Scott McGillivray
Scott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud Of
December 20, 2018
I’ve designed and renovated hundreds of income properties over my 15-year career. These are my 15 favourites ones.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
Scott McGillivray
Scott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud Of
December 20, 2018
I’ve designed and renovated hundreds of income properties over my 15-year career. These are my 15 favourites ones.
Scott McGillivray is a real estate expert and host of HGTV Canada's Income Property and Moving the McGillivrays.
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Stephanie and Elyse
1/15Stephanie and Elyse
1/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/stephanie-elyse-351988291755/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 7, Episode 8</a></strong><br> Stephanie and Elyse had one of the first dedicated investment properties we ever renovated on the show. Rather than just do the basement, we made over the entire house, top to bottom, inside and out. It was a big project, but I was super happy with the results. And Stephanie and Elyse were a blast to work with!Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfStephanie and Elyse
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/stephanie-elyse-351988291755/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 7, Episode 8</a></strong><br> Stephanie and Elyse had one of the first dedicated investment properties we ever renovated on the show. Rather than just do the basement, we made over the entire house, top to bottom, inside and out. It was a big project, but I was super happy with the results. And Stephanie and Elyse were a blast to work with!Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Ashley and Tyler
2/15Ashley and Tyler
2/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/ashley-and-tyler-1383630915987/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 21</a></strong><br> My team and I referred to this as the “rat house” – because when we arrived, it was dirty, disgusting and full of rats in the basement. But I give Ashley and Tyler a ton of credit for having great vision. We renovated that house and created something beautiful. They made a really good return on their investment.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfAshley and Tyler
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/ashley-and-tyler-1383630915987/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 21</a></strong><br> My team and I referred to this as the “rat house” – because when we arrived, it was dirty, disgusting and full of rats in the basement. But I give Ashley and Tyler a ton of credit for having great vision. We renovated that house and created something beautiful. They made a really good return on their investment.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Sarah and Jim
3/15Sarah and Jim
3/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/sarah-and-jim-352054851815/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 8, Episode 7</a></strong><br> Sarah and Jim’s income suite is a standout because of the colour palette. I’m not usually into bright colors when it comes to rentals, but we carefully positioned the yellow and teal palette so that it didn’t overwhelm the space. To this day, I still have people asking me for the names of those paint colours.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfSarah and Jim
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/sarah-and-jim-352054851815/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 8, Episode 7</a></strong><br> Sarah and Jim’s income suite is a standout because of the colour palette. I’m not usually into bright colors when it comes to rentals, but we carefully positioned the yellow and teal palette so that it didn’t overwhelm the space. To this day, I still have people asking me for the names of those paint colours.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Leanne, Michelle and Richard
4/15Leanne, Michelle and Richard
4/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/leanne-michelle-and-richard-411229251916/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 6</a></strong><br> Every now and then I like to try something a little bit different. In this basement apartment I wanted a unique design feature, so I took the leftover flooring and installed it on the wall. It’s not something I’d ever done before, but I really liked the final results. The homeowners loved it too.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfLeanne, Michelle and Richard
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/leanne-michelle-and-richard-411229251916/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 6</a></strong><br> Every now and then I like to try something a little bit different. In this basement apartment I wanted a unique design feature, so I took the leftover flooring and installed it on the wall. It’s not something I’d ever done before, but I really liked the final results. The homeowners loved it too.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Mike and Vita
5/15Mike and Vita
5/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/mike-and-vita-351994435731/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 7, Episode 12</a></strong><br> This property stands out to me because it was the first time we painted kitchen cabinets on the show. They were in perfectly good condition, so paint was the perfect solution. At the time, everyone was shocked that we used two different colours on the cabinets, but now everyone’s doing it!Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfMike and Vita
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/mike-and-vita-351994435731/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 7, Episode 12</a></strong><br> This property stands out to me because it was the first time we painted kitchen cabinets on the show. They were in perfectly good condition, so paint was the perfect solution. At the time, everyone was shocked that we used two different colours on the cabinets, but now everyone’s doing it!Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Roz and Katherine
6/15Roz and Katherine
6/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/roz-and-katherine-425853507772/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 13</a></strong><br> Roz and Katherine are really fun people with decidedly modern aesthetics. They wanted something light and airy for their vacation property, so my team and I went to town transforming their dark, 70s style cabin into a bright and cheerful retreat. We took down some walls, enlarged the windows and created a space with a real connection to the outdoors.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfRoz and Katherine
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/roz-and-katherine-425853507772/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 13</a></strong><br> Roz and Katherine are really fun people with decidedly modern aesthetics. They wanted something light and airy for their vacation property, so my team and I went to town transforming their dark, 70s style cabin into a bright and cheerful retreat. We took down some walls, enlarged the windows and created a space with a real connection to the outdoors.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Craig and Lindsay
7/15Craig and Lindsay
7/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Buyers Bootcamp, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/buyers-bootcamp-with-scott-mcgillivray/videos/luxury-victorian-vs-multi-level-duplex-1195155523758/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 1, Episode 1</a></strong><br> I like a challenge – and restoring this rambling old house in St. Catharines, ON was a great one. There were a lot of things to like about this house, but for me, the carved staircase is the most special part of the place. It’s that kind of original detail that really infuses character; and no matter how hard you try, it just can’t be replicated.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfCraig and Lindsay
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Buyers Bootcamp, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/buyers-bootcamp-with-scott-mcgillivray/videos/luxury-victorian-vs-multi-level-duplex-1195155523758/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 1, Episode 1</a></strong><br> I like a challenge – and restoring this rambling old house in St. Catharines, ON was a great one. There were a lot of things to like about this house, but for me, the carved staircase is the most special part of the place. It’s that kind of original detail that really infuses character; and no matter how hard you try, it just can’t be replicated.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Rodrigo and Ana
8/15Rodrigo and Ana
8/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/rodrigo-and-ana-352071747956/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 9, Episode 3</a></strong><br> Before we renovated this house, it was gross: dirty, smelly and falling apart at the seams. But after just a few short weeks, we were able to transform it into a high-end executive rental. Some of my favourite features of this house include the chevron hardwood floor, the applied picture moulding and the large, open kitchen. This was one of the more expensive renovations we ever did on the show, but when it comes to the return on investment, it was totally worth it.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfRodrigo and Ana
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/rodrigo-and-ana-352071747956/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 9, Episode 3</a></strong><br> Before we renovated this house, it was gross: dirty, smelly and falling apart at the seams. But after just a few short weeks, we were able to transform it into a high-end executive rental. Some of my favourite features of this house include the chevron hardwood floor, the applied picture moulding and the large, open kitchen. This was one of the more expensive renovations we ever did on the show, but when it comes to the return on investment, it was totally worth it.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Cory and Julie
9/15Cory and Julie
9/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/cory-and-julie-352071235843/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 9, Episode 2</a></strong><br> The modern farmhouse kitchen in this basement apartment is a real showstopper. We used barn board to clad the island and then opted for open cabinets and simple white subway tile to save money. I admit this isn’t my usual style, but it suited this space perfectly. And it’s often cited by fans of the show as their favourite kitchen.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfCory and Julie
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/cory-and-julie-352071235843/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 9, Episode 2</a></strong><br> The modern farmhouse kitchen in this basement apartment is a real showstopper. We used barn board to clad the island and then opted for open cabinets and simple white subway tile to save money. I admit this isn’t my usual style, but it suited this space perfectly. And it’s often cited by fans of the show as their favourite kitchen.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Sidra
10/15Sidra
10/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/sidra-352058947608/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 8, Episode 10</a></strong><br> When we worked on Sidra’s two-storey apartment, we decided to modernize it by installing black-framed windows. It was a first for Income Property, but I was so happy with the result, that I’ve done it several times since. While black isn’t right for every home, it added a level of sophistication that really enhanced the look of the house.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfSidra
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/sidra-352058947608/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 8, Episode 10</a></strong><br> When we worked on Sidra’s two-storey apartment, we decided to modernize it by installing black-framed windows. It was a first for Income Property, but I was so happy with the result, that I’ve done it several times since. While black isn’t right for every home, it added a level of sophistication that really enhanced the look of the house.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Rebecca and Stew
11/15Rebecca and Stew
11/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/rebecca-and-stew-425852995892/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 14</a></strong><br> Rebecca and Stew’s vacation rental was a unique opportunity to work on a heritage building. It had already been updated to become an art gallery. However, I was tasked with turning it into an apartment, while still maintaining the original character and integrity. Because of the historical significance, I had to make some choices I wouldn’t normally make (hardwood flooring in the bathroom, for example) but the result was a really unique space unlike any other I’ve done.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfRebecca and Stew
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/rebecca-and-stew-425852995892/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 14</a></strong><br> Rebecca and Stew’s vacation rental was a unique opportunity to work on a heritage building. It had already been updated to become an art gallery. However, I was tasked with turning it into an apartment, while still maintaining the original character and integrity. Because of the historical significance, I had to make some choices I wouldn’t normally make (hardwood flooring in the bathroom, for example) but the result was a really unique space unlike any other I’ve done.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Matt and Sarah
12/15Matt and Sarah
12/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/matt-and-sarah-1383636547801/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 8, Episode 2</a></strong><br> I’ve done what feels like a million basement renovations throughout my career, but this one stands out as a favourite. Part of the fun was that it wasn’t just designed for a random renter: we were turning it into an in-law suite for Sarah’s mom. When you know who’s going to live there, you can decorate for that person; and we were able to create a really cozy retreat that she completely fell in love with.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfMatt and Sarah
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/matt-and-sarah-1383636547801/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 8, Episode 2</a></strong><br> I’ve done what feels like a million basement renovations throughout my career, but this one stands out as a favourite. Part of the fun was that it wasn’t just designed for a random renter: we were turning it into an in-law suite for Sarah’s mom. When you know who’s going to live there, you can decorate for that person; and we were able to create a really cozy retreat that she completely fell in love with.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Billy and Gina
13/15Billy and Gina
13/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Buyers Bootcamp, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/buyers-bootcamp-with-scott-mcgillivray/videos/ranch-style-rehab-vs-cape-cod-fixer-upper-1211038275586/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 1, Episode 4</a></strong><br> I loved this makeover. The house wasn’t the worst I’ve ever seen, but it was dark and needed a full makeover. So, I got rid of the drop ceiling and opened it all up, creating a light, bright, open space. And that blue kitchen? One of my favourites I’ve ever done.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfBilly and Gina
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Buyers Bootcamp, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/buyers-bootcamp-with-scott-mcgillivray/videos/ranch-style-rehab-vs-cape-cod-fixer-upper-1211038275586/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 1, Episode 4</a></strong><br> I loved this makeover. The house wasn’t the worst I’ve ever seen, but it was dark and needed a full makeover. So, I got rid of the drop ceiling and opened it all up, creating a light, bright, open space. And that blue kitchen? One of my favourites I’ve ever done.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Kat and Andrew
14/15Kat and Andrew
14/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/kat-and-andrew-1383005251989/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 18</a></strong><br> I loved Kat and Andrew’s renovation. They had an old house with a lot of character, but their style called for something a little more urban. We were able to bring the best of both worlds to the final product and in my humble opinion, the result was pretty spectacular. There was also an added layer of emotion because Kat and Andrew needed the money from the income suite for medical purposes. It was emotionally charged, but had a very happy ending.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfKat and Andrew
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/kat-and-andrew-1383005251989/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 10, Episode 18</a></strong><br> I loved Kat and Andrew’s renovation. They had an old house with a lot of character, but their style called for something a little more urban. We were able to bring the best of both worlds to the final product and in my humble opinion, the result was pretty spectacular. There was also an added layer of emotion because Kat and Andrew needed the money from the income suite for medical purposes. It was emotionally charged, but had a very happy ending.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Jamie
15/15Jamie
15/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/jamie-352073795842/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 9, Episode 7</a></strong><br> Jamie’s episode was very unique because the property we were renovating was his unit and the income he was going to get was from the commercial space downstairs. Because of this, we were able to personalize the unit and have some serious fun with it. It’s much edgier than what we normally do – just the way Jamie wanted it.Scott McGillivrayScott McGillivray Reveals the 15 Income Properties He’s Most Proud OfJamie
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -<strong>Income Property, <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/income-property/videos/jamie-352073795842/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Season 9, Episode 7</a></strong><br> Jamie’s episode was very unique because the property we were renovating was his unit and the income he was going to get was from the commercial space downstairs. Because of this, we were able to personalize the unit and have some serious fun with it. It’s much edgier than what we normally do – just the way Jamie wanted it.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
