The Property Academy Podcast

If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while, you’ve heard us talk about Opes Partners. But what do our clients actually think? In this episode, we share the raw, honest truth — the good, the bad, and the warts in between. This is the behind-the-scenes view of what working with us actually looks like. You’ll learn: The 3 biggest complaints clients have shared about Opes What we do when things go...

You’ve probably heard that property is a “safe investment.” But here’s the truth: property investing is risky … especially when you don’t protect yourself against the downside. In this episode, we reveal the 6 biggest risks facing Kiwi investors – and the practical hedges you can put in place to safeguard your portfolio. These are the tools that turn property investing from a gamble into a strateg...

Strahan McIntosh didn’t set out to become a property investor. But after teaming up with his brother, surviving cowboy tradies, and getting caught in a cyclone, he’s now built a purposeful portfolio across 4 different regions. In this Case Study Sunday episode, Strahan shares his story – from Palmy to Christchurch to Hawke’s Bay – and the deal that made him $100,000. You’ll hear: How Strahan and h...

Every property investor eventually asks this question: “Should I buy for capital growth or yield?”  In this episode, we walk through 5 critical questions that will help you make that decision – based on your age, goals, budget, and existing portfolio. Listen in as we compare real examples of investors who prioritise growth and others who focus on cashflow … and how to tell which path is right for...

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things financially … but still don’t feel rich? That’s more common than you think – and there’s a reason behind it. In this episode, we break down the mindset shift that can transform your investing outlook: the compounding click . That’s the moment when everything changes, and you suddenly realise your efforts are paying off. Tune in to hear: Why wealth o...

You’ve seen the posts on Instagram — “I’ve got a property deal with $100k in profit waiting for you.” But is that real … or just marketing? In this episode, we investigate the rise of property deal networks — particularly the one run by a previous podcast guest. We look at what these networks actually do, how they work, and what you need to watch out for. You’ll hear what a deal network really is...

Most investors only think about one kind of risk: “Will I lose my money?” But there are two other crucial types of risk every investor needs to understand – and if you ignore them, your entire financial plan could fall apart. In this episode, we reveal the three types of risk every property investor must assess. And we share how to figure out which type matters most to you right now. You’ll learn:...

From racist tenants to used condoms on the floor … this episode shares the worst of the worst rental nightmares from Kiwi landlords. In today’s episode, we expose five jaw-dropping horror stories – and the lessons every landlord must learn to avoid the same fate. You’ll hear: Why the “perfect” tenant on paper sometimes turns out to be a nightmare How one tenant sold furniture they didn’t own – and...

The housing market feels flat. Property prices seem to be going nowhere. But look a little closer, and you’ll see a different story. In this episode, we reveal the two-tier recovery happening in the New Zealand property market – where some areas are thriving and others are falling behind. You’ll learn: The 5 best (and worst) performing areas over the past year Why national averages can be misleadi...

Lynne and Darren aren’t your typical investors. No kids. Six motorbikes. And a plan to travel the South Island in a motorhome. But they’ve also built a $660,000 nest egg through strategic property investing. Now, they’re just a few years away from retiring early – and comfortably. In this episode, you’ll learn: How they used property to grow their wealth (without overextending) Why they bought two...

Bitcoin’s price is up 84,000x since 2011 – turning $100 into over $11 million. But does that make it a smart investment today? In this episode, we’re joined by financial advisor and crypto expert Darcy Ungaro to put property and Bitcoin head-to-head. Ed and Andrew are sceptical … but can Darcy convince them? You’ll hear real data, real questions, and real tension as we unpack the truth about crypt...

Ever looked back at a financial decision and thought: What was I thinking? In this episode, we count down the 9 most unhinged money mistakes made by real Kiwis – as told by you. From wedding blowouts to shady online “investment” courses, we unpack the jaw-dropping stories and share what you can learn from each. Whether you’ve made a money mistake before (who hasn’t?) or just want to feel better ab...

When you imagine the perfect tenant, who comes to mind? A young professional couple? No pets, no kids, high income, long-term renters? That’s what most new landlords think. But they’re wrong. In this episode, we reveal the surprising truth about who actually makes the best tenants – and how first-time landlords often get it backwards. You’ll learn: Why the tenant who looks worst on paper might be...

In this episode, we dig into what’s really going on in the rental market. Is it just your imagination, or is it genuinely taking longer to find tenants? We reveal what the data says, what property managers are experiencing on the ground, and what that means for landlords today. If your rental’s been sitting vacant longer than you’d like, this episode’s for you. You’ll learn: Whether the slowdown i...

Think you can guess where house prices (NZ) are headed based on what happened last year? Think again. In this episode, we reveal why using last year’s prices to predict next year’s market is one of the most common – and costly – mistakes investors make. We dig into the data to show whether good years really follow good years … and what actually happens next. You’ll learn: How often property prices...

Most Kiwis assume you need $100k+ in cash to buy a rental. But that’s not necessarily true. In this episode, we ask: “Can the average New Zealander actually invest in property?” And the answer might surprise you. We also dig into: What the “average” Kiwi really looks like – and whether you’re above or below it Real-life examples of everyday Kiwis investing in property How much you might be able to...

In this episode, we discuss how Debbie and Brett rebuilt their entire property investment strategy after hitting a major roadblock. After losing finance on a deal, they were forced to pause, regroup, and reset their retirement plan. And what came out of that process was a smarter, more sustainable investment strategy. You’ll learn: How they pivoted after the bank said “no” Why they sold both their...

You’ve been learning about property investment your whole life … even if you didn’t know it. In this episode, we reveal 5 real-world investing lessons hidden in the classic board game Monopoly – and how to apply them to build real wealth. We also discuss the one big thing Monopoly gets wrong … and how not to fall into the trap. You’ll learn: Why just collecting your salary won’t make you rich How...

You’ve been learning about property investment your whole life … even if you didn’t know it. In this episode, we reveal 5 real-world investing lessons hidden in the classic board game Monopoly – and how to apply them to build real wealth. We also discuss the one big thing Monopoly gets wrong … and how not to fall into the trap. You’ll learn: Why just collecting your salary won’t make you rich How...

What’s the best way to sell your property in today’s market? Auction? Deadline sale ? Price by negotiation? There are pros and cons to each – and if you get it wrong, you could walk away with tens of thousands less than your property’s worth. In this episode, we break down: The 3 most common methods of sale in NZ When to use each one (and when to avoid them) How to choose the right one based on yo...

In this episode, we dig into the data to figure out whether the housing market has really bottomed out – or if there’s more pain to come. You’ll learn: What the 5 signs that the market is turning The 4 biggest reasons prices are still sluggish How to know when the market is starting to lift To check how house prices are trending in your area, use our Market Mover Tool . Don't forget to  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Thinking about setting up a family trust but unsure if it’s worth it in 2025? In this episode, we dig into the real reasons Kiwis set up trusts – and whether you still need one today. You’ll learn the 3 benefits trusts can offer (and when they don’t apply), why most trusts fail, and the legal traps that can make your trust worthless. Plus, we reveal how people can still bust into your trust and ta...

Most investors dream of building a massive portfolio – Andrew Nicol actually did it. He owns 43 properties … but along the way, made some major mistakes. In this episode, Andrew shares what he’d do differently if he had to start again. You’ll learn: How he built his portfolio from flipping homes to long-term holds The moment he nearly lost it all after the Christchurch earthquakes Why letting go o...

Most investors dream of building a massive portfolio – Andrew Nicol actually did it. He owns 43 properties … but along the way, made some major mistakes. In this episode, Andrew shares what he’d do differently if he had to start again. You’ll learn: How he built his portfolio from flipping homes to long-term holds The moment he nearly lost it all after the Christchurch earthquakes Why letting go o...

Tiffany’s the behind-the-scenes superstar here at Opes – and in this episode, she finally steps up to the mic. She shares the story of how she bought and fully renovated a house while 35 weeks pregnant – plastering, painting, and all – and how she’s using property to create a financial legacy for her kids. You’ll hear the numbers, the strategy, and how she saved over $30K in labour by doing it her...