In the latest edition of What I Own, Metro’s property series, we meet Biro Florin, a 38-year-old entrepreneur and podcast host who recently purchased a three-bedroom townhouse in Brighton for £1,000,000—entirely in cash. After selling his B2B tech business, he and his partner achieved their dream of owning a home without taking on a mortgage.
The Property and Location
Biro’s home is located in the Preston Park neighbourhood, a quiet residential area about a 20-minute walk from Brighton’s city centre. Having previously lived in central Brighton and London, he appreciates the peaceful surroundings. “It might be my age,” he jokes. The property was fully modernised and extended in 2018 by the previous owners, who were interior decorators, leaving it in pristine condition with high-end finishes.
Buying Process
Biro and his partner used a property search agent to organise multiple viewings in a single day. They were torn between two £1,000,000 homes but chose this one for its proximity to the city and stylish furnishings. Paying cash and having no chain gave them an edge over six other interested buyers. “The fact that we had no mortgage process and no chain was the reason we were able to get this house,” Biro explains.
How the Home Is Used
Working from home and without children, Biro and his partner designed the property to suit their lifestyle. The first floor houses three functional rooms: an office, a podcast studio, and a cinema room. The bedrooms are on the second floor. “I started the podcast to help diverse entrepreneurs from different backgrounds get into the business world,” says Biro, who hosts Misfit Founders. The ground floor features a bright, extended kitchen where they spend much of their day.
Favourite Room
Biro’s favourite space is the podcast studio and office, built in the largest bedroom—a 4mx4m room. “This is where I spend most of my working day, and the room set-up gives me inspiration and helps with my focus and creativity,” he says. He invested in high-quality cameras and filming equipment, comparable to what Netflix uses.
Costs and Future Plans
With no mortgage, Biro’s monthly bills amount to about £1,500. He plans to stay in the property for at least the next 10 years, possibly moving to a countryside home or abroad in his late 40s. For now, he is content with the space and location. “As working professionals, we’re very happy,” he says.
Advice for First-Time Buyers
Biro emphasises the value of a property search agent with strong connections. “Being first-time buyers, it helped to have someone who understands the landscape to guide us,” he notes. The agent not only found the perfect property but also connected them with trustworthy suppliers, solicitors, and assessors.
