clients. I also have some re-drafting of new marketing content to review. Bring it on.
5:30 PM – winding down and hitting the road
I shut down my laptop, but my connection to Cox & Co never truly stops. I tend to schedule one or two quick calls while I’m on my commute and I’m always free for a client with a late question. I’ll switch off fully when I’m home with my family – rest and recovery is key, so I am ready to give 100% the next day!
