The Union of Property Merchants, a private club, is revolutionizing real estate by letting hundreds of people jump into the market without bank financing or a down payment. Theo, now 23 and starting from scratch, gave it a try. He shares his story.
The Obstacles to Becoming a Real Estate Merchant Today
Getting into real estate is attracting more and more people. But the reality is often brutal:
- Banks demand substantial guarantees.
- Personal contributions can reach amounts that are out of reach for beginners.
- Without a network or experience, it’s difficult to spot good opportunities.
- Expected margins and cash flow are often slim and take time.
Many give up before they can close their first deal. Yet there are alternative and innovative models out there.
UMDB: A Springboard for Investors and Real Estate Merchants
Founded by Nassim Boukrouh and Hugo Legname, the Union of Property Merchants (UMDB) is breaking the mold of the real estate market:
- 100% financing of deals, with no personal equity required.
- Comprehensive support, from sourcing to resale.
- A national network of traders, investors, notaries and experts.
“We wanted to create a model where members aren’t alone. We finance, we guide, we share the margins. It’s a win-win,” explains Hugo Legname.
In a few years, more than 200 deals have been completed, covering over 200,000 m² of land, industrial brownfields, and commercial buildings transformed into profitable projects.
Testimony: Theo, 23, a Millionaire on His Very First Deal
At just 23, Theo pulled off a deal with a €4 million margin using UMDB. Starting from zero, he followed the method step by step:
- Find a derelict site with potential.
- Validate the opportunity with the UMDB team.
- Obtain 100% financing.
- Split and establish the marketing strategy.
- Fast resale, with a colossal margin at the end.
His story has become almost legendary within the club. It all began… with a car breakdown. Stuck for two hours in an industrial area near Ayse, 30 minutes from Geneva, he decided not to waste his time. Rather than scrolling on his phone, he explored the area as a prospecting mission.
Bingo: a gem of a warehouse. He put the file together, negotiated the price: purchase at €3.8 million, resale estimated at €8 million. Result: €4 million margin, with a third in Theo’s pocket. The young man with the sing-song accent couldn’t believe it.
“Like many, I discovered Hugo and Nassim via Instagram. An ad came up, I clicked, curious to see what they offered. I listened to them for three hours and at the end, I told them: ‘Listen, this is for me. I’m signing now.’ I didn’t even have the money to join the club yet; I had to borrow here and there.”
I had set a goal: to land a deal within three months. And on December 16, I laid my business on the table.
Meanwhile, I was working in the restaurant and moving industry. I had to juggle around 5 or 6 hours a week, nothing more… During every break, I hurried to do a visit. I had to conduct about 150 prospectings and 64 visits before finding this deal.”
The young southerner, now based in Haute-Savoie, acknowledges it wasn’t easy, and that he had to cling to each step, especially when he invested time and energy into a file that later fell through.
“The project was huge: a warehouse over 6,700 m², not counting the land. And I had never done a property deal before. I was barely 22, with a little rental experience, not even native to the region… and yet, we signed.”
“My ‘why’ was incredibly important. That’s what gave me energy and kept me from giving up. My sister helped a lot: she read the contracts, called the architects, corrected documents, while I was out on the field. Since this deal, my sister took a vacation in May… it’s September now, you do the math! [laughs]”
When asked whether he would recommend UMDB, Theo’s answer is a definite yes.
“A thousand times yes. Go for it. It won’t be easy. But if you’re determined, if you’re hardworking, all the cards are on the table. I want to see other members dethrone me, do even better, because healthy competition helps us improve.”
“I didn’t have capital, I didn’t have experience… but I had the motivation. UMDB allowed me to complete a deal I never could have achieved on my own.”
Not convinced? Reading reviews about UMDB can be helpful.
Conclusion: Getting started without breaking the bank is possible
The Theo example proves it: with the right method, solid guidance, and appropriate financing, you can enter real estate without personal down payment and with real chances of success. UMDB today positions itself as a unique springboard for beginner investors who want to move from theory to action… and turn their projects into concrete success.
