The Property Academy Podcast is a daily show that gives you insight, analysis and strategies for how to get the most out of the NZ property market. That's whether you're an existing or aspiring property investor, you want to get into your first home, or you're just interested in the property market. Andrew Nicol and Ed McKnight host the podcast. Andrew is the Managing Partner of Opes Partners and a prolific investor himself. Ed is an economist. Both Stuff and Juno Investment Magazine have previously published his analyses. https://www.opespartners.co.nz/investment/property-investment
If you've got $600,000 to invest… should you buy a property or a business?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the real numbers behind both options – from deposits and interest rates to returns, risk and repayment timeframes – so you can decide which path fits your goals.You'll learn:How to decide whether to buy a property or a business Which makes you earn more money The strategy that the wealthiest people secretly useThe conclusion? It's not property versus business. The smartest investors build income through business and then lock in long-term wealth through property – using each for what it does best.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most Kiwis think the goal is simple: buy a house, pay it off, and you'll be financially secure. But that strategy can leave many people “Broke Rich.” You'll learn:The #1 money mistake many Kiwis make The three traps that turn homeowners into “Broke Rich”What you can do instead to build wealth that actually supports your lifestyleEd and Andrew break down why many Kiwis end up asset-rich but cash-poor ... and how using equity to build income-producing investments can create far more flexibility later in life.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Is $100k enough to retire? What about $250k, $500k… or even $1 million?In this episode, Ed and Andrew run the numbers on what different retirement balances actually buy you – assuming a mortgage-free couple both receiving NZ Super.You'll learn:What lifestyle $100k, $250k, $500k and $1M can realistically fund in retirementThe three spending stages of retirementThe single factor that changes the maths more than anything elseThe biggest variable isn't your KiwiSaver balance, it's whether you own your home outright. That one factor can make or break your retirement maths.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
How do you build a 4-property portfolio by your late 30s… when you started with a lifestyle block and made a bunch of it up as you went?In this Case Study Sunday, Ed and Andrew sit down with Adam and Nicole from Ashburton, to unpack how they went from their first home build to three rentals, and the money mindset shift that changed how they play the game.You'll learn:What they'd do differently if they could start investing againHow they used bank pre-approval + a tiny Ashburton market to buy a rentalThe key mindset changeIf you've been trying to do everything yourself – or you're torn between “pay off the mortgage fast” and “buy the next property” – this episode will help you see how real investors balance both.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most people think non-bank lenders are just the “last resort.” But some of their loan products are surprisingly creative ... and can unlock deals that banks simply won't touch.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down some of the most interesting non-bank loan products available to Kiwi borrowers today.You'll learn:The 5 most creative non-bank loan products and who they're actually designed forWhat non-bank lending really costs How these loans help investors, developers, and self-employed borrowers This episode explores the tools banks don't offer, and explains when they might actually make sense for property investors.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
What actually breaks in a rental, and what does it really cost?In this episode, Ed and Andrew walk through a rental property room by room to show what landlords actually end up fixing ... and the real NZ dollar figures behind it.You'll learn:The most common things that break in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and outsideHow much maintenance really costsWhy some years cost nothing, and others cost $8,000The key takeaway? Maintenance isn't constant ... it's lumpy. The smart move is to budget for it every year so the surprises don't derail your returns.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
War in the Middle East might feel far away ... but it could still affect the interest rate on your mortgage.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what the conflict involving Iran means for global oil prices, inflation, and the future of interest rates in New Zealand. You'll learn:How the Iranian war impacts the cost of your mortgage Could interest rates really rise How high the price of petrol could goThis episode explains how the ripple effect could influence the OCR, mortgage rates, and whether fixing your loan for longer terms might start to make more sense.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Property investors get called everything from “parasites” to “rent thieves.” But what do landlords actually contribute to New Zealand's economy?In this episode, Ed and Andrew interview Matt Ball from the NZ Property Investors Federation about new research that quantifies the real economic impact of property investors across the country. You'll learn:How much do property investors really contribute to the NZ economy How landlord spending on maintenance and new builds supports more than 126k jobs across the countryWhy property investment creates a “ripple effect” that touches almost every industryWhether you love property investors or hate them, this episode digs into the real data behind their economic impact ... and it challenges the common idea that landlords simply collect rent without contributing anything.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
How old is too old to buy a property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what banks really think about age, and why turning 60 (or even 70) doesn't automatically mean you're out of the game.You'll learn:Why age isn't the real issue What it looks like for both buying your own home and an investment property Real scenarios showing what older Kiwis would need to get approvedThe short answer? Your 50s are absolutely not too late. Your early 60s can still work with the right structure. Late 60s and beyond gets harder ... but for the right borrower with a clear repayment strategy, it's not impossible.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
House prices are down 16% from the peak ... and even further once you adjust for inflation.So… is something broken?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack what's really going on in the NZ property market, and why a flat market isn't as unusual (or as scary) as it feels.You'll learn:Why flat property markets typically last 4 to 5 years between boomsHow affordability is quietly improving while prices go nowhereHow investors can still build wealth ... even if prices only rise with inflationAnd here's the key: even if prices only track inflation, leverage and debt reduction can still deliver strong returns. A flat headline doesn't mean a flat outcome – especially when you understand how the numbers actually work.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
She lost her first deposit. Fought a builder. Held land for 12 years. And still came back to property investing. In this Case Study Sunday episode, Sheryn joins the show from rural Greece to share the raw, honest story behind her investing journey and why she's now taking a mini-retirement in her 40s.You'll learn:The one major move that changed her money life How she's started her mini-retirement in her 40's The one true love in this investor's lifeThis is a grounded, honest look at resilience, reinvention, and what happens when you decide your time is worth more than just another pay cheque.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
How many houses can you actually buy?In this episode, Ed and Andrew run three real-life scenarios through a bank-style modelling tool to show what's genuinely possible ... and why most people either underestimate or overestimate their borrowing power.You'll learn:How many properties could an average Kiwi couple realistically buy over 15 years3 scenarios that show how big these Kiwis could grow their property portfolio How to figure out how many properties you could potentially buyThe key takeaway? It's not guesswork. With the right modelling and realistic assumptions, you can see exactly how many properties you could buy, when you could buy them, and what needs to change to move faster.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Are home buyers secretly breaking the Reserve Bank's rules?In this episode, Ed fact-checks Andrew and dives into the data to reveal just how many Kiwis are legally borrowing outside the standard deposit and debt-to-income limits.You'll learn:How many first home buyers are purchasing with less than a 20% depositThe real percentage of borrowers going above the 6x and 7x debt-to-income “limits”How to grow your portfolio faster … by working around the rulesThe key takeaway? The Reserve Bank sets speed limits, not brick walls. If you don't quite fit the “standard” criteria, it doesn't automatically mean no ... but it does mean you need to understand how the rules actually work.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Non-banks used to feel like a last resort.Not anymore.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down when property investors actually use non-bank lenders ... and why they're more relevant in 2026 than they've been in years.You'll learn:How investors still buy property when the bank says noWhy non-bank lenders are becoming more competitive againThe 5 real situations where using a non-bank can make senseThe key isn't avoiding non-banks altogether – it's understanding your exit strategy before you sign anything.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Is New Zealand actually the easiest country in the world to buy property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew compare NZ's property system to the UK, Australia, France, and the US – and uncover why buying here is surprisingly simple.You'll learn:Why NZ is one of the easiest countries in the world to buy propertyThe unusual way our tax and agent system worksThe one thing that's really, really hard about buying property hereBy comparison, NZ's system is streamlined and predictable. But “easy to buy” doesn't mean “easy to afford.” While the process is simple, house prices relative to incomes remain one of the biggest hurdles ... and that's where the real challenge lies.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Can you use a student loan to pay down your investment property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack a clever question from a listener who wondered whether she could borrow at 0% and use it to reduce mortgage debt.You'll learn:Whether it's actually legal to use student loan living costs to pay down a mortgageHow this strategy works at different income levels Which parts of a student loan you can – and can't – redirect toward investment debtAnd the real question isn't “Is it allowed?” ... it's whether it meaningfully moves the needle for your long-term wealth plan.Click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meetingDon't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
What level of property investor are you?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the 7 levels of property investment – from complete beginner to mega landlord – and help you figure out exactly where you are (and what it takes to move up).You'll learn:The 7 stages of property investing ... and which one you're currently atHow many Kiwis reach each level What's holding investors back at each stageEd and Andrew share how rare the higher levels actually are. and why you might not even need to climb that far to reach your version of financial freedom.Because here's the key: the goal isn't to collect properties. It's about reaching your destination and then letting time do the heavy lifting.Click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meetingDon't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
What does it look like to invest in Shanghai, build New Zealand's largest IKEA parallel importing business… and then pivot into commercial property development across the country?In this Case Study Sunday episode, Sudhir shares his unusual journey through international property, entrepreneurship, and large-scale development.You'll learn:How Sudhir started investing in Shanghai back in 2007 How he built NZ's largest IKEA parallel importerWhy did he shift into residential and then commercial property developmentThis is a wide-ranging conversation about thinking bigger, taking calculated risks, and building multiple income streams – not just buying rentals, but creating businesses and developments that scale.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Got all your properties with one bank? That could be a problem.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack cross-collateralisation – what it is, why banks love it, and the three biggest risks it creates for property investors.You'll learn:The 3 biggest risks of having all your properties secured with one bankWhat cross-collateralisation actually means (in plain English)Why property investors should cheat on their bankThey also explain split banking – why serious investors spread properties across multiple lenders – and how a dollar-for-dollar refinance can break the cross-security without increasing your loan.Click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meetingDon't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Will you need to work until 72… or can you make retirement cheaper than you think?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the retirement debate – from calls to raise the NZ Super age to surprising data showing many retirees might not need as much as they believe.You'll learn:The 4 ways to make your retirement significantly cheaper (or more expensive)The data showing retirement spending often falls over timeHow property investors use these levers to retire years earlierOnce you understand these four levers, you might realise you don't need as much as you thought – or you could retire sooner than planned.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
We bought a property together… and now we hate each other. It sounds dramatic, but it happens more often than you think.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack three real New Zealand cases where co-ownership went badly wrong — and the one document that could have prevented every single one.You'll learn:3 true stories of property partnerships that ended up in courtWhy doesn't the bank care who “stopped paying”The simple agreement that could save you years of stress If you're thinking about buying with a friend, sibling, partner, or even your in-laws – this episode is a must-listen before you sign anything.Because love is blind, but money isn't.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
The government just made a massive housing U-turn. Auckland's theoretical housing capacity has been slashed by 400,000 homes, from 2 million down to 1.6 million.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what's actually going on behind the headline ... and what it really means for property investors.You'll learn:What the government's housing U-turn actually changesWhether Auckland was ever going to build 2 million homesThe real opportunities (and risks) hiding in the new zoning rulesWhile the headlines shout “U-turn”… the real story is far more nuanced.Click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meetingDon't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
“16 reasons why it's all over for mum-and-dad property investors.”That was the headline. But is property investment actually dead?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack Tony Alexander's article, separate the headline from the reality, and dive into what the data really says about investors in 2026.You'll learn:The 16 headwinds facing everyday property investorsWhether Tony Alexander actually thinks property is “over”Who's really buying property right now The big shift? Property investing isn't disappearing ... it's becoming more professional. And for investors willing to treat it like a serious business instead of a hobby, the opportunity is still there.Check out Tony Alexander's 'Tony's View' newsletter that we mentioned in this episode.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Living overseas but want to invest in New Zealand property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down exactly how it works in 2026 – who can legally buy, how to structure it properly, and the biggest mistake overseas investors make.You'll learn:Who can (and can't) buy NZ property from overseasThe step-by-step process to invest from abroadThe #1 hurdle most overseas investors run into Investing from overseas is absolutely possible. But it's more complex than buying locally, and it pays to get the structure right from day one.Here are the links to our articles Top 5 property lawyers in New Zealand Top 10 mortgage brokers in New Zealand and to the Area AnalyserAnd click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meeting
How does a 22-year-old save $100,000 in just four years – on a low income, with no help from Mum and Dad?In this Case Study Sunday episode, George shares the raw, unfiltered story of how he bought his first home completely on his own ... and the sacrifices it took to get there.You'll learn:How George saved over $100k while fully supporting himselfWhat he sold – including his ute (and his ego) – to speed up his depositWhat it's really like to buy a house sight unseen and walk in for the first time on settlement dayThis isn't a ‘get rich quick' story. It's a story about grit, discipline, and proving that even on a modest income, it's still possible to get ahead ... if you're willing to do what others won't.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Do you actually know if you're getting wealthier?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the one number every property investor needs to track – and why most people either obsess over it… or completely ignore it.You'll learn:The #1 number that tells you whether you're actually getting aheadThe extremes some investors go to track it (including weekly property value updates)How to track your net worth automatically – for freeMost investors have big goals: financial freedom, early retirement, and building a portfolio. But if you're serious about building wealth through property, this is the number you can't afford to ignore.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
“Ed, your property portfolio sux.” That's the comment that kicked off this episode.In today's show, Ed and Andrew read out a brutally honest viewer comment claiming Ed's new-build portfolio is nothing more than “market-rider properties” ... and that only older houses with land make sense.You'll learn:The 3 strongest arguments for why Ed's portfolio “sucks”What the data actually says about land size vs capital growthWhy leverage – not land – might be the real game changerThis isn't an episode about saying new builds are better than existing properties. It's about understanding what suits your time, skillset, and risk tolerance... and what you actually have to put in to get the return.And maybe, just maybe, it's also about property investors judging each other a little less.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Is Hanmer Springs actually a good place to invest, or does it just feel like one?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the numbers behind one of New Zealand's favourite alpine getaway towns. You'll learn:Whether Hanmer Springs stacks up as a pure investment How much money you could realistically make – from long-term rent to AirbnbThe exact framework to analyse any town in New ZealandThis episode isn't just about Hanmer. It's a step-by-step guide to analysing any area in the country ... so you can separate good vibes from good investments.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
AA Insurance has quietly stopped issuing new house insurance policies in parts of New Zealand. So what does that actually mean for homeowners and investors?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what's really going on behind the headlines ... and why this matters far more than most people realise.You'll learn:Why AA Insurance paused new home and landlord policies in Rolleston and other suburbsWhat REALLY happens if you can't get house insurance Why this isn't just a “risky suburb” issue If you're buying, selling, or investing in property in 2026, this is one risk you can't afford to ignore.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
We Were Wrong. Here's the Evidence.In this episode, Ed and Andrew pull back the curtain and own up to the biggest mistakes they've made on the Property Academy podcast.You'll learn:The major calls we got wrong and what actually happened insteadThe forecasting mistakes that still haunt us The listener who's got a bone to pick with AndrewThis episode isn't about beating ourselves up. It's about transparency. If you're going to trust us with your property education, you deserve to know we're honest about our misses ... not just our wins.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Is financial advice in New Zealand a scam?In this episode, Ed and Andrew pull back the curtain on what financial advisers really do, why so many Kiwis are sceptical, and how to tell the difference between good advice and advice that quietly empties your wallet.You'll learn:Why do people think financial advice is a scamHow financial advisers really get paidWhich type of adviser do you actually needIf you've ever wondered whether financial advisers are worth it, who you should trust, or whether you're better off going it alone, this episode gives you the clarity most people never get.If you'd like to book a free meeting with one of our team of Financial advisers, click hereFor more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
What would you do differently if you could start your property journey again?In this Case Study Sunday episode, Nikki shares how she built a three-property portfolio over 10 years – what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons she learned the hard way (especially with apartments).You'll learn:How she almost doubled her money on a Wellington house and sold just outside the bright-line periodWhy her central Wellington apartment looked great on yield… but disappointed on capital growthHow buying in Christchurch in 2020 turned into a $260k+ uplift It's an honest, balanced conversation about timing markets, being agile with your portfolio, travelling while you're still young enough to enjoy it, and knowing when to hold… and when to sell.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
What happens when your life insurance application gets declined?In this episode, Ed shares the honest reason his life insurance was turned down – and the surprising process that most Kiwis don't realise sits behind getting properly covered.You'll learn:The real reason Ed's life insurance was postponedWhat “underwriting” actually involves What to do if your insurance is declined, postponed, or comes back with exclusionsIf you own property, have debt, or want to protect your family properly, this episode explains what really happens behind the scenes ... and why sorting your insurance early matters.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Ever applied for a mortgage thinking, “Of course I can afford this”… only to worry the bank might say no?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down how banks really decide whether to approve your mortgage — and why what you see on your budget can look completely different from what the bank sees on theirs.You'll learn:How banks actually assess your income The stress-tested interest rate they use The single number that determines whether you're approved or declinedThis episode walks through a real-world example showing how someone with a $7,000 surplus in their own spreadsheet could still get declined.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
The OCR has stayed at 2.25%. No surprise there.But in this episode, Ed and Andrew explain why what the Reserve Bank said matters more than what it did – and what that means for your mortgage, your strategy, and house prices.You'll learn:What the latest OCR decision really signals about the direction of interest ratesWhy inflation is still sitting above 3% What to expect for mortgage rates over the next 6, 12, and 24 monthsIf you've got a mortgage or you're planning to get one, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for what's likely ahead and how to position yourself accordingly.
In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the audio from the recent Property Live webinar where we looked at "The 5 worst places to invest in NZ"In this podcast you'll learn:The 5 worst places to invest in NZThe 5 worst properties to buyAnd the 5 worst property companies to work withDon't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Is financial advice in New Zealand a scam?In this episode, Ed and Andrew pull back the curtain on what financial advisers really do, why so many Kiwis are sceptical, and how to tell the difference between good advice and advice that quietly empties your wallet.You'll learn:Why do people think financial advice is a scamHow financial advisers really get paidWhich type of adviser do you actually needIf you've ever wondered whether financial advisers are worth it, who you should trust, or whether you're better off going it alone, this episode gives you the clarity most people never get.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Interest rates are rising again ... but not in the way most Kiwis think.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down which mortgage rates are actually going up, how high they could go next, and the big question: how long should you fix for in 2026?You'll learn:Which rates are rising (and which aren't) How high the OCR could go How to choose between 1, 2 or 3-year fixes If you've been waiting for rates to “come back down,” this episode helps you understand what's actually happening and how to respond strategically rather than emotionally.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Can you really earn $10,000 a month from property ... and what does it actually take?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the exact numbers behind earning $120,000 a year from property, including the two very different strategies investors use to get there.You'll learn:The exact net yield and property value needed to reach $10k a monthThe two proven paths investors use Why are mortgages the biggest obstacle to living off rental incomeA must-listen if your long-term goal is replacing your salary with property income – and you want the maths, not the hype.And if you'd like to book a free meeting with one of our Financial Advisers to click here to make that booking.
How do you turn clicking a button into $101,000 in just six months?In this Case Study Sunday episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with a couple from New Plymouth to unpack how a single webinar registration led to an unexpected six-figure outcome – before they even officially owned the property.You'll learn:How this couple transformed a simple click into $101,000 in just six monthsThe costly mistakes they made on their first buildHow they weighed a short-term win against their long-term property goalsThis is a rare, honest look at when selling early can make sense – and why agility matters just as much as long-term thinking.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Buying a property is one thing. Negotiating the price is where most investors lose (or make) their money.In this episode, Andrew breaks down the exact negotiation scripts he's used when dealing with real estate agents – including the awkward moments most buyers don't know how to handle.You'll learn:How to negotiate hard without sounding aggressive or inexperiencedThe 5 most awkward situations buyers face The single question that reveals how motivated the seller really isIf you've ever walked out of an open home thinking “I should've said something better”, this episode gives you the words to use next time.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
How risky is commercial property, really – and how long do buildings actually sit empty?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the real vacancy risk in commercial property and why the numbers you see in reports can be seriously misleading if you don't know how to read them properly.You'll learn:How long commercial properties really sit vacant The 3 main types of commercial property, and which one consistently has the lowest vacancy riskWhat actually drives vacancy This is a must-listen if you're considering commercial property – or want to avoid the costly mistakes many investors make by trusting the wrong numbers.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Commercial property sounds glamorous … until you actually try to buy one.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down commercial property by price point – from tiny budgets that barely get you anything, all the way through to multi-million-dollar, blue-chip investments with long-term tenants locked in.You'll learn:What $100k, $250k, $500k, $750k, $1M, $2M and $5M actually buys you in NZ commercial propertyThe realistic minimum budget needed to get a decent commercial investmentWhat it really costs to buy a property with a long-term tenant already in placeIf you've ever wondered whether commercial property is your “next step” after residential, this episode gives you the clarity (and reality check) most investors never get.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
How do you actually get a pay rise ... without awkwardly asking for one?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down how Kiwi workers really move their income forward, including the true story of someone who landed a 33% pay rise by earning it first. You'll learn:How one Kiwi earned a 33% pay rise by taking on responsibility What not to say in your next catch-up with your boss (and why it backfires)The well-meaning mistake that quietly caps most people's income growthA must-listen if you want to grow your income, boost your borrowing power, and accelerate your path to property investment - without ultimatums or awkward salary talks.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Is the property ladder actually broken ... or was it always a myth?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the classic idea of “trading up” and explain why climbing rung by rung doesn't work the way many Kiwis expect it to anymore.You'll learn:What the property ladder is meant to look like and why it's harder todayHow selling and buying repeatedly quietly drains your wealth through hidden costsThe cheaper way to upgrade your lifestyle without constantly moving houseThis episode shows why the property ladder isn't a rule – it's just one tool, and using it too often can cost you far more than you realise.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
What if everything you were taught about where to buy property… was wrong?In this episode, Ed and Andrew reveal how analysing 225,000 properties across New Zealand completely changed Andrew's investment strategy – and why he stopped buying in places that look like they should outperform.You'll learn:Why Andrew stopped buying in so-called “premium” suburbsHow his investment strategy evolved over 21 years as better data became availableWhy many of the most successful investors actually do less, not moreIf you want to invest based on what actually works, not what sounds good at a seminar, this episode is a must-listen.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
How do you buy three homes before the age of 33 ... without getting everything right along the way?In this Case Study Sunday, Ed and Andrew sit down with Alex and Ashley, a couple who are navigating off-the-plans builds, COVID buying pressure, flatmates, rising interest rates, and some painful property lessons along the way.You'll learn:How these investors bought 3 houses before the age of 33What really happened when they let their emotions take overHow many houses will they have by 43?This is a practical and honest case study for young couples wondering, “Is building a portfolio actually possible for us?”Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Landlord–tenant disputes can get expensive fast.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down five real disputes and reveal who was actually in the right each time.You'll learn:The 5 arguments landlords and tenants end up fighting overHow one tenant forced a landlord to repay $59,000 in rentWhat really happens when a tenant secretly runs an Airbnb from your propertyEd and Andrew walk through real cases involving unauthorised Airbnbs, pet damage, illegal dwellings, inspection disputes, and claims for 'emotional stress.'Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Why is Southland quietly outperforming every other property market in New Zealand?In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the data to explain why Southland is currently the only region showing green lights across every key market indicator ... while much of the country is still struggling to recover.You'll learn:Why Southland is the only region where house prices are clearly risingThe economic forces are driving this early recoveryWhat today's data says about where the Southland market could head nextIf you want to understand where the next phase of the property cycle is already playing out, and what that could mean for investors watching the market closely, this is one you don't want to miss.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
With the next general election locked in, property investors are starting to ask a nervous question: what happens to my portfolio if the wrong party gets in?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the major political parties' housing and tax policies to answer one blunt question – which political party is actually the worst for landlords?You'll learn:How National, Labour, and the Greens really differ when it comes to property investmentWhich policies could push a landlord's effective tax rate from around 20% to over 50%Why the two biggest parties are far more similar on property than most investors realiseThis episode explains why this isn't a “who to vote for” guide, and why you shouldn't make election decisions wearing only your property-investor hat.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Why are so many Kiwis leaving New Zealand ... and should property investors actually be worried?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the latest net migration numbers and explain why the headlines don't tell the full story. You'll learn:Why is net migration still positiveHow Covid distorted migration numbersWhat population growth, household size, and migration trends really mean for rents and house pricesA must-listen for investors who want clarity on migration, population growth, and what really drives the housing market – beyond the headlines.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
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