Our Vision
We believe there’s a better way for people to maintain their homes in partnership with their community. Our vision is property management where owners can see what they pay for, decisions are made together, and Edinburgh’s buildings get the long-term care they deserve.
Our Story So Far
Our timeline marks the key achievements and defining moments along our journey. From navigating the challenges of a global pandemic in our early years to our steady growth today, we’re proud of our perseverance in reshaping property management.
2019
Our Beginnings and the Geovation Journey
In mid-2019, AboveBoard Homes was founded around our kitchen table, driven by frustration at the neglect of our historic Leith development. Determined to bring real care to property management, we discovered Geovation’s inaugural accelerator at the Registers of Scotland. Inspired by an article in the Edinburgh Evening News, we applied and were thrilled to be selected as one of three companies in the first cohort; before we even had a name.
2020
Enquiry One
As a new startup with little presence, we immersed ourselves in marketing and explored unfamiliar strategies; a shift from our financial services background. Fortuitously, a property lawyer, intrigued by our Geovation accelerator press launch, took notice and, seeing potential in our approach, recommended our services to a former client in need of reliable property management. Four years later, we proudly welcomed them as one of our valued customers.
2020
The Pause and Purpose
Just days before our much-anticipated investor showcase - following months of meticulous preparation - the global COVID-19 pandemic hit, cancelling the event and putting the world on pause. After countless late nights preparing, we had to step back and navigate the uncertainty ahead. This period of reflection led us to a pivotal decision: return to financial services or strive to make a difference. With renewed purpose and inspired by Simon Sinek’s Start with Why, our mission became clear: ‘We believe there’s a better way for people to maintain their homes in partnership with their community.’
2022
Customer One
We received a seemingly random email from an owner who had been referred to us: expressing concern about her tenement’s condition, with numerous obvious and hidden issues. Acknowledging the challenge, we were eager to take it on, as we had the capacity. Since then, we've navigated many obstacles together and are proud to still count her as a client.
2023
Accelerating Growth and Building Momentum
Joining the RBS Accelerator gave us the skills and knowledge to take our vision to the next level. Through this program, we gained invaluable insights on how to grow and scale AboveBoard Homes, refining our approach to meet the increasing demand from homeowners dissatisfied with their current property management. With each step forward, our momentum built as more people recognised that there was a better way to care for their homes and communities.
2024
Referrals Become the Engine
Growth came the best way it can: by word of mouth. By late 2024, around half of our portfolio had come to us through referrals from existing clients.
We grew carefully, saying no to developments we could not serve well almost as often as we said yes.
2025
Bigger Buildings, Bigger Works
We welcomed larger modern developments to the portfolio and delivered some of our most complex projects to date, from full external re-renders to the restoration of shared chimneys, with hands-on project management and owners kept informed at every stage.
2026
627 Homes, Standards Intact
Today we manage 627 homes across 26 developments, with around 96% client retention. Since our first appointment in February 2022 we have received just two formal complaints, both resolved in-house and neither escalated to the First-tier Tribunal. The standards we set out to prove are now a track record.
Our Founders
Jamie and Sarah, a dynamic family duo, are the heart and soul behind AboveBoard Homes.
Combining their shared passion for transforming property management with their complementary skills, they’ve built a company rooted in innovation, transparency, and community
Mum, partner, adventurer, and lover of the outdoors, Sarah is passionate about wild swimming, hill-walking, and exploring nature.
After studying and traveling through Australasia and Asia, she returned to the UK, earned her CIMA qualification, and joined RBS in 2008.
The financial crisis, however, led her to pursue contracting in London’s finance sector. Upon returning to Edinburgh to start a family, Sarah continued in financial services contracting, where the vision for AboveBoard began to take shape.
Today, she leverages her finance and project management expertise to drive AboveBoard’s growth.
Outside of work, Sarah treasures family time and finds balance through her outdoor passions—whether it’s wild swimming, hill-walking, or tending to her allotment.
Dad, partner, and gamer, Jamie enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.
Born and bred in Edinburgh, Jamie has lived and worked in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London as a former IT Business Analyst.
He has collaborated with many prominent names in finance and tackled a wide range of projects, including building and optimising data warehouses, business intelligence reporting, and streamlining broken processes—all aimed at supporting new products and scaling business initiatives.
Inspired by Sarah’s passion for travel, Jamie has explored much of Southeast Asia, savoring the local cuisine and soaking up the vibrant culture.
When he's not working, Jamie enjoys lifting kettlebells, socialising with friends, and getting outdoors. These activities help him maintain balance amidst the demands of professional life.
"We believe there’s a better way for people to maintain their homes in partnership with their community."
When we became frustrated with our traditional property factors, we searched for better alternatives but found none. The market was dominated by large companies focused on their own models, not customer needs. Instead of returning to financial services, we decided to create a new standard: one that prioritises homeowners and delivers real results.
Where We’re Heading
We aim to become Edinburgh’s most trusted property factor through responsive service, proactive planning, and better ways of working.
As a woman-led, local business, we provide personalised, community-driven service. Our goal is to lead with transparency, using long-term plans, automation, and a bespoke management system.
Rooted in Our Communities
We are dedicated to fostering strong community partnerships through our business and in the neighbourhoods we serve.
Our commitment is to create a meaningful, positive impact that enhances Edinburgh, its communities, and the lives of its homeowners.
Raising the Bar for Property Factoring
We’re raising the bar for property factoring with transparency, efficiency, and customer involvement.
Our 5-year plans give homeowners control, treating each property as an evolving project. As a tech-driven, woman-led company, we’re raising the standard the industry is judged by, with accountability, empathy, and a commitment to diversity.
See What We Can Do for You
You don’t need to have everything worked out before speaking to us. Early-stage questions are welcome.
