Sanmi Adegoke

At PeopleDem property we believe in celebrating our community by spotlighting black excellence in property. Today we are celebrating Sanmi Adegoke.

Sanmi is the CEO of Rehoboth Property Group, an award-winning entrepreneur, and a leading UK real estate developer and philanthropist. His legacy is rooted in changing the narrative around ownership while giving back meaningfully to the community.

His journey began when he relocated from Nigeria to the UK as a teenager in the early 2000s. Adjusting to life in a new country was not without challenges Sanmi experienced racism early on. In his first job at McDonald’s in South London, he recalls customers approaching the till and using racist slurs. Despite these hardships, this role became a turning point, sparking his interest in property.

Starting on the grill, Sanmi worked his way up to a managerial position. During this time, he began to see McDonald’s not just as a fast-food company, but as a powerful real estate business. This shift in perspective would shape his future.

A colleague, recognising his entrepreneurial drive, introduced him to Rich Dad, Poor Dad, a book that advocates investing in assets such as real estate to build wealth. Inspired by its message, Sanmi began investing in the UK property market after graduating from university, initially buying and selling flats off-plan. Although he faced setbacks during the 2008 financial crisis, his persistence paid off. By 2013, he had built enough capital to found Rehoboth Property Group.

Understanding that property development is often driven by networks, and lacking traditional industry connections, Sanmi turned to the communities he knew best London’s Black-majority faith communities. Having been part of a church group in Nigeria since the age of five, he joined an affiliated congregation upon arriving in London.

While church attendance has declined across much of the UK, South London has bucked this trend, largely due to immigrant communities. With more than 250 Black-majority churches and thousands gathering weekly, there was a growing need for suitable worship spaces. Sanmi recognised this opportunity and began acquiring and renovating disused buildings, transforming them into places of worship.

His early projects included converting a bingo hall in Camberwell and Woolwich Magistrates’ Court into functional spaces for religious congregations. From there, he expanded his vision repurposing a diverse range of properties, including old pubs and police stations, into co-working spaces, community hubs, and event venues.

Today, Rehoboth Property Group has completed more than 20 major renovation projects and manages over £35 million in property assets, supported by a team of more than 20 employees. The company delivers projects ranging from small-scale refurbishments to complex, multi-million-pound developments, backed by deep industry expertise and a commitment to excellence.

At its core, the company is driven by a mission to create meaningful impact through innovative spaces. By transforming dilapidated buildings into places of purpose, Rehoboth is guided by a passion for legacy believing that where there is space, there is possibility, and to nurture a space is to nurture future opportunities.

Their vision is to breathe new life into underutilised assets, transforming them into vibrant, efficient, and purposeful environments. Every square foot is seen as an opportunity to tell a story, add value, and contribute to a larger vision. Through thoughtful development, they aim to support sustainable, thriving urban communities.

Innovation lies at the heart of their approach. Rehoboth Property Group seeks to redefine the real estate industry by challenging convention and embracing fresh perspectives. They view real estate not simply as transactions, but as a platform for creativity and transformation turning spaces into canvases for inspiration and long-term impact.

They also recognise the power of knowledge in driving change. By sharing their expertise, they aim to empower communities with a deeper understanding of property ownership and its role in building lasting prosperity. For them, informed communities are resilient communities equipped not only to secure their financial futures but also to create enduring legacies.

It is an honour to share Sanmi’s story. His journey is truly inspiring, and his work continues to create spaces that serve and uplift communities both in faith and in business.