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
Everyone seems to agree Auckland is drowning in townhouses... and that they're dragging the whole market down. But is that actually true, or is it a myth?In this episode, Ed and Andrew are joined by Cotality's Head of Research, Nick Goodall, to test the claim against the data. You'll learn:Whether townhouses really fell harder than standalone houses in AucklandWho's actually buying townhouses (it's not just investors)What the latest building consent numbers say about the market aheadThe main takeaway? The data tells a clearer story than the anecdotes.Make sure to check out the NZ Property Market podcastBook a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
There's an old investor line: buy where McDonald's and the supermarkets go, because they've done the homework for you. But do house prices actually follow the big chains ... or is it the other way round?In this episode, Ed and Andrew put the theory to the test, with answers straight from big chains. You'll learn:How much research do the big chains really do before they buildWhether a new store drives prices or just follows the growth that's already comingWhat the overseas studies actually say about living near a supermarketA new supermarket feels like a green light. But it might be confirming the growth, not creating it.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
A 25-year-old and a 65-year-old shouldn't buy the same property. But some Kiwis never change their strategy as they get older. So what should you actually be buying at each stage of life?In this episode, Ed and Andrew walk through the right property play for every decade, from your 20s to your 70s.You'll learn:Why your age and time horizon should shape what you buyThe shift from chasing growth to chasing cashflow, and when to make itThe decade where lifestyle creep quietly costs you the mostThese are guides, not rules ... but knowing your stage could change your very next purchase.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Being in debt isn't just a maths problem. It's an emotional one. So if the balances feel overwhelming, where do you actually start?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack why debt is more emotional than logical, and the simple steps that actually get you out.You'll learn:Why shame keeps so many people stuck, and how to break itSnowball vs avalanche, and which one does the research say to start withWhere to find the best debt help in New Zealand, for freeYou can't fix a number you refuse to look at. Facing it is the hardest step ... and the one that changes everything.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Ronald Read pumped petrol and swept floors in small-town Vermont. He drove an old car and held his coat together with a safety pin. Nobody had a clue that when he died, he'd leave behind about US$8 million. So how would you do the same on an average Kiwi salary?In this episode, Ed and Andrew map out exactly how they'd invest on a typical household income.You'll learn:How to face the truth about your moneyThe automatic system that decides where every dollar goesHow to invest across both shares and property, even on an average wageYou don't need a big income to build real wealth. You need a plan ... and the discipline to actually start.And you can download your copy of the Opes Money On A Page spreadsheet here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Kerry started back in 2006 with a $6,000 deposit pulled from a credit card. Today, he's aiming for 100 tenancies. So how do you scale that far ... and still keep it a lifestyle?In this Case Study Sunday revisit, Kerry catches us up on his boarding houses, his latest projects, and the lifestyle it's all built to fund.You'll learn:How this investor turned an abandoned doer-upper into a fully rented 9-bedroom place Why it took him 10 years to buy one houseHow he plans to get 100 sets of tenantsFor Kerry, the goal was never just more properties. It was the freedom they buy. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nzListen to the previous Case Study that Kerry joined us on from 2024 hereAnd if you are keen on joining the NZPIF 2026 Conference, check out the details hereFor more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
When Oliver was 23, earning about $60k, he bought a $728,000 first home in Tauranga ... on his own. The catch? The mortgage, rates and insurance nearly ate his whole salary. So, can you really invest in property on one income?In this episode, Ed and Andrew share real Kiwi case studies of solo buyers and exactly what it takes to make it work.You'll learn:How much income do you actually need to buy on your ownWhy the deposit, not the mortgage, is the real hurdleThe risks of going solo, and how to stack the deck in your favourAbout 40% of Kiwis aren't in a relationship ... and plenty of them are still buying. Here's how they do it.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
From the outside, he had it all: a clifftop Mission Bay mansion, sports cars, cocktails in the spa. Then his company collapsed ... and it turned out the house was rented and he owned almost nothing.So how do people earn so much, yet end up with so little?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the high-income illusion. You'll learn:Why income and wealth are two completely different thingsThe 3 traps high earners fall intoA simple formula to check if your net worth is where it should beA big salary can just fund a fancier version of broke. Knowing the difference is what actually makes you rich.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Kate dumpster-dives for dinner, washes her clothes in the shower, and hasn't bought new clothes in eight years. She also paid off her apartment in nine months. How far would you go never to need a pay cheque again?In this episode, Ed and Andrew climb a ladder of saving ... and show what each one does to how soon you could stop working.You'll learn:The savings rate that decides whether freedom is decades or years awayThe 5 levels of saving, from cutting a coffee to changing your postcodeThe real people who retired decades early, and the risks they tookThe higher you climb the ladder, the sooner you're free. The only question is how far you're actually willing to go.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
For two years, finding a tenant has been brutal... some property managers have called it the hardest market they've ever seen. But the numbers are quietly shifting, and most investors haven't noticed yet.In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the data showing the rental market is finally turning in landlords' favour. You'll learn:The rental market just flipped. Here's what changed. What landlords haven't realised yet … but soon will. How long does it really take to find a good tenant?The tide is turning for landlords. The investors who spot it first are the ones who benefit.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
We always say commercial property is about income, not growth. But does it actually go up in value as a house does?In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into what really drives commercial property values and how the growth stacks up against residential.You'll learn:Whether commercial property grows in value, and by how much over 20 yearsWhy is a commercial building priced completely differently from a houseThe two levers that push a commercial property's value upThe answer splits sharply by sector and city ... and some of the "safe" ones actually went backwards.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Let's not sugar-coat it: New Zealand is in the longest housing downturn on record. So how much longer does it last, and when do prices actually turn?In this episode, Ed and Andrew line up the forecasts from every major bank, the Reserve Bank and Treasury, and crunch what they really mean for your house price.You'll learn:Just how bad this downturn is compared to the ones you actually rememberWhat the banks, the Reserve Bank and Treasury predict, year by yearWhy house sales have recovered, but prices haven't Nobody knows the exact number. But every serious forecaster's line is pointing the same way ... and it's not the way the last four years went.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
For his first decade investing, Dean threw everything at paying down debt. Now, at 41 with three kids, he's deliberately easing off. So what changed ... and how do you know when to stop grinding and start enjoying it?In this Case Study Sunday, returning guest Dean shares how his mindset has shifted from chasing debt freedom to building net worth and living in the here and now.You'll learn:How he built four rentals by 41 How does he balance investing for the future vs living life now And his strategy to pay down debtAs a mate told him, if you always chase the light at the end of the tunnel, you just add another tunnel. Sometimes the real win is enjoying the now.Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nzFor more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most people wait for the perfect idea, the right gear, or a big audience before they start. The truth? You can be earning on the side this week ... with nothing but your phone.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the new rules of side hustles and seven ways to make extra cash you can start today.You'll learn:Why you should start with the customer, not the idea7 side hustles you can begin with almost zero setupThe get-rich-quick traps to ignoreThe hardest part was never the idea. It's starting ... and nobody's waiting for you to do it.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Normally, more risk means a lower price. So, flood risk should be a permanent discount hanging over a home. But why are flood-prone properties quietly outgrowing the safe ones?In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the Cotality data, and what it really means if you're tempted by a cheaper house with a catch.You'll learn:Why the riskiest homes are growing faster than the safe onesThe affordability trap driving buyers into flood zonesWhat flood risk could mean for your insurance and resale down the trackAffordability wins today. But as the data warns, risk shapes tomorrow.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
A good property coach can be the best money you ever spend. A bad one can cost you a fortune. The problem? Anyone can call themselves a coach ... so how do you tell the difference?In this episode, Ed and Andrew look at the side of property coaching nobody advertises, and how to protect yourself before handing over thousands.You'll learn:Why a big social media following isn't the same as a real track recordWhat happens to your money if a coach's business falls overThe questions to ask before you pay anyoneCoaching can change your life, or drain your savings. Knowing what to ask is what separates the two.Sign up for your free Opes+ account so that you can run the numbers for yourself.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
The old-school money advice? Take out cash, put it in an envelope, and that's all you're allowed to spend. So we tried it ... one week, no cards, cash only. No credit, no EFTPOS, no tap-and-go.In this episode, Ed and Andrew recap what a week without cards taught them about how we really spend.You'll learn:The "pain of paying" and why cash makes you think twiceWhere cash is genuinely hard to use in 2026How to add the "pain" back without going full cashThe real surprise wasn't how much we spent. It was how differently we thought about every purchase.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
A CV feels official ... so buyers treat it like the property's real value. It isn't. Right now, houses are selling anywhere from 8% below to 20% above CV, depending on the region.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what a CV actually is, where houses are beating it, and how to use it without getting burned.You'll learn:What a CV really measures Which regions are selling above CV, and which are belowWhy are they so often wrongThe bottom line? A CV is a rates tool, not a valuation. For what a house is really worth, start with recent comparable sales.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Buying the wrong property can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. And sometimes, all it takes is missing one simple check.In this episode, Ed and Andrew reveal the 9 checks every buyer should make before purchasing a home ... from title types and reports to neighbourhood red flags that only show up after you've moved in. You'll learn:The 9 checks that can stop you from buying a money pit The property traps that catch buyers before they even realise it How a quick drive at the wrong time could save you years of regret The right property isn't just about what you see at the open home. It's what you discover before you sign the contract. Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
She started investing at 20, and these days she buys properties without ever seeing them in person. So how does she keep buying property after property?In this Case Study Sunday, Lana shares how she went from saving hard as a teenager to building a varied property portfolio across New Zealand.You'll learn:Why she keeps buying properties sight unseenWhat she learned after overpaying $60k on her very first propertyHow property education and joint ventures kept her investingHer message to her kids ... and to you? There's always a way. You just have to be determined enough to find it.Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nzBook a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
You've heard it a hundred times: fewer Kiwis own homes than ever. But a listener asked us a simple question: is it actually true? So we went to the data.In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into what the numbers really say about home ownership in New Zealand. You'll learn:Has home ownership really fallen in New Zealand? The slippery statistics you need to watch out for The regions where you're more likely to own your own houseThe answer? It surprised even the people at Stats NZ ... so much so that they double-checked it.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
There's a little list that almost nobody reads properly. Get it wrong, and it can cost you thousands ... whether you're renting the place out or selling it.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the chattels list: the boring few lines that quietly catch out landlords and sellers.You'll learn:The difference between a fixture and a chattel The Insinkerator trap, and the one appliance you should never listHow to set up your Tenancy Agreement The lesson? Get the chattels list right at the start. It's a few boring lines, but it's a promise you'll have to keep.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
An Auckland dad called in with a question Ed gets more than almost any other: how do I actually help my kid into their first home?In this episode, Ed and Andrew walk through the 7 real ways parents can help, and the costly traps hiding in each one.You'll learn:The 7 ways to help your kids buy Why going guarantor can put your own home on the line, and how to cap the riskHow much a $60,000 income actually borrows todayThe golden rule? Help your kids all you can ... just not so much that it sinks your own retirement.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Audio warning: Expect some yelling, singing, and occasional loud moments. Please check your volume, especially if you're listening on headphones.The internet says townhouse walls are paper-thin ... that you'll hear your neighbours snore, argue, and blast music all night. So we took two decibel meters and two speakers into a brand-new townhouse ... and put it to the test.In this episode, Ed and Andrew run a real-world sound test. You'll learn:Whether you really can hear your neighbours through a townhouse wallWhat the soundproofing rules actually require What the decibel meters revealed at every level, from quiet chat to loud musicThe verdict? Don't judge a townhouse by the comments section. The walls are a lot quieter than you think.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
A listener wants to buy a bare section and build a rental from the ground up. So, where do you start... and is it actually worth it?In this episode, Ed and Andrew walk through the whole journey, from buying the dirt to getting the keys.You'll learn:The 4 ways you can actually get a house builtWhy does bare land need a 50% deposit? (and how to make it 20%)How long land-to-keys really takes, and what it costs while you waitThe biggest trap? Falling in love with $20k of plans before you know what the build will cost.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Take a look at New Zealand's Rich List. One word keeps coming up: property.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack how five of New Zealand's wealthiest property families built their fortunes ... and, more importantly, the investing habits everyday Kiwis can learn from them. You'll learn:Why the rich are buying up NZ propertyHow the country's biggest property fortunes were actually created The investing habits you can copy, even if you don't plan on hitting the Rich List The lesson here is clear: They didn't build their wealth overnight. They built it over decades by buying well, holding for the long term, and letting time do the heavy lifting. Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
They signed the paperwork on a property. The next day, the 2011 Christchurch earthquake struck. So how did that one deal – and the decade that followed – shape their path to early retirement?In this Case Study Sunday, Ross and Cheryl share how they built a six-property portfolio through some of Christchurch's hardest years.You'll learn:How a well-timed sale in South Africa funded their very first Kiwi depositThe surprising move they made with their EQC payoutThe plan to retire by the end of 2027The lesson? A portfolio isn't built in the good times. It's built by holding on through the bad ones.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
1 in 4 new builds fail their first inspection. Here's why that's actually not bad news.In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with Jeff Fahrensohn – Auckland Council's former inspections manager, now independent – for an honest look inside the build.You'll learn:The defects building inspectors find most often in new buildsThe questions investors don't even think to askThe documents smart investors demandThe biggest takeaway? Most new builds are good. You just need to know what to check.As mentioned in the episode, here is the link to Fahrensohn Building Consultants websiteBook a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Every real estate agent seems to have an award. So how do you work out who's actually the best person to sell your home?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack what real estate awards really measure, why so many agents can call themselves "award-winning", and the simple checks that matter far more than a trophy. You'll learn:The truth behind real estate agent awards How so many agents end up with an award, and what those awards actually measure A simple checklist to choose the right agent, looking past the trophies The interesting part? The best agent for your home isn't necessarily the one with the most awards. Book a meeting with Opes Partners to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
You've paid the deposit. Then the developer goes bust.What happens next? In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack one of the biggest risks of buying a new build ... and the simple checks that could save you tens of thousands of dollars. You'll learn:How buyers can lose hundreds of thousands of dollars before a house is even built The one line in your contract that decides whether you get your deposit back When even a Master Build Guarantee won't save you Sometimes the biggest risk isn't the house itself. It's the contract you sign before construction even begins.Book a meeting with Opes Partners to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
There are hundreds of managed funds in New Zealand. So how do you know which one is right for you?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the simple checks every investor should make before choosing a managed fund ... and the red flags that could save you from making an expensive mistake. You'll learn: The 5 checks to make before choosing a managed fund The one safety check to do before handing over your money Why a fund with the best returns isn't always the best investment The important catch? Choosing a fund isn't about finding last year's winner. It's about understanding what you're actually investing in.And you can check out Frank Wealth here.Book a meeting with Opes Partners to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
You've saved your deposit. Now comes the harder question: should you use your cash or your equity?In this episode, Ed and Andrew compare both strategies using real numbers, showing why the answer isn't always as obvious as it first seems. You'll learn: Whether to use cash or equity for your next investment property deposit A full worked example showing what the numbers actually look like The counter-intuitive decision most experienced investors make The best choice isn't always the one that makes a single property look better. It's the one that puts your overall financial position ahead. And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
I bought 3 investment properties right at the top of the market. Then house prices fell. So, do I regret it?In this episode, Ed puts his own property portfolio under the microscope and answers the question many investors have asked themselves over the last few years. You'll learn:Whether Ed regrets buying 3 properties near the market peak The maths he uses to stay focused during market downturns The 7-question framework that can help determine whether property investing is right for you The biggest factor isn't whether you bought at the perfect time. It's whether your investment strategy matches your risk tolerance and how long you're prepared to hold.Try out the Opes Long Term Growth calculator for yourself.And try out Ed's Risk Quiz here.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
They moved to the UAE.An overseas move changed their property journey in a completely different direction.In this Case Study Sunday, Bridget shares how two owner-occupied homes became part of a long-term investment plan. You'll learn: How two owner-occupied homes became investment properties What it's really like managing two rentals from overseas How Bridget and her partner are working towards buying a third property The best investment plan isn't always the one you started with. It's the one you adapt as life changes.Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nzAnd if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Think your property is worth more than it really is? That mistake could stop your next mortgage application before it even gets started.In this episode, Ed and Andrew explain why so many investors overestimate their property's value, how it affects your borrowing power, and the simple check to make before you walk into the bank. You'll learn: The one mistake that can kill your mortgage application Why investors often overestimate their property's value The one thing to do before applying for your next loan Guessing your property's value is easy. Knowing what the bank thinks it's worth is what really matters.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most people have one bank account for everything.Ed used to have five. Now he does it differently.In this episode, Ed and Andrew compare the famous Barefoot Investor bucket system with how they actually manage their money today ... and what really matters when setting up your bank accounts. You'll learn: A simple way to set up your bank accounts to manage money better How real property investors organise their bank accounts in 2026 What the science says about managing your money well Big lesson here? There's no perfect bank account setup. The best system is the one you'll actually stick to.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
The Reserve Bank just lifted the OCR.So what does that actually mean for your mortgage?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the latest OCR decision, why the Reserve Bank made the move, and what it means for interest rates in the months ahead. You'll learn: What the Reserve Bank's latest OCR decision means How much your mortgage rate could change The interest rate discounts investors are getting right now An OCR change makes headlines. But what really matters is how it flows through to the rates you'll actually pay.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Wellington's property market has been hit harder than anywhere else in New Zealand. So how long will it take to recover?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack why Wellington has fallen so far, and what the numbers suggest about its road back.You'll learn: How long will Wellington house prices be munted Why Wellington has underperformed the rest of New Zealand Whether Wellington is a property trap or a buying opportunity Recovery doesn't happen overnight. The question is whether today's buyers are willing to wait.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Mum and Dad want to help with your deposit. Simple... right?In this episode, Ed and Andrew explain how gifted deposits actually work, why the paperwork matters more than most families realise, and the costly mistakes that have landed real Kiwi families in court. You'll learn:The difference between gifting and lending a deposit What banks need to see before they'll approve a gifted deposit 4 real Kiwi cases where a gifted deposit ended up in courtHelping someone buy a home is generous. Getting the structure wrong can be expensive.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Auckland used to lead New Zealand's property market. So why has it spent the last decade falling behind?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack Auckland's "lost decade", why prices have lagged behind much of the country, and when the city's property market could finally start catching up again. You'll learn: Why Auckland has underperformed for the last decade How one small town could theoretically overtake Auckland's average house price When Auckland could finally return to its 2021 peak A decade can change a lot. But the last 10 years ... is not necessarily a good indicator of future growth.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
As a property lawyer, Holly spent nearly 10 years watching people make ... and lose money in property. Then she became an investor herself.In this Case Study Sunday, Holly shares what she learned after nearly 10 years as a property lawyer. You'll learn:The biggest investing mistakes Holly saw as a property lawyer What happened when she bought a property at the peak of the market How she's building two businesses while consistently investing 15% of her income Buying property isn't about getting everything right. It's about planning for what could go wrong before it happens.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most people think you can't renovate a townhouse. But that's only true if you're thinking about structural changes. In this episode, Ed and Andrew reveal the clever upgrades that can completely transform a standard new-build townhouse, and the renovations that simply aren't worth doing. You'll learn: What you can and can't renovate in a townhouse The upgrades that make a townhouse feel more premium When is it actually worth renovating a new build Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference ... especially when it's time to sell.Check out Mardo's Townhouse renovation here.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Should you renovate your rental property to get more rent?Maybe. But some upgrades deliver far better returns than others.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the renovations and upgrades that actually move the dial on rent ... and the ones that cost thousands of dollars without adding much rental income. You'll learn:Which renovations can genuinely increase your weekly rent The $7,000 upgrade could add up to $100 a week in rental income The rental property trap that causes many landlords to overspend on upgrades The surprising part? Some of the most expensive upgrades barely increase rent, while one of the cheapest improvements can deliver the biggest return by a wide margin. Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most people think being a landlord is all about collecting rent.Then reality kicks in. In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with Tiffany Bracey from Opes Property Management to count down the 5 things that shock new landlords the most. You'll learn:The top 5 surprises new landlords face How often can you really increase the rent The thing landlords are scared of (but shouldn't be)The surprising part? Some of the things landlords worry about most turn out to be relatively straightforward. While some of the day-to-day realities they never expected can have a much bigger impact on their investment.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Boarding houses can generate rental yields that most property investors only dream about. But there's a reason for that.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the reality of investing in boarding houses. You'll learn:Should you invest in boarding houses … pros and cons revealedHow much rental yield can a boarding house generate Who should buy a boarding house ... and who should probably avoid it While boarding houses can produce significantly more cashflow than a standard rental, the higher returns often come with more management, more compliance, and more moving parts than most investors expect.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
You find the perfect property on Trade Me.It's listed between $800,000 and $900,000. But can you actually buy it for that? In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack how price ranges really work. You'll learn: Where Trade Me price ranges actually come from How far below the asking price do properties typically sell The rule of thumb to use before you bid at auction The surprising part? The number you see on a listing isn't a valuation. It's often just a starting point for the conversation. Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most Kiwis are told to work hard, pay off their mortgage, contribute to KiwiSaver, and everything will work out. But what if that's no longer enough?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the 6 laws of wealth building they believe every New Zealander should understand. You'll learn: Why building assets is different from earning a salary The money maths most Kiwis never run The 6 laws that can help accelerate your wealth-building journey Building wealth isn't usually about finding the perfect investment. It's about consistently following the right principles over a long period of time.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most students use their student loans to get through university. This Kiwi investor used hers to buy a property. Today, she's built a $6.5 million property portfolio ... and now has her 14-year-old daughter helping with the accounts.In this Case Study Sunday, you'll learn:How she used her student loan to buy her first property The strategy she used to build a $6.5 million portfolioHow she's teaching her daughter about money through real-world experienceThe best part? For this investor, property was never really about the houses. It was about creating choices ... whether that's taking time off during school holidays, travelling with her daughter, or working because she wants to, not because she has to.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Many landlords dread getting a Tenancy Tribunal notice. But should they?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack how the Tenancy Tribunal actually works, what the most common disputes look like, and why being taken to the Tribunal isn't necessarily a sign that something has gone wrong. You'll learn: Whether landlords should really be worried about the Tenancy Tribunal What a typical Tribunal case looks like from start to finish How much delays can cost when dealing with rent arrears The surprising part? Most disputes never make it to a hearing. And when they do, the outcome often comes down to one thing...Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Income tax. Rates. Bright-line tax. GST. These are the main taxes property investors need to know about. But many investors don't understand when they apply ... or how much they could end up paying.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the 4 main taxes every property investor pays. You'll learn:The 4 taxes and charges property investors need to know about How you can hold for 10 years and STILL get taxed The secret tax changes that silently took more of your moneyThe surprising part? Some of the highest costs come from taxes and charges that show up year after year ... whether your property makes money or not.And make sure you check out our list of the top 5 property accountants in New ZealandBook a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Most property investors look at council rates the wrong way. They focus on the bill amount, not how much rent it takes to pay it.In this episode, Ed and Andrew reveal the cheapest and most expensive council areas for property investors. You'll learn:The CHEAPEST Rates in NZ for Property InvestorsAND the most expensive areasWhat the Government's incoming rates cap means for your cashflowThe surprising part? Some areas with the highest rates aren't even close to being the most expensive once you factor in the rent coming in.Check out the How many weeks rent to pay the rates map for your districtBook a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
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