Nick Leslau: The Visionary Behind Britain’s Billion-Pound Property Empire
How a Self-Made Entrepreneur Shaped the UK’s Commercial Real Estate Landscape
Introduction
Nick Leslau is a name synonymous with bold property investments, strategic foresight, and an unmatched instinct for value in the British commercial real estate market. From humble beginnings in Cricklewood to steering billion-pound portfolios across London and beyond, Leslau’s journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurship.
Recognised for owning iconic assets such as Madame Tussauds, Alton Towers, and large stakes in Travelodge properties, Leslau has spent decades building one of the UK’s most influential property investment legacies. His leadership through companies like Prestbury and Max Property Group showcases a career grounded in innovation and resilience.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nick Leslau |
| Date of Birth | 18 August 1959 |
| Age | 65 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Birthplace | Cricklewood, London |
| Accent | Southern British (London) |
| Education | Mill Hill School, South Bank University |
| Spouse | Maxine Leslau |
| Children | Three sons |
| Parents | Jeweller father, historian mother |
| Net Worth | Estimated £400 million |
| Source of Income | Property investments, real estate trusts |
| Main Companies | Prestbury Investments, Secure Income REIT |
| Residence | Monte Carlo |
Early Life and Education
Nick Leslau was born on 18 August 1959 in Cricklewood, London, to a family rooted in craftsmanship and academia. His father worked as a jeweller, while his mother was an art historian, providing Leslau with a blend of business intuition and cultural awareness. His upbringing was shaped by the early divorce of his parents, which instilled in him a deep sense of independence and drive.
He attended Mill Hill School, an elite independent school in North London. Though he initially studied German at the University of Warwick, he later transferred to South Bank University, where he pursued estate management—a choice that would shape the rest of his life. He eventually qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, setting the stage for a career in real estate.
The Start of a Career in Property
Nick Leslau’s professional journey began in earnest in the early 1980s when he joined Burford, a small investment group. His talent and vision were quickly recognised, and by the age of 23, he had become CEO of Burford Estate & Property. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly and acquired iconic London properties.
He gained prominence by orchestrating a reverse takeover that transformed Burford into a public company. Leslau’s hands-on approach and bold decision-making led to the rapid appreciation of its portfolio, culminating in a property empire valued at over £1 billion during its peak.
Founding Prestbury Group and Investment Philosophy
In 1997, Leslau co-founded Prestbury Group through another reverse takeover. Prestbury quickly became a dominant player in the UK property market, specialising in secure, long-term income-generating assets. Leslau took the company private in 2004 under Prestbury Investments, continuing to expand its portfolio.
A core part of his investment philosophy centres around “Steady Eddie” assets—properties with predictable, inflation-linked rental income. This strategy has proven remarkably resilient, especially in times of market uncertainty. Prestbury today manages over £4 billion in assets, including some of the most well-known leisure and hospitality destinations in the UK.
Key Business Ventures and Companies
Leslau’s business success is best understood through his major ventures. He co-founded Max Property Group in 2009, acquiring significant assets like St Katharine Docks for £156 million. In 2014, he sold the company to Blackstone for around £450 million, marking one of his most lucrative deals.
Another major milestone was the creation of Secure Income REIT in 2014. Designed to cater to institutional investors seeking stable returns, the REIT owns properties such as Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, and 20 private hospitals. It remains one of the UK’s leading long-lease property vehicles, with a portfolio exceeding £2.4 billion.
Career Overview and Achievements
Over the decades, Leslau has held multiple board positions, advised major property firms, and served as a long-time director and part-owner of Saracens Rugby Club. His achievements have earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious Matt King Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for his contributions to UK real estate.
His approach is characterised by patience, precision, and deep market knowledge. While others chase short-term gains, Leslau has consistently focused on long-term value creation. His style has inspired a generation of investors and earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s savviest property magnates.
Personal Life and Interests
Despite his immense success, Nick Leslau is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life. He has been married to Maxine Leslau for over three decades, and together they have three sons. The family resided in Mayfair before relocating to Monte Carlo, enjoying the benefits of a quieter, tax-friendly lifestyle.
Leslau is also passionate about sports memorabilia, art, and philanthropy. His Mayfair office once held a private collection of rare rugby shirts, boxing memorabilia from Muhammad Ali, and historic cricket gear from W.G. Grace. He appeared on Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, donating over £225,000 to Glasgow-based charities.
Source of Wealth and Financial Outlook
Nick Leslau’s estimated net worth is around £400 million. His primary source of income includes dividends from property holdings, capital gains from asset disposals, and earnings from public company shares. While his annual salary is not public, his wealth continues to grow due to Prestbury’s long-term lease strategies and high-performing property assets.
His business empire is structured to ensure financial sustainability, with assets that offer protection against inflation and economic downturns. This foresight is what sets Leslau apart from many of his peers in the property sector.
Latest News and Developments
In 2024, Leslau sold over £47 million worth of shares in LondonMetric Property PLC, where he remains a major shareholder. He is also reportedly exploring the launch of a new property investment vehicle, aiming to recreate the success of Burford with a modern twist.
Additionally, he stepped down from the Saracens Rugby Club board to focus on Prestbury and his growing interest in education-related ventures. His recent activity signals that he remains an active force in shaping the future of UK commercial property.
FAQs about Nick Leslau
Q1: What is Nick Leslau best known for?
He is best known for his leadership in the UK property sector, particularly through companies like Prestbury and Secure Income REIT.
Q2: How did Nick Leslau make his money?
Leslau built his fortune through strategic property investments, reverse takeovers, and long-term leasehold acquisitions.
Q3: What companies has he founded?
He co-founded Prestbury Group, Max Property Group, and Secure Income REIT.
Q4: Where does Nick Leslau live?
He currently resides in Monte Carlo but previously lived in London’s Mayfair.
Q5: Is Nick Leslau involved in philanthropy?
Yes, he has appeared on Secret Millionaire and contributed significant donations to UK charities.
