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
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
A property with a 7.7% gross yield sounds cashflow positive… right? Not necessarily.In this episode, Ed and Andrew run a real Trade Me listing through their full property analysis process. You'll learn: The 6-step process to analyse almost any investment property in New Zealand Why gross yield can be misleading when assessing cashflow The hidden costs that catch rookie investors out Main lesson? A high yield doesn't automatically mean a good investment. The investors who avoid expensive mistakes are usually the ones willing to go beyond the headline numbers and properly test the cashflow.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 property renovations don't make you rich. But the right renovation can dramatically increase your rent.In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with renovation expert Mark Trafford to uncover the renovation plays that actually move the needle on cashflow. You'll learn:The renovation plays that actually move the rentThe top 3 places to spend renovation dollars for cashflow The question you MUST ASK when choosing a building (that most investors don't)The interesting part? The best renovation isn't always the biggest or most expensive. Often it's the one that delivers the highest return for every dollar you spend.You can also follow Mark on Instagram at marktherenoguy for more renovation tips and project insights.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
House prices don't just go up and down. Sometimes they get ahead of themselves.In this episode, Ed and Andrew count down the 5 most overpriced property markets in New Zealand for 2026.You'll learn:Top 5 most overvalued areas in New Zealand right now Why investors are still buying in a district that's 34% overvaluedThe #1 area most at risk of a property price crashThe surprising part? The area at the top of the list probably isn't the one you're thinking of. And some of the places investors love most made this list for a reason.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 22-year-olds are saving for their first home. Nick had already bought one ... and was busy renovating it. In this Case Study Sunday, Nick shares how he went from leaving school at 16 and working in construction to building a property portfolio across New Zealand. You'll learn:How Nick bought his first Auckland property at just 22 Then partnered with his mum to add $300k in value How he's going to buy 7 properties by the age of 30The interesting part? Nick isn't chasing flashy developments or complicated strategies. He's focused on finding undervalued properties, adding value where he can, and creating long-term cashflow through simple deals that stack up.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
What does financial freedom actually look like?In this episode, Ed and Andrew share 3 real client case studies and the very different paths they're taking to build wealth through property. You'll learn:3 paths to financial freedom through propertyThe Kiwis who are building wealth through property right now The real strategies they're usingThe interesting part? All three couples are chasing financial freedom, but they're taking completely different paths to get there.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
Property development looks simple on paper: Buy a site. Build a few townhouses. Make a profit. But once you run the numbers, the reality can look very different.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the real cost of developing property in New Zealand. You'll learn:What you must calculate before buying a development site How a development can lose more than $400k despite looking profitable at firstThe 4 costs first-time developers usually forget to include The surprising part? The biggest mistake isn't overpaying for the land. It's getting excited about the potential profit before you've worked through the numbers.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 a property with friends, siblings, or family can help you get on the ladder sooner. But what happens when you want to buy your next property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the different ways co-owners can move forward. You'll learn: How to use a co-owned property to help buy your next one The 6 siblings targeting $250K/year passive income Why some co-ownership structures can accidentally limit your future borrowing power The big lesson? Getting into a property together is usually the easy part. The real challenge is making sure everyone agrees on what happens next.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 buy a retirement home, expecting house prices to rise. Then the market falls. Now you're topping up the mortgage every week and wondering whether it's time to sell.In this episode, Ed and Andrew work through a real retirement property dilemma. You'll learn: The three options How long could it take for Wellington house prices to recover The common mistake many Kiwis make when buying a retirement property The hardest part? Sometimes the question isn't "which property should I sell?" It's whether you're asking the right question in the first place.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 investors think they need a 30% deposit to buy an investment property. But that's not always true.In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with mortgage adviser Robert Cross to unpack the lending options available to investors with smaller deposits – including how some buyers are getting into investment properties with as little as 10% down. You'll learn:How to buy an investment property with a 10% deposit The non-bank lenders saying YES when the big banks say no The most common reason a bank says NO … and how to get the money anywayThe surprising part? A "no" from one lender doesn't always mean you're out of options. Sometimes it just means you're talking to the wrong bank.And if you want to talk to Robert, or any of the other advisers just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
House prices are flat. Listings are piling up. Thousands of Kiwis are moving to Australia.So… why would anyone invest in New Zealand property right now?In this episode, Ed and Andrew tackle the 5 biggest arguments against investing in NZ property in 2026. You'll learn:5 reasons NOT to invest in NZ property in 2026 The counter-argument for each reason ...So that you can make the right call for youGood investment decisions don't come from hearing only one side. The smartest investors understand both the risks and the opportunities… then decide what makes sense for their own goals and situation.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
Thomas and Joanne own 6 properties, 10 tenancies, and a $4 million portfolio – all built while working full-time. In this Case Study Sunday, they share how they built a portfolio centred entirely in Levin, why they've continued buying in the same town for nearly a decade, and what they've learned along the way. You'll learn: How this couple built a $4 million property portfolio What they do with the $250,000 of rental income they get each year Their hardest won property learning... and what you can learn Perhaps the most interesting part? Even with Levin house prices down around 25% from their peak, Thomas and Joanne aren't worried – Their focus has always been on the long game.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
Renovating a property can make you a fortune.It can also go spectacularly wrong.In this episode, Ed and Andrew share 4 real renovation horror stories from New Zealand investors.You'll learn:Renovations gone wrong... and how much they can cost you The $120K bathroom blowout How one investor made $200 grand over Christmas with a Stanley knifeThe common thread? Most renovation disasters don't come from bad luck. They start with small decisions that seem reasonable at the time... until the costs begin to stack up.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 fall. House prices rise. At least, that's what everyone says.But if that's true, why have New Zealand house prices barely moved after the OCR fell from 5.5% to 2.25%?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the relationship between interest rates and property prices... and explain why the market hasn't behaved the way many expected.You'll learn:How much do house prices go up when interest rates go down How interest rates impact how much the bank will let you borrow Why have interest rates fell 3% recently, yet house prices have barely movedAnd here's the catch: lower interest rates help, but they're only one piece of the puzzle.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
Two New Zealand banks want to join forces and take on the Aussie giants.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack Heartland Bank's proposed $620 million acquisition of TSB – what it means for competition in the banking sector and why some people in Taranaki aren't convinced it's a good idea. You'll learn:The $620m merger is shaking up NZ banking Will more competition mean lower mortgage interest rates? What it means for you if you're a TSB or Heartland Bank customerThe real question? Is this the start of a stronger New Zealand-owned competitor in banking... or simply two smaller players combining forces without changing much for everyday borrowers?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
In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the audio from the recent Property Live webinar where we looked at "What Happens if NZ Super Gets Cancelled?"In this podcast you'll learn:How to figure out what your retirement actually looks likeThe biggest lie people tell you about retirementcreating the 'perfect' retirement planBook 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 tenant demanded more than $10,000 over a missing duvet. Another claimed an oven was poisoning her...In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack some of the wildest Tenancy Tribunal cases they could find.You'll learn:What happenedWhat the Tribunal decidedThe practical lessons landlords can actually take away from the chaosEvery one of these cases sounds unbelievable… until you realise they all ended up at the Tenancy Tribunal.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
What do New Zealanders actually want in a home?Not what they say in surveys… What they genuinely search for online.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack fresh search data from realestate.co.nz and Trade Me to reveal what buyers and renters are really looking for in 2026.You'll learn:What sort of homes do Kiwis really want New Zealand's most searched for suburb Who's REALLY looking for the housesThe broader takeaway? Property demand isn't random. The homes that attract the most attention tend to align with how real people actually search, filter, and compare properties online.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
“Don't buy now… just wait for the next crash.”Sounds smart. But what if waiting for the “perfect time” actually leaves you worse off?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the surprising maths behind market timing. You'll learn:Why the “bottom of the market” often isn't the cheapest time to buy How consistent investing can outperform perfect timing The psychological trap that keeps investors waiting too long Main lesson? The biggest gains usually come from time in the market ... not predicting exactly when prices will rise or fall.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jim walked out of maths class at 16 to start working in civil construction.Today, he owns two rental properties, is pushing toward a third… and is currently “shedvesting” from a garage sleepout to get ahead faster.In this Case Study Sunday, Jim shares the setbacks, risks, and sacrifices behind his investing journey. This is a story about resilience as much as it is about property investing. You'll learn:How this investor left school at 16 … and now has 2 investment properties The messy court battle that nearly cost him everything The crazy sacrifices he's making RIGHT NOW to get ahead in lifeThrough all the setbacks, one thing stands out: Jim just keeps moving forward. And that mindset might be the biggest reason he's getting ahead.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
That beautiful character villa might look like an investor's dream… until you realise it's heritage-listed.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack what heritage protections actually mean for property owners ... and the answer isn't as straightforward as most people think. You'll learn:The 9.6% PENALTY for individually heritage-listed houses What you can and can't do The 5-minute heritage checkMain idea? Character homes can absolutely make great investments ... but only if you understand the restrictions before you buy. For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
“Greedy landlord raises rent.” “Investors cash in while renters struggle.”Property headlines can feel relentlessly negative… but is the media actually biased against landlords?In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the research behind property coverage in New Zealand media ... and run their own experiment scoring real headlines from major outlets across the country. You'll learn:What academic research says about whether the NZ media is pro- or anti-property investors Which media outlets appeared more pro-landlord or anti-landlord in their analysis What one study found when they looked at 598 housing articlesAlthough some headlines may appear negative, the broader context tells a different story.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
How long does the average tenant actually stay in a rental property? And what happens when a tenant leaves after just 2 days?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack tenancy data from 22,000+ rental properties to reveal how long tenants really stay, which areas have the highest turnover, and why vacancy assumptions matter more than most investors realise. You'll learn:The median tenancy length across thousands of New Zealand rentals Why central-city apartments tend to have far higher tenant turnover The hidden financial impact of vacancy periods and tenant replacement costs The big insight? The type of property you buy, and where it's located, can dramatically affect how often you're searching for a new tenant.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Higher yield. Two incomes. Better cashflow.So why doesn't every investor just buy multi-income properties?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the pros and cons of multi-income properties. They unpack where these properties shine… and where the trade-offs start to matter. You'll learn: The 5 main types of multi-income properties in New Zealand Why do these properties often achieve high gross yields The hidden downsidesMain idea? Multi-income properties can generate stronger cashflow… but a higher yield doesn't automatically mean better long-term wealth. For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Every property investor eventually asks the same question: “What's this house actually going to cost me over the next 10 years?”In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with Kyle Brookland, a building inspector, to break down the real maintenance costs of owning property. You'll learn:How much you'll need to maintain your house over 10-years How to spot the specific traps in a 1950s vs 1960's vs 2000s house The silent damage hotspots that drain landlord walletsMain idea? The better you understand the warning signs, the fewer nasty surprises you'll face later.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
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