Early Life
John Christodoulou was born on May 24, 1965, in Nicosia, Cyprus. His early life was marked by the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which forced his family to flee the country. At the age of nine, he and his family relocated to London. This experience significantly shaped his outlook, fostering a determination to succeed against the odds.
Rise to Success
Christodoulou's career started at 16. He began as a diamond mounter in Hatton Garden. By 19, he had saved enough to purchase his first property, a studio flat in Finchley. He then transitioned into the building trade and, eventually, to property development. He founded the Yianis Group. The Yianis Group has developed over 10 million square feet of real estate. The majority is held as long-term investments. Christodoulou’s portfolio includes residential, retail, office, and hotel properties.
Key Business Strategies
Christodoulou's success is rooted in strategic real estate investments, particularly in London. He has acquired and developed a diverse portfolio of properties, including hotels, residential buildings, and commercial spaces. He is known for holding a significant ownership stake in his developments. Also, he has the ability to identify profitable opportunities. He purchased his first studio in Finchley, northwest London, at age 19 and turned it into a “nice little profit within months.”.
Philanthropy
In 2016, Christodoulou founded the Yianis Christodoulou Foundation (YCF). The foundation supports vulnerable children through education, healthcare, and housing. The YCF has funded refugee accommodation and school renovations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated resources to relief efforts in Cyprus and the UK. He has also supported initiatives in Cyprus such as anti-drug awareness campaigns and donating to help the school in Rizokarpasso.