Nicki Chapman’s journey through the world of music, television, and property has been nothing short of remarkable, but when it comes to financial wisdom, one decision stands out above the rest—buying her first home in Putney. For Chapman, this purchase proved to be not only a milestone in her life but also her best-ever investment.
Back in the late 1980s or early 1990s, Chapman took a significant step onto the property ladder when she bought a one-bedroom flat just off Putney High Street for £68,000. At the time, it was a major financial commitment, but it represented independence and financial security. Although she later sold the flat for £75,000, making a modest profit, it was just the beginning of her success in property.
By 1998, Chapman and her husband, Dave “Shacky” Shackleton, were ready for their next move. They purchased their first house together, also in Putney, for £320,000. Despite being warned by a surveyor that they were paying “over the odds” for the property, they trusted their instincts. Just three years later, the house had more than doubled in value, reaching an astonishing £700,000. This incredible appreciation remains one of Chapman’s most impressive financial wins, she told The Times this week.
Defining moment
That early investment in Putney set the foundation for her love of property, a passion that would later be reflected in her role as the presenter of Escape to the Country. Even as she moved on to larger projects, including the ambitious purchase and renovation of an Edwardian home in west London, her experience in Putney remained a defining moment in her financial journey.
Reflecting on the purchase, Chapman acknowledges that she may never see such a return on investment again, but the lessons learned from her time in Putney have stayed with her. More than just a financial gain, the property represented a turning point—a place where she built stability, learned the value of trusting her instincts, and ultimately set herself up for long-term success.
While other financial opportunities have come and gone—including a chance to buy a Banksy for £5,000 that she later regretted passing up—it was her Putney home that truly solidified her belief in property as a cornerstone of financial security. For Nicki Chapman, that house wasn’t just a place to live—it was the best investment she ever made.
