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. https://www.opespartners.co.nz/investment/prope ...
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What it'd take for us to take a long-term interest rate ⎥ Ep. 2093
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14:10In 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…
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The EARLIER You Invest, The RICHER You Get⎥Ep. 2092
14:04
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14:04In 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 …
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We tested if selling your house at auction ACTUALLY makes you more money⎥Ep. 2091
17:43
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17:43In 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 pr…
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The best way to find investment properties in 2025⎥Ep. 2090
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16:13In 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 inv…
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"How I bought 4 properties in less than a year"⎥Ep. 2089
13:34
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13:34In 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 rapid…
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Are New Homes REALLY built to last?⎥Ep. 2088
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21:17In 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 p…
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New Kiwisaver changes: $96,000 extra for retirement!⎥Ep. 2087
13:08
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13:08In 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 n…
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OCR goes down: Why this interest rate cut is different⎥Ep. 2086
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11:58In 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 …
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11 floor plan fails that make buyers say “Nope”⎥Ep. 2085
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17:06In 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 brea…
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How much do Property Accountants ACTUALLY cost?⎥Epo. 2084
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14:38In 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 pr…
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Never buy a property in NZ without checking THIS⎥Ep. 2083
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17:31In 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 f…
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The $50,000 mistake: How one tradie poisoned this Kiwi’s home⎥Ep. 2082
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16:12In 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…
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How much can tenants damage a house … and still get their bond back?⎥Ep. 2081
15:47
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15:47In 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 $4,50…
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Who can legally sell property in NZ? (The 5 levels explained)⎥Ep. 2080
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17:00In 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…
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How often do tenants NOT pay their rent?⎥Ep. 2079
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16:18In 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: …
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How Fast Are Interest Rates REALLY Falling?⎥Ep. 2078
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16:31In this episode, we discuss how fast interest rates are actually falling — and what that means for your mortgage. You’ll learn: Why Trump’s tariffs could be the surprising reason your mortgage just got cheaper Which fixed-term rates have dropped the most in the last 30 days And why negotiating your rate is getting harder (unless you know what to as…
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I lived on NZ Super for a week. Here's what happened⎥Ep. 2077
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21:58In this episode, we discuss what happened when we challenged ourselves to live off the New Zealand Superannuation for a full week — and spoiler: it was harder than we thought. You’ll learn: What it’s really like to stick to $538 a week (and how fast it disappears) The hidden costs and unexpected bills that trip up even the best budgets And why reti…
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Is property investing still worth it in 2025?⎥Ep. 2076
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20:58In this episode, we discuss whether property investing still stacks up in 2025 — or if the golden age is over (and never coming back). You’ll learn: The real returns you can expect from property vs shares today How to know if property is still the right fit for your investment strategy And why the idea of a “property cycle” might not be as outdated…
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From landscaper to accountant: How I started investing at 23⎥Ep. 2075
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16:58In this episode, we discuss how Oliver — a 23-year-old investor — bought his first home in Tauranga, went from landscaper to accountant, and used a clever Kiwi strategy to pay off his mortgage faster. You’ll learn: How he bought an older home and used boarders to cover the mortgage What inspired him to start investing young (and how he made it work…
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Do this every time you get paid (Economist’s Routine)⎥Ep. 2074
18:40
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18:40In this episode, we discuss what to do every time you get paid — and how to create a simple system that helps you grow wealth without overthinking it. You’ll learn: Why budgeting doesn’t work (and what to do instead) How to set up the 4-bank-account system used by Ed and Andrew And how to build your “silent salary” — income that grows while you sle…
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Why time IN the market beats timing the market⎥Ep. 2073
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12:43In this episode, we discuss whether that old saying — “time in the market beats timing the market” — actually holds up. (Spoiler: it does. And we’ve got the data to prove it.) You’ll learn: The best and worst returns in NZ property history — from 1 year to 15 years Why holding for the long term smooths out the booms and busts And why even the worst…
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How fast can you buy 5 investment properties? (Realistic timelines explained)⎥Ep. 2072
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15:01In this episode, we answer the question: How quickly can you build a property portfolio? You’ll hear: The rule of thumb for how long each property might take to buy The 3 biggest barriers that can slow you down (and how to overcome them) Real stories from Kiwi investors – including one listener who bought 4 properties in just 10 months And download…
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We investigate NZ's housing oversupply crisis⎥Ep. 2071
11:04
11:04
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11:04In this episode, we discuss whether New Zealand really has a housing oversupply — or if we’re just misreading the data. You’ll learn: The difference between the total housing stock and the spot market Why listings are high right now, but it doesn’t mean we’ve overbuilt And how supply and demand really interact to push property prices up — or down W…
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House price data: Which to use & when (For the nerds)⎥Ep. 2070
16:45
16:45
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16:45In this episode, we discuss the 3 main types of house price data — and reveal when to use each one (and which to avoid like the plague). You’ll learn: The difference between median price, average value, and house price index Why the data you see on Instagram might be totally misleading And how to get suburb-level insights without needing a spreadsh…
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The 7 worst properties to buy in 2025⎥Ep. 2069
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18:35In this episode, we discuss the 7 worst types of properties you could buy in 2025 — and how to spot a “bargain” that could actually cost you hundreds of thousands. You’ll learn: The property that sold for just $52,000… but needed $700,000 in repairs Why studio apartments, leasehold titles, and hotel rooms can be traps And how to avoid wasting your …
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How this couple went from $160K to $400K income (and you can too!)⎥Ep. 2068
15:23
15:23
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15:23In this episode, we discuss how Tamati and Liana doubled their income, moved overseas, and are now building a 10-property portfolio — all while juggling work, kids, and real life. You’ll learn: How they went from earning $160K to $400K — without changing their lifestyle What it’s really like managing investment properties from across the Tasman And…
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Are You Playing to Win… or Just Playing Not to Lose? (The Wealth Mindset Matrix)⎥Ep. 2067
18:38
18:38
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18:38In this episode, we discuss the four wealth mindsets — and challenge you to figure out whether you’re building your financial future… or just playing it safe. You’ll learn: The difference between playing to win vs playing not to lose How to self-assess your mindset using the Wealth Mindset Matrix And how your financial thinking needs to evolve as y…
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Cash-Flow vs. Capital Gains: Which is BETTER?⎥Ep. 2066
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16:39In this episode, we discuss the age-old question: should you invest for cashflow or capital gains — and which one will actually make you more money over time? You’ll learn: The pros and cons of each strategy, including real-life numbers When to focus on growth vs income (depending on your stage of life) And how the wrong strategy could slow down yo…
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The hidden danger of listening to money experts⎥Ep. 2065
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10:34In this episode, we discuss how even well-meaning money experts can lead you astray — often without realising it — and what red flags to watch for when getting financial advice. You’ll learn: How to spot bias in financial coaches, advisers, and property professionals The four biggest warning signs that someone’s selling you their solution, not your…
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Airbnb vs Mid-Term Rentals vs Long-Term Rentals: The TRUTH⎥Ep. 2064
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15:50In this episode, we discuss which rental strategy gives you the best return — Airbnb, mid-term, or long-term rentals — and reveal the numbers most investors don’t calculate. You’ll learn: The true cashflow difference between Airbnb, mid-term, and long-term strategies How much more you actually make (after all the hidden costs) And why focusing on r…
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How much should property management cost? (Hidden Fees EXPOSED)⎥Ep. 2063
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17:05
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17:05In this episode, we discuss what property managers should really charge — and the hidden fees that could be quietly draining your rental income. You’ll learn: What a “normal” property management fee actually includes The sneaky charges many landlords get stung with And how to spot when your manager is overcharging for basic services Want to know if…
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Should I Buy A House In 2025 Or Wait Until 2026?⎥Ep. 2062
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17:38In this episode, we discuss whether now is the right time to buy a property — or if you’re better off waiting until 2026. You’ll learn: Why delaying your decision could cost you $25,000+ in capital gains When waiting might actually be the smarter move And how to weigh up the odds using a new way of thinking about risk and timing If you’re trying to…
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"I Don't Know What To Do!" (Live Property Coaching)⎥Ep. 2061
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18:30In this episode, we are joined by Daniel for another Case Study Sunday. Daniel — a first-home buyer turned landlord — isn't sure what to do with a quirky property he picked up during a chaotic auction. You’ll hear: How he scored a property for $100k below asking (and why it almost fell apart) Whether he should pay $24,000 in council fees just to re…
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The dark side of property developers EXPOSED (This should be illegal)⎥Ep. 2060
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13:17
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13:17In this episode, we discuss the massive legal loophole that lets property developers market their builds as investments — without being qualified to give investment advice. You’ll learn: Why some developers are giving misleading financial projections What happens when you rely on dodgy yield figures (and the real risks) And the gaping hole in NZ’s …
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The TRUTH about Homes.co.nz listings⎥Ep. 2059
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13:12In this episode, we discuss why you can’t always trust the numbers you see on Homes.co.nz — and what it means for your investment decisions. You’ll learn: How inaccurate online valuations really are (hint: up to 10% off) The hidden risks of owning a property with quirky or unusual features And how to avoid overestimating your wealth based on “paper…
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8 unethical (but legal) things landlords do explained⎥Ep. 2058
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15:15In this episode, we discuss 8 things some landlords do that might be legal — but definitely aren’t ethical. You’ll hear: Real examples of landlords pushing the limits, from rent hikes to dodgy maintenance delays What crosses the line between following the law and doing the right thing And why being a better landlord isn’t just good ethics — it’s go…
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Are you secretly RICH without even knowing?⎥Ep. 2057
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15:15In this episode, we discuss why you might be wealthier than you think — even if it doesn’t feel like it. You’ll learn: Why high income doesn’t always make you feel rich How to know where you really sit in New Zealand’s wealth rankings And why even millionaires don’t always feel like they’ve made it Wondering where you stand? Learn more about the to…
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How big should your emergency fund actually be?⎥Ep. 2056
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13:53
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13:53In this episode, we discuss how big your emergency fund really needs to be — and how to set it up so you’re covered when life throws a curveball. You’ll learn: How your emergency fund should grow as your life (and investments) grow The exact formula for property investors – what we call the Landlord Lifeline And where to keep this money so it’s rea…
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Love & Money: Investing as a couple with an Age Gap | Ep. 2055
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19:19
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19:19In this episode, we discuss how couples with an age gap can plan for retirement — and what it takes to make sure your money lasts for both of you. You’ll learn: What changes when one of you wants to retire earlier than the other How to create a financial plan that lasts until the younger partner passes away And a real-life example of how one Kiwi c…
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How an 18-year-old can start investing in property (Live Coaching) | Ep. 2054
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21:41In this episode, we discuss how an 18-year-old can get started in property investment — and lay the foundation for building serious wealth over time. You’ll hear: What young Kiwis need to do right now to begin their journey The step-by-step game plan to grow a property portfolio from scratch And how to get ahead, even without a big income or deposi…
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What's the best New Build? Off the plans vs already built | Ep. 2053
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14:56In this episode, we discuss whether it’s better to buy a New Build off the plans or go for one that’s already built — and which option could make (or cost) you more. You’ll learn: The pros and cons of buying off the plans vs completed New Builds Why some investors prefer the flexibility of a finished home And the hidden risks (and rewards) of locki…
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What Life on The Pension Is REALLY Like ⎥ Ep. 2052
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18:52In this episode, we discuss the harsh reality of living on NZ Super — especially if you’re still renting or paying off a mortgage at 70. For this, we're joined by Karen Billings-Jensen, the CEO of Age Concern NZ. You’ll learn: What life really looks like for older Kiwis living off the pension The tough choices some seniors are forced to make just t…
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"I accidentally became a property investor – What do I do next?" ⎥ Ep. 2051
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18:04In this episode, we discuss what to do if you’ve accidentally found yourself as a property investor. You’ll learn: How to decide whether to keep or sell a property you didn’t plan to invest in The step-by-step Keep or Quit Quiz to guide your next move And how to set yourself up to buy your dream home (even if you buy a new investment property) If y…
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The $24,000 bedroom that wasn't a bedroom⎥Ep. 2050
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14:10In this episode, we discuss the “bedroom bluff” — a sneaky trick where sellers advertise more bedrooms than a property really has.You’ll learn: How one woman lost $24,000 by buying a “3-bedroom” that was really just a 1-bedroom How to spot the bedroom bluff before you buy And how to protect yourself from overpaying for a property that doesn’t stack…
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The Airbnb tax trap no one talks about⎥Ep. 2049
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13:20In this episode, we discuss the hidden Airbnb tax trap that could cost property investors over $150,000 — and how to avoid falling into it.You’ll learn: What the trap is and why so many short-term rental owners miss it How to avoid getting caught (and protect your profits) And how to get out of it if you’re already stuck If you’re running an Airbnb…
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Is this new rule the solution to NZ's housing crisis?⎥Ep. 2048
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16:19In this episode, we discuss whether the government’s RMA reforms could be the policy that kills the housing crisis — or creates a whole new one. You’ll learn: What the new RMA changes actually mean for the property market Whether this could lead to a housing oversupply in some parts of the country And when these changes are expected to kick in and …
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How I went from $5/hr to $8.5 million in property⎥Ep. 2047
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21:27In this episode, we discuss how one investor (Raj) went from earning just $5 an hour to building a property portfolio worth $8.5 million. You’ll hear: How he grew a 12-property portfolio while raising kids and running a business What it really takes to build wealth from scratch•And how he bounced back after losing $1 million in the latest downturn.…
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Should I FIRE my property manager?⎥Ep. 2046
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13:29In this episode, we discuss how to fire your property manager — without the awkward conversations or unnecessary drama. You’ll learn: The exact process for switching property managers (it’s easier than you think) What to watch out for in your management agreement And real-life examples of investors who’ve made the switch smoothly If you’re not gett…
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Home and Income properties: smart investment or financial trap?⎥Ep. 2045
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15:22In this episode, we discuss whether home-and-income properties are a smart way to boost your cashflow — or a financial trap in disguise. You’ll learn: How much capital growth these properties really achieve (based on fresh, never-before-seen data) What kind of income you can expect from them And how to tell if this strategy is right for your invest…
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The hidden advantage of investing in a flat market⎥Ep. 2044
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13:32In this episode, we discuss why investing during a flat property market might be one of the smartest moves you can make — even if it doesn’t feel that way. You’ll learn: Why flat markets often offer hidden opportunities for savvy investors The pros and cons of this approach (and what traps to avoid) What to focus on to stay the course and grow your…
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