Episode's summary
One Kiwi put solar on her house 18 months ago... now her power company pays her, and in summer her bill runs negative. So, does solar actually pay off, and does any of it work on a rental? In this episode, Ed and Andrew run the real numbers on home solar. You'll learn: What solar costs now, and how long it takes to pay for itself The one rule that decides whether it's worth it Why it rarely stacks up on a rental as an income play, but can still be worth it The verdict? Great in your own home. On a rental, it fills vacancies... not your pockets. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Stay ahead of the NZ property market…
One Kiwi put solar on her house 18 months ago... now her power company pays her, and in summer her bill runs negative. So, does solar actually pay off, and does any of it work on a rental? In this episode, Ed and Andrew run the real numbers on home solar. You'll learn: What solar costs now, and how long it takes to pay for itself The one rule that decides whether it's worth it Why it rarely stacks up on a rental as an income play, but can still be worth it The verdict? Great in your own home. On a rental, it fills vacancies... not your pockets. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Stay ahead of the NZ property market…
Episodes
"I Put Solar On My House. Was It Worth It?" (Numbers Breakdown)
ListenedOne Kiwi put solar on her house 18 months ago... now her power company pays her, and in summer her bill runs negative. So, does solar actually pay off, and does any of it work on a rental? In this episode, Ed and Andrew run the real numbers on home solar. You'll learn: What solar costs now, and how long it takes to pay for itself The one rule that decides whether it's worth it Why it rarely stacks up on a rental as an income play, but can still be worth it The verdict? Great in your own home. On a rental, it fills vacancies... not your pockets. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Stay ahead of the NZ property market…
This New Law Will Change Property Prices Forever
ListenedOne party is proposing to tax the land under your house – around $23,000 a year on a typical section, whether you sell or not. So, what would it actually do to house prices, and who wins and loses? In this episode, Ed and Andrew give a fair, unbiased breakdown of TOP's proposed land tax. You'll learn: What a 1.75% land tax would cost you each year Why it could push house prices down 10-15% Who benefits and who's hurt most It's a proposal, not law ... and TOP isn't in Parliament yet. But with the party near the threshold, it's worth understanding before 7 November. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
From 2 Suitcases To 29 Flips In 7 Years (Case Study)
ListenedMatt and his wife landed in Whanganui from Australia with two suitcases, $30,000, and a couple of credit cards ... no job, no furniture, no one they knew. Seven years on, they've flipped 29 houses. So how did they do it? In this Case Study Sunday, Matt Perks shares the deals, the sacrifices, and the lessons behind it. You'll learn: How these investors arrived in NZ with 2 suitcases and, 7 years later, flipped 29 houses How much did they lose on their first development Their next chapter of property investing The lesson? The numbers look great from the outside. What you don't see is the years spent living in the dust ... and the one deal that set everything up. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nz Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the…
He Bought At The Worst Possible Moment. Every Year. For 20 Years
ListenedWe built a tool that's the next best thing to a time machine: put in your birth month and where you live, and it shows what you'd have made if you'd bought earlier. So, does buying earlier always win? Not always... and that's exactly the problem. In this episode, Ed and Andrew put the "wealth vs wait" question to the test. You'll learn: How much extra you could have made by buying five years sooner Why you can never pick which five years will matter most What a famous study says about timing the market The lesson? You can't time it perfectly. But the earlier you're in, the longer you're in... and today is the earliest you'll ever be able to buy from here on. And check out the Private Property newsletter that Andrew mentioned. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property…
The Truth About Buying a House at Auction (In The Field Friday)
ListenedWe record this show in a studio every day. This week, we sat in an Auckland auction room for two hours. So what's it really like to be in the room when the hammer comes down? In this episode, Ed and Andrew take you inside a real auction afternoon, and you'll learn: What an auction room actually looks (and sounds) like The tactics we saw real bidders use The four numbers you should walk into the auction room with So what keeps you calm when it's your turn to bid? Knowing the rules of the room ... and your numbers. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
322 Apartments With Just 78 Car Parks. Is This The Future Of Auckland?
ListenedA developer is building 322 apartments in Morningside ... with just 78 car parks. That's one for every four homes. The locals fear chaos. The developer says the tenants simply won't own cars. So who's right? In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the Morningside build-to-rent development and what it says about Auckland's future. You'll learn: Is this the new future for Auckland Why couldn't the council require more car parks Is this a problem waiting to happen The real question isn't whether 78 parks are enough. It's whether we'd rather house those 322 families in Morningside ... or an hour away in Pokeno. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
She's A Teacher With 2 Properties By 31. Can She Retire?
ListenedJenna is 31 and already owns two properties... but like most people, she has no idea what she's actually on track for.So, we built her a full Wealth Plan, live, and revealed the number she'd never seen. In this episode, Ed and Andrew build Jenna's plan from scratch, from her perfect day in retirement to the shortfall she's facing. You'll learn: A live demo where we create a wealth plan for a listener on the show How much money will she need to create her ideal money life What actually happens when you create a wealth plan with Opes Partners The lesson? Almost nobody knows their number... even people who already own property. Once you do, you've got choices. Start your path to financial freedom with a detailed Wealth Plan for $0 For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Is The Cheaper House Always The Better Buy? Cheap vs Good
ListenedWe all know more expensive food is usually better. But with houses, most of us don't have that instinct. So, how do you tell the difference between a low price and a genuinely cheap one? In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down why the cheaper house isn't always the better deal. You'll learn: The difference between a low price and real value (and why it matters) The hidden reasons one house is cheaper than the one down the road The one question that tells you if a discount is actually a discount The lesson? A discount is only a discount if you can remove the reason for it. Otherwise, it's just the price. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
The 5 WORST Places To Buy Property In 2027
ListenedEveryone tells you where to buy. Almost nobody tells you where not to. So, we ran three tests across the country to find the five worst places to buy property in 2026. In this episode, Ed and Andrew count down five markets to be wary of, and the surprising thing most of them have in common. You'll learn: The three tests that reveal a risky market: returns, timing, and building Where a term deposit currently beats the rental yield The pattern linking most of these towns A great long-term track record doesn't make it a great time to buy. Sometimes the history and the moment point in opposite directions. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
"I Got Hustled Buying My First Home. So I Spent 6 Years Doing THIS" [Case Study]
ListenedEve values property for a living. But on her very first purchase, years before she qualified, she got played. So, what does a valuer see now that the rest of us miss? In this Case Study Sunday, Eve shares her journey from marketing to property valuer, and from first-home buyer to investor. You'll learn: The property valuer who got hustled on her first purchase What a property valuer sees that the rest of us miss Why did this investor deliberately pause building her portfolio The lesson? Even the pros get emotional and biased about their own property... which is exactly why she says to get an independent valuation before you buy or sell. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nz For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Stop Chasing Financial Freedom – Do This Instead
ListenedWe're all told to chase financial freedom. But for most people, that's 20 years away. Financial peace, on the other hand, could be six months away... and it's available at any income. In this episode, Ed and Andrew explain the difference between the two and the simple systems that buy you peace of mind. You'll learn: Why financial peace matters more than freedom right now The research shows that money worries can cost you 13 IQ points Six practical ways to get financial peace, whatever your income Financial peace isn't about how much you have. It's knowing where your money's going, instead of wondering where it went. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
The 7 Types of Mortgages – Which One Is Right For You?
ListenedAlmost every Kiwi walks into a bank and gets the same 30-year table loan. It's the default... and for a lot of people, it's not the best fit. So, what are the other options, and which one should you actually have? In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the seven genuinely different types of home loans (no, fixed vs. floating doesn't count). You'll learn: The one question that tells you which loan you're really looking at How offset and revolving credit work, and which suits which person The reducing loan that could save you meaningful interest The lesson? The interest rate gets all the attention, but the structure of your loan can matter just as much. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property…
Should I Give Up On My Airbnb? A Listener's $20,000 Decision
ListenedA listener left us a voice message... he's about to spend $20,000 furnishing a new Airbnb, and he's having second thoughts. So, should he take the punt or turn it into a long-term rental now? In this episode, Ed and Andrew model his exact decision and the GST trap most short-stay owners don't see coming. You'll learn: Should you give up on your Airbnb? Real listener’s scenario … and what he should do What he'd have to sacrifice if he changed course now The lesson? The GST decision isn't a formality at the time of purchase. It's a strategic decision. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Every Financial Trap You'll Face As Your Wealth Grows
ListenedEvery stage of building wealth has its own trap. And the thing that got you here is often the thing that stops you from going further. So, which one are you about to walk into? In this episode, Ed and Andrew map the traps at every stage, from your first $1,000 to $2.5 million in equity. You'll learn: The traps hiding at each stage of wealth Why being too scared of debt can leave a million dollars doing nothing Why you retire on cash flow, not capital growth The lesson? Every trap is caused by what worked at the previous stage. Knowing what's coming is how you avoid it. Want to book a free session with one of our Financial Advisers, then just click here Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property…
Never Do This At An Auction – Confessions Of An Auctioneer
ListenedAn auction is the only way to buy a house where you sign an unconditional contract, in public, in about four minutes. So, what's really going on in the room... and how do you avoid getting played? In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with Daniel Coulson – the CEO of Ray White NZ – who's called around 8,000 auctions. You'll learn: The mistakes bidders make at auction What auctioneers can and can't legally do Whether the usual auction tricks and tips still work The lesson? Most people walk into an auction not knowing the rules of the game. Learn them, and you walk in with the upper hand. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
How to Borrow More in 2027 (Broker Secrets)
ListenedThis couple wanted to buy an investment property, but the bank said no. After a few tweaks with a mortgage adviser, they were approved to borrow $580,000 more. In this episode, Ed and Andrew share three real examples of Kiwis who unlocked more borrowing capacity... and the everyday things that quietly drag your capacity down. You'll learn: Why can the bank lend you $80k less in six months How clearing a $10k student loan added $225k of borrowing power The unused credit card could be costing you a deposit If the bank says no, it's often not a no forever. Sometimes it's just a number waiting to be moved. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Blocked By Income, Then By Equity. How They Got Through [Case Study]
ListenedFirst, their income was too low to get the loan. They fixed it ... then the market fell, and suddenly their equity fell short, too. So, how did this couple finally cross the line into their first investment property? In this Case Study Sunday, Steve and Vicky share a 5-year journey of hitting wall after wall and refusing to give up. You'll learn: Why the bank turned them down … and how they changed their mind What it REALLY takes to save your way to a deposit How these investors are building towards $100k of passive income The lesson? Sometimes you do everything right and still get knocked back. Getting there anyway is the whole story. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nz For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
The Meth House Discount: How Long Can The Stigma Last?
ListenedA listener found a bargain: a house where meth was smoked, fully cleaned, and now testing safe. But everyone in town knows its history... and it's on the LIM. So does the stigma ever go? Or is it a "meth house" forever? In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the science, the stigma, and the real numbers behind former meth houses. You'll learn: What the science says about meth smoked vs cooked Why meth stays on a LIM forever, and how it gets there in the first place What a former meth house really costs you (hint: it's not the clean-up) A cleaned meth house can be perfectly safe to live in. Whether it's a bargain or a trap comes down to the numbers. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property…
Interior Designer Reveals The Renovations That Add Value (And The Ones That Just Cost You Money)
ListenedWe talk about prices, yields, and interest rates constantly. But what someone pays often depends on how a place feels when they walk in. So, what design mistakes are quietly costing investors money? In this episode, Ed and Andrew are joined by interior designer Kelly Gammie. You'll learn: The 3 biggest interior design mistakes … and what each one costs The renovations that add value and the ones that just cost you money How bold and brave should investors be when choosing what to paint the walls The numbers matter... but so does the feeling. Get the design right, and it shows up in the price. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Where House Prices Are Booming Right Now (2026)
ListenedFive years ago, every NZ market stood on the same hilltop. Then prices fell into the valley together... and since then, they've gone in completely different directions. So, where are prices actually booming, and where are they still hitting record lows? In this episode, Ed and Andrew count down the fastest-recovering markets, and reveal the North/South divide splitting the country. You'll learn: The markets leading the recovery Why seven North Island towns just hit fresh record lows How to tell a real boom from a small-town fluke The lesson? Stop reading the national number. And a boom tells you what already happened, not what happens next. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property…
The New Way To Buy A House In NZ?
ListenedTwo of New Zealand's biggest property sites just launched AI search. Is this the new way to buy a house? We put them to the test to see if AI can actually find you a good investment. In this episode, Ed and Andrew try out the AI tools on TradeMe and realestate.co.nz, from yield hunting to image search. You'll learn: What the new AI searches can do that the old filters couldn't Whether they can handle the numbers that matter to investors, like yield Which one actually worked, and which kept falling over AI can do the basics. But when it comes to the numbers that make a deal, there's still a big gap. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
If a Rental Doesn’t Pass This “Test,” Don’t Buy It
ListenedOne Wellington flip had neighbours pointing boom boxes at it, dumping tyres, and breaking in to steal the appliances. None of that was in the spreadsheet. So, how do you know if a deal can survive when things go wrong? In this episode, Ed and Andrew share the "what if I'm wrong" test – a simple way to stress-test any property before you buy. You'll learn: The five things to check The renovation that missed its target price by $180k Why the goal isn't "does it look great," but "could I survive this" If you stress-test hard enough, no property is perfect. The real question is whether you could get through the rough patches. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Every NZ Town Ranked By Rental Yield (Worst To Best)
ListenedWe analysed 57,114 rental properties... to find the highest and lowest rental returns. In this episode, Ed and Andrew count down the five highest-yielding areas, then rank every city from worst to best. You'll learn: The five areas with New Zealand's highest rental yields Why do the big cities consistently have the lowest yields The catch with high-yield small towns, and why gross yield can mislead A high yield isn't the whole story. This episode shows you the trade-off, plus a free tool to see where your own property ranks. And you can check out the Rental Yield Percentile Calculator here For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
From 1 Property To 5 – Here's How She Did It [Case Study]
ListenedSarah bought a home-and-income in South Auckland back in 2006, and years later turned it into a five-townhouse development.So, how did she become a property developer, and what did it really take? In this Case Study Sunday, Sarah shares how she built a seven-property portfolio, even while living overseas. You'll learn: How this investor turned one property into five The challenges she faced when she turned herself into a property developer Her biggest regret from investing in property The lesson? Fortune favours the bold... and the patient. Sarah's story is a reminder that the real money in property is made over the long term. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nz For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Never Say These 5 Sentences To A Real Estate Agent
ListenedThe selling agent doesn't work for you. So, what should you say and what should you never give away? In this episode, Ed and Andrew run through the five biggest mistakes buyers make in front of agents, and how to avoid them. You'll learn: Why telling the agent your budget or your "why" costs you money The research-backed power of silence in a negotiation Whether you should ever bid your absolute maximum The agent isn't your enemy, but they're not your friend either. Knowing the rules is how you keep the upper hand. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Average Net Worth By Age (NZ) – Are You Behind?
ListenedAm I behind? It's the question everyone wonders, and almost nobody can answer. So, we paid Stats NZ to crunch the net-worth-by-age data that no one else publishes. In this episode, Ed and Andrew reveal the median wealth at every age and what the numbers really mean. You'll learn: What the typical Kiwi is worth in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond Why whatever you build by 60 is roughly what you retire on How a single good asset can move you two decades up the table The honest takeaway? You're probably less behind than you think, but the early decades matter most. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
NZ's 6 Biggest Infrastructure Projects – What They Do To House Prices
ListenedA new road or railway sounds like a green light for property prices. But not all infrastructure is equal. Some projects open up whole new suburbs. Others just smooth a commute. n this episode, Ed and Andrew run through New Zealand's biggest projects, testing each one against a simple question: Does it open new land? You'll learn: Which projects actually unlock new suburbs, and which just ease traffic What the research says infrastructure really does to nearby prices The Picton cautionary tale about buying into the infrastructure story Follow the roads and rail... but only when they actually create new places to build. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
5 Paid-Off Rentals vs. 15 with Mortgages: The Math Will Change How You Invest
ListenedOne investor owns 15 rentals with mortgages. The other owns 5, mortgage-free. So, who's actually better off and by how much? In this episode, Ed and Andrew run the numbers on both, and the result surprises most people. You'll learn: Why 15 mortgaged rentals can barely pay any cashflow Why the "worse" properties can produce around 14x more free cash When to leverage to build wealth, and when to pay down for income Leverage builds wealth, but it doesn't pay you. Knowing when to switch is the whole retirement plan. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Why NZ's Cheapest Towns Are Getting Less Affordable
ListenedHouse prices are down. Interest rates are down. So housing must be affordable again, right? Not everywhere... and the picture is more surprising than you'd think. In this episode, Ed and Andrew compare every district against its long-term average to see where affordability is improving and where it's slipping away. You'll learn: Whether housing is actually more affordable than usual right now The places getting better fastest, and the ones slipping away Why "more affordable" doesn't always mean "affordable" Affordability isn't just a snapshot. It can be a signal of where prices could go next. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
How Much You ACTUALLY Need To Retire In 2026 [New Tool]
ListenedMost Kiwis have never seen their entire financial life on one screen. Wealth rises while they work, then draws down through retirement. So, how much do you actually need to retire in 2026, and could you already have saved too much? In this episode, Ed and Andrew run a real couple's numbers through a new tool to reveal what it really takes. You'll learn: How much do you actually need to retire in 2026 How to tell if you've already saved too much The one screen that shows you your entire financial life The years you can best enjoy your money are often the ones people spend working. Knowing your number is how you get them back. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
From 0 To 30 Properties In 17 Years – How This Kiwi Accountant Did It
ListenedMost property accountants tell people what to do. Peter Taylor actually does it himself. Starting just after the GFC, he's built a portfolio of 19 residential and 10 commercial properties over three decades. In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with accountant Peter to hear how he did it. You'll learn: How this property accountant built a portfolio of 30 properties The biggest wins and toughest lessons from 3 decades of investing The one thing every property investor should know Peter's edge wasn't a secret strategy. It was buying well, paying down hard, and doing it consistently for 30 years. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nz For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
"I Want My Wife To Retire When I Do" – How To Set Money Goals That Actually Work
ListenedWe're all told to aim for "financial freedom." But what do Kiwis actually want when they get there? We asked 4,381 people, and their real goals are more specific... and more emotional than any calculator captures. In this episode, Ed and Andrew read out the retirement goals Kiwis actually set, and work through what each one really takes. You'll learn: The real, specific goals Kiwis have Why standard retirement calculators don't work for property investors What it actually takes to fund the life you want "Financial freedom" is vague. The clearer your goal, the easier it is to build a plan that gets you there. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Should I Renovate Houses Or Build New? [Real Numbers]
ListenedA couple with the skills and contacts to renovate is weighing it up against a simple build-and-hold. So which actually builds more wealth... and when does renovating stack up? In this episode, Ed and Andrew debate the numbers behind renovating versus building and holding. You'll learn: The four reasons this couple wanted to renovate What the returns really look like over 15 years for each strategy The questions to ask before you pick up a hammer Renovating can work brilliantly... but only when the numbers and your time actually stack up. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Every Invoice I Paid Buying A House | The Hidden Costs Revealed
ListenedEveryone budgets for the deposit. It's the costs on top that catch buyers out. So I pulled out my actual receipts from buying a house, to show what you really spend before you earn a single dollar of rent. In this episode, Ed and Andrew walk through every hidden cost of buying a property, one invoice at a time. You'll learn: The upfront fees most buyers forget The money you can spend on houses you never even buy What it really costs to get a property rentable, and what to budget The deposit is only the start. Knowing the true cost is what keeps you out of trouble. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
5% House Deposit: National's New Policy Explained
ListenedNational wants to let more first home buyers in with just a 5% deposit and lift the income cap to $300,000. So, how would it actually work, and who does it help? In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the proposed First Home Loan changes, the numbers, and the risks. You'll learn: How a 5% deposit changes the maths Who actually benefits from the higher income cap, and who it won't help How many extra first home buyers could this policy create A lower deposit gets more people in the door. But borrowing 96% of a home's value comes with real risks worth understanding first. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
This Will Change How You See A Downturn Forever | Never Waste A Market Dip
Listened"Never let a good crisis go to waste." So what do the best investors actually do when the market falls? In a downturn, mindset is everything. In this episode, Ed and Andrew share stories about investors who didn't waste a dip, and the lessons for property. You'll learn: Never waste a market dip – the 3 stories smart investors live by The manic business partner who knocks on your door every single day When the real buying window REALLY appears (it’s not in the crash) The market's quote on your house is only an opinion. What you do with it is the choice that matters. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
If You Have $600K To Invest In NZ, Listen to THIS
ListenedOne investor got $80,000 knocked off a new build this week... and that's far from the only discount floating around the market right now. So if you had $600,000 to invest, where would you put it? In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the price drops happening across the market, why developers are cutting, and where the real opportunities are. You'll learn: The real developer discounts are happening right now The three reasons developers are cutting prices Why the quiet run-up to the election could be a buyer's window The real question isn't whether prices are dropping. It's whether you buy the rising market at full price... or the flat market at a discount. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
He Saved $1,000 A Week. Now He Owns 2 Properties At 28 [Case Study]
ListenedLuke moved to New Zealand from Australia, and by 21, he'd bought his first home. So, how did he do it... and why did he then go three months without a bathroom? In this Case Study Sunday, Luke shares how he went from a $7-an-hour apprentice to a homeowner and investor. You'll learn: How he saved hard and got past a "no" from the bank to buy at 21 What he learned watching his dad build a four-property portfolio Why did he renovate his first home but buy a new build as his rental For Luke, the lesson was simple: take the risk while you're young, and get the right help. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nz For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
He's 80. He Doubled His Money In 6 Months. | Is Now A Good Time To Buy?
ListenedIt's easy to look back and spot the perfect time to buy. But read the headlines from back then, and you'd have found every reason not to. So, why does the "perfect time" only ever look perfect in the rear-view mirror? In this episode, Ed and Andrew revisit three moments that turned out to be brilliant times to buy... and how terrifying each one felt at the time. You'll learn: Why the best times to buy always looked like the worst The doom headlines that surrounded 2019, 2012, and 2016 What an 80-year-old listener learned about timing There's never a good time to invest, just like there's never a good time to start a business or have kids. And that's exactly the point. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
5 NZ Housing Trends You Can't Ignore [2027 Forecast]
ListenedOne line, right across the Cook Strait, sums up what's happening in the Kiwi housing market. So what's driving the split... and the other shifts quietly reshaping where we live? In this episode, Ed and Andrew count down five housing trends every investor should have on their radar in 2026. You'll learn: Why the South Island is bouncing back while much of the North keeps falling Why do we need far more homes even without any population growth Where the real growth is happening (hint: follow the roads) The market is quietly reorganising itself. The investors who spot it early are the ones who benefit. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
OCR Up: House Prices To Hit New Low, Reserve Bank Says
ListenedThe Reserve Bank has moved the OCR again... and its forecast says house prices are about to dip to a new official low. So, is this the real bottom of the market, and when do prices finally recover? In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what the Reserve Bank did, what it means for mortgage rates, and where house prices go from here. You'll learn: What the Reserve Bank just did to the OCR, and why Where mortgage rates could head next When house prices might finally recover For buyers, a new bottom could be an opportunity. Just remember, even the Reserve Bank's own forecasts can change in six weeks. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy Hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
They Had No Rent For A Year. How these Investors Survived. Landlord Insurance Explained
ListenedOne burst pipe or one bad tenant can wipe out a year's worth of rent.So, what does landlord insurance actually cover? In this episode, Ed and Andrew are joined by Simon Yarrell from Axico to break it down. You'll learn: The top five things landlords actually claim on The things you think it covers, but it really doesn't The "excess trap" that can turn one incident into several separate excesses Insurance is for the sudden and unforeseen, not wear and tear. Knowing exactly what you're covered for is what saves you at claim time. For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter Instagram…
The End Of Airbnb In NZ? Government's Shock Ruling Explained
ListenedA Christchurch couple asked their council if they could Airbnb their apartment. The council said yes... then took them to the Ministry. And the ruling could reshape how Airbnb works across New Zealand. In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the MBIE determination that reclassified one apartment, and what it means for every short-term rental. You'll learn: Why an Airbnb can now be legally treated like a motel or hostel The novel legal strategy councils are using to crack down What's actually happening on the ground, and how far it could spread It's one ruling, one apartment, one city. But it's a sign the net around Airbnb is tightening. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message on the Property Academy hotline For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
8 Jaw-Dropping Money Stats of the Average Kiwi
ListenedHow much does the average New Zealander earn, owe, and actually have saved? The real numbers are more sobering than you'd think. In this episode, Ed and Andrew run through the numbers on income, debt, savings and KiwiSaver ... and what each one means for you. You'll learn: 8 jaw-dropping money stats about the average Kiwi Whether you're ahead of the pack … or behind the average Kiwi The money moves you can make today The numbers are confronting. But knowing where the average sits is the first step to getting ahead of it. And click here to see who is on the Opes Top 10 financial advisers in NZ list . For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Case Study: "We Bought a Business With Our Houses. Now Our Business Is Buying Us More Property"
ListenedLiivi turned one house into a rental, then used both to buy a business... and now she's using the business to fund even more property. So how far can you take the "one asset buys the next" strategy? In this Case Study Sunday revisit, Liivi catches us up on the boring business she bought and the risky move her broker warned against. You'll learn: How she bought a business using her property equity, with no cash up front Why did she deliberately choose a "boring" business The high-risk move she made against her broker's advice Liivi's story shows the power of using one asset to buy the next... but as Andrew warns, always remember the risks of something going wrong. Want to share your story on Case Study Sunday? Send us a message, email ed@opespartners.co.nz For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Biggest Housing Downturn in 60 Years. Is This Permanent?
ListenedEvery downturn brings the same claim: the old rules don't apply, and the market has permanently changed. So how do you tell a normal cycle from a genuine structural shift? In this episode, Ed and Andrew tackle a listener's question about whether NZ property is broken... or just in a deep part of the cycle. You'll learn: The difference between a cyclical downturn and a permanent, structural change What 800 years of financial-crisis data says about "this time is different" Three simple tests to judge whether a market has really shifted Markets always feel permanently broken at the bottom. Whether this one truly is... that's the question worth testing. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
Will The 2026 Election Move House Prices? What 11 Elections Tell Us
ListenedWith the election on 7 November, plenty of Kiwis are wondering whether to hold off on buying or selling. So does an election actually move the housing market, and who does it affect? In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the data on what really happens to prices, sales, and listings around an election. You'll learn: Whether elections actually change house prices Why sales dip before an election, and what that means for buyers How big of an impact heading to the polls really makes The election barely moves prices. But for buyers, that quiet window before November could be an opportunity.
Does Winter Make It Harder to Find a Tenant? 32 Years of Data Revealed
ListenedEvery landlord "knows" winter is the worst time to find a tenant. So we counted every new tenancy over the last 32 years to see if it's actually true. In this episode, Ed and Andrew put the winter rental myth to the test, with data and input from three of NZ's biggest property firms. You'll learn: When tenants actually move (and why mid-winter is busier than you'd think) The one month you genuinely should avoid re-letting A simple lease trick to line up your next vacancy with the busy season Winter isn't the problem landlords think it is. As the data shows, it's more perception than reality. Let us know your thoughts by leaving us a voice message For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…
7 Things Landlords Miss Between Tenancies (And Pay For Later)
ListenedThe gap between tenants feels like dead time. It's actually your most valuable few weeks as a landlord. So, what should you do before the next tenant moves in? In this episode, Ed and Andrew run through seven jobs that get your rental let faster and with fewer headaches. You'll learn: The one job landlords skip most The chattel trap that can legally force you to replace an appliance When the gap between tenants is the right moment to rethink your property manager An empty rental isn't lost time. Done right, it's about protecting your returns for years to come. 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 newsletter…
The Worst Property Tax Changes Michael Yardney's Seen in 55 Years
ListenedAustralia's government has just lobbed a major tax change at property investors... scrapping negative gearing and reshaping capital gains tax.So, is it still worth buying across the ditch, and should Australians be eyeing up New Zealand instead? In this episode, Ed and Andrew are joined by Australian property legend Michael Yardney to unpack what it all means. You'll learn: What Australia's negative gearing and CGT changes actually do to investors Whether Kiwis can (or should) buy Australian property right now Why Yardney sees this as a cyclical shift, not a structural one The tax rules have changed. But as Yardney puts it, tax was never the reason to invest... just the cream on top. Click the liink to check out Metropole Property Strategists. For more from Opes Partners: Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter…