The Property Academy Podcast

Nobody likes to think about it … but what happens to your mortgage if you die? Will your kids inherit the debt? Will the bank come knocking? In this episode, we break down what actually happens when someone with a mortgage dies — whether it’s you or your parents. You’ll learn the role of the executor, what happens to loan payments, and how to avoid burdening your loved ones. Plus, we explain when...

Auckland’s new council valuations are out – and the average CV has dropped by 9%. But what does that actually mean for your property, your rates, and your negotiating power? In this episode, we break down: Why lower CVs might actually be good news for your rates bill What to do if you think your CV is wrong (and how to challenge it) The number 1 mistake homeowners make when interpreting their CV Y...

In this episode, we discuss how much Kiwis really need to invest each month. We explore: 3 simple rules of thumb for figuring out your target investment rate How much people actually save – and whether you’re doing enough Real-life examples, including one couple earning $140K and what they should invest weekly Whether you’re aiming to save 10%, 20%, or more of your income, this episode breaks down...

Ever wondered how some investors seem to get above average returns, while others just track the market? In this episode, we reveal how to potentially beat the market by understanding direct vs indirect ownership – and which one might be right for you. You’ll learn: What the “market return” really means How direct investing (like buying a property) compares to investing through a fund The key trade...

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the audio from the recent Property Live webinar where we looked at ⁠how to "Retire before 55 on $100k passive income" In this podcast you'll learn: the 9 step blueprint to retire at 55 how to apply the Rule of 4% How to use Opes+ to help you reach your goals For more from Opes Partners: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign u...

In this episode, we discuss: why real estate agents often won’t tell you the price upfront … and what you can do about it. It’s one of the biggest frustrations buyers have — feeling like the agent is being deliberately vague or even misleading. But is it just sales speak … or are they breaking the rules? You’ll learn: What to say to get the price out of an agent Which rules agents are meant to fol...

There’s a major rule change coming … and if you miss it, a simple cat door could cost you $7,200. In this episode, we reveal the big shift in the Healthy Homes Standards and what every landlord must do before 1 July 2025 . We also break down real-life cases where landlords have been fined over $30,000, and the exact upgrades you may need – from insulation to extractor fans – to stay compliant. 👉...

In this episode, we discuss how Mark – a 63-year-old Tauranga pizza shop owner – built a secure retirement plan later in life, even after making some costly property investment mistakes. Hear how he sold his properties too early and missed out on hundreds of thousands in capital gains Why he’s jumped back into the market in his 60s and how he’s planning to grow his equity by another $1 million Wha...

In this episode, Ed and Andrew take you on a deep dive through the history of loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions in New Zealand. You’ll hear how investors once needed just a 5% deposit … and how that skyrocketed to 40% during boom times. But what triggered those changes? How did investors respond? And what does the future look like now that Debt-to-Income (DTI) rules are coming into play? Plus...

In this episode, we discuss the 7 worst property crashes in history – and how far prices really fell. You'll learn: • What triggered each collapse (from financial crises to pandemics) • Whether New Zealand shows any signs of going the same way • What history can teach you about how to spot a housing crash before it happens Plus, we talk about how to protect your portfolio if another downturn happe...

In this episode, we discuss what it would actually take for us (Ed and Andrew) to fix our interest rates for the long term. You’ll learn: Why we usually recommend fixing for 1 year at a time The exact conditions that would make us lock in for 3–5 years instead The strategy to manage your mortgage risk and keep options open We also walk through real numbers using our interest rate calculator so you...

In this episode, we discuss why investing in property early can supercharge your wealth. You’ll learn: How much money you  could  have made if you bought property 5, 10, or even 20 years ago Why  when  you invest is just as important as  what  you invest in How to calculate your own “lost gains” using your age and region This is the episode to listen to if you’ve ever said: “I wish I bought earlie...

In this episode, we discuss whether auctions really get sellers a better price … or if it’s all just hype from real estate agents. We reveal: What the  actual  data shows about whether auctions sell for more than other methods (like negotiation or deadline sale) Why some houses do better at auction, while others flop How long it takes to sell your property using each method Plus, we share the unex...

In this episode, we discuss the best way to find investment properties in 2025 — without endlessly scrolling through Trade Me listings. You’ll learn: The 5 different ways to find properties in NZ How to “keyword hack” your way to better listings The tools and strategies top investors use to spot hidden opportunities We also reveal how most Kiwi investors can  find the right investment property  by...

In this episode, we share the story of Tommy — a Kiwi investor who bought four properties in just 10 months … all while working overseas in China. You’ll learn: How he built a cashflow-positive portfolio from halfway across the world Why student flats in Dunedin became his go-to investment strategy And the exact timeline and system he used to rapidly scale his portfolio If you’re just starting out...

In this episode, we discuss whether today’s New Builds are really as good as some people say. You’ll learn: The red flags to watch out for when inspecting a new build What builders did  better  50 years ago (and what they do better now) And how to figure out whether a developer is actually going to deliver a quality home Want to make sure your next property is built to last? Start with our guide t...

In this episode, we discuss the government’s latest KiwiSaver changes … and how they could leave some Kiwis up to $96,000 better off by retirement. You’ll learn: Why your KiwiSaver contribution will soon increase How much more your employer will need to pitch in Why these changes benefit long-term investors (but won’t help first-home buyers right now)  Want a strategy that builds long-term wealth?...

In this episode, we discuss the Reserve Bank’s latest decision to cut the OCR — and why this interest rate drop is different from the rest. You’ll learn: What the 0.25% drop actually means for your mortgage Why the Reserve Bank has shifted its forecast (hint: it’s to do with global inflation) And what this means for future interest rates and house prices in NZ Want to stay ahead of the curve? Use...

In this episode, we discuss the most common floorplan mistakes that make tenants and buyers walk away — even if the property looks great on paper. You’ll learn: The 11 design flaws that ruin a good property (like no pantry or awkward couch placements) What modern renters actually want in a layout And how to spot small features that can make or break your rental’s appeal Want to know which layouts...

In this episode, we discuss how much property accountants  really  cost — and what you’re actually paying for at each price point. You’ll learn: The 3 pricing tiers for property accountants in NZ What you get for $500, $1,500, and $3,000+ per year And the hidden costs (like hourly advice fees) that can sting if you’re not careful Looking for a new property accountant? Check out this guide on the ...

In this episode, we discuss the 6 most important things to check before buying a property — so you don’t end up with a dud. You’ll learn: How much deposit you  really  need (hint: it’s not always 20%) The hidden costs most investors forget to budget for And how to use council tools to check flood zones, titles, and more before you buy Check out the full  23-step property due diligence checklist  t...

In this episode, we share Nick’s story — a Kiwi tradie who bought a do-up in Auckland… and ended up with a toxic home, a rogue removalist, and a $50,000 repair bill. You’ll learn: How asbestos was missed (then badly handled) during a renovation What it took to fix the contamination and take the tradie to court And how to protect yourself from dodgy operators when renovating your property Want to b...

In this episode, we discuss what actually counts as “fair wear and tear” — and how much damage a tenant can do before they’re forced to pay. You’ll learn: When landlords can legally take money from the bond to cover repairs What the Tenancy Tribunal considers “normal” damage (vs neglect or intent) And the wild case where one tenant had to pay $4,500 — just in insurance excesses Want peace of mind...

In this episode, we discuss who’s legally allowed to sell property in New Zealand — and the 5 different levels of people involved in the real estate game. You’ll learn: Who can sell property without any qualifications (and the surprising loopholes) The difference between a salesperson, agent, developer, and financial adviser And the risks of taking advice from someone who isn’t properly licensed T...

In this episode, we discuss how often tenants fall behind on rent – and whether rent arrears are as scary as many property investors fear. You’ll learn: The real data behind how often rent goes unpaid (including our own internal numbers) Why tenants fall behind — and what you can do to protect yourself And which city has more missed rent payments: Auckland or Christchurch? Want to feel more confid...