The Property Academy Podcast
Opes Partners
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.
It's hosted by Ed and Andrew from Opes Partners.
Ok, now for the legal bit. The Property Academy Podcast is for your general information. It’s not financial advice.
So the hosts aren’t telling you what to do with your own money. We’ve made every effort to make sure the information is accurate. But we occasionally get the odd fact wrong. Make sure you do your own research or talk to a financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
It's hosted by Ed and Andrew from Opes Partners.
Ok, now for the legal bit. The Property Academy Podcast is for your general information. It’s not financial advice.
So the hosts aren’t telling you what to do with your own money. We’ve made every effort to make sure the information is accurate. But we occasionally get the odd fact wrong. Make sure you do your own research or talk to a financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 29, 2025 • 14min
How a Table Mortgage REALLY Works – Explained Without the Jargon⎥Ep. 2301
Most Kiwis have a table mortgage, but few truly understand how they work.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the numbers behind New Zealand’s most common mortgage type, including why your repayments barely seem to make a dent in the early years.You’ll learn:How much interest do you really pay over the life of your loanHow table mortgage repayments are calculated What happens when rates changeThis episode provides a clear and simple framework to help you finally understand your mortgage and take control of it.And here is the Epic Guide To Mortgages which was mentioned in this episode.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
Dec 28, 2025 • 16min
The TRUTH About $600,000 Rental Property⎥Ep. 2300
How much money does a $600k investment property actually make – after growth, cashflow, and the real costs?In this episode, Ed and Andrew crunch the numbers on a recently sold-out new build and reveal what investors can realistically expect over the next 15 years.You’ll learn:The four ways property investors really make moneyHow much this $620k Christchurch property could makeThe one number that can make or break your dealEd and Andrew walk through real rent figures, real costs, and real investor scenarios to show how to judge any deal with clear eyes.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
Dec 27, 2025 • 21min
From Cat Pee to Cashflow: The 10pm Reno That Made $300k⎥Ep. 2299
How does a DIY builder go from late-night renos to becoming a lifestyle investor with a cash-flowing minor dwelling?In this Case Study Sunday, Ed and Andrew sit down with Lawrence from Auckland to unpack his journey – from gutting a smelly two-bedroom “dump” to building a family home, navigating bridging finance, and eventually adding a two-bedroom unit in his own backyard.You’ll learn:How Lawrence turned a $400k do-up into nearly $700k in just a few yearsWhat it’s really like to sell a home yourself vs using an agentHow the “build in your backyard” strategy works This episode shows what’s possible when you back yourself, stay hands-on, and keep moving toward your next project.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
Dec 26, 2025 • 19min
The 8-Step Blueprint to Buying Your First Investment Property⎥Ep. 2298
Buying your first investment property can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the entire process into eight clear steps, from choosing your strategy through to signing the contract and doing proper due diligence.You’ll learn:The step-by-step process for buying your first investment propertyHow to choose the right strategy, region, budget and buying criteriaWhy Step #6 is crucial for picking the right property with confidenceThis episode gives you a clear roadmap to follow ... so you don’t start by scrolling Trade Me at random, but instead buy your first investment property with a proven, structured process.Here are the tools we mentioned in the episode:Area AnalyserTenant ToolBorrowing quizDon'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
Dec 25, 2025 • 21min
DIY or Disaster? When to Pick Up a Hammer — and When to Call a Pro⎥Ep. 2297
Renovating your own home can be one of the best ways to build equity, but it can also turn into a financial (and emotional) nightmare if you don’t know where to start.In this episode, Ed and Andrew are joined by Peter Wolfkamp, The Resident Builder and host of Newstalk ZB’s Sunday morning show, to reveal how to DIY the smart way.You’ll learn:The #1 mistake most DIYers make with renovation budgetsWhich projects can you safely tackle yourself – and which require a licensed builderHow to calculate if DIY is actually cheaper once you factor in your time and toolsPeter also shares real stories, including how overconfidence (or ignoring consents) can cost you thousands.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
Dec 24, 2025 • 13min
We Asked Santa for Rising House Prices… Here’s What We Got Instead⎥Ep. 2296
What do property investors really want for Christmas?In this special holiday episode, Ed and Andrew unwrap last year’s wish list to see what Santa delivered … and which of them ended up with nothing but a lump of coal from the Reserve Bank.You’ll learn:What we wished for last Christmas, and which predictions actually came trueThe 2026 investor wishlistWhich one of us clearly landed on the naughty list after getting none of our wishesThis light-hearted episode wraps up the year with insights, reflection, and a festive look at what investors are hoping for next.
Dec 23, 2025 • 13min
Is the First Offer Really the Best? A Story-Heavy Guide for Sellers⎥Ep. 2295
You’ve listed your property … the first offer comes in … but is it really the best one you’ll get?In this episode, Ed and Andrew dig into the old real estate saying “the first offer is often the best” – and whether you should trust it or hold out for a higher price.You’ll learn:When it makes sense to reject an early offer and wait for competitionWhether the “first offer is best” rule is genuine wisdom or just agent pressureHow one homeowner made an extra $400k by choosing to hold outEd and Andrew unpack real case studies and give you a practical framework to judge any offer confidently and avoid leaving money on the table.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
Dec 22, 2025 • 13min
“Buy The Worst House On The Best Street” – Is That Good Advice?⎥Ep. 2294
“Buy the worst house on the best street” – classic Kiwi advice … but is it actually good in 2025?In this episode, Ed and Andrew delve into the data behind this old property mantra, revealing when it works brilliantly and when it can turn into a costly mistake.You’ll learn:Whether the “worst house, best street” strategy still stacks up todayWhat the numbers say about capital growth in top suburbs vs cheaper areasWhen this strategy works, and when it’s a bad idea for long-term investorsThis episode highlights situations where buying a fixer-upper makes sense … and why many investors are better off choosing properties with stronger yields and fewer maintenance headaches.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
Dec 21, 2025 • 19min
7 Signs You Need a Financial Adviser (And 7 Signs You Don’t)⎥Ep. 2293
Do property investors really need a financial adviser – or can you just DIY it?In this episode, Ed and Andrew give an honest breakdown of what advisers actually do, what they cost, and the situations where you genuinely need one … and the ones where you absolutely don’t.You’ll learn:What a property investment adviser actually gives you How adviser fees work The 7 signs you do need an adviser … and the 7 signs you probably don’tThis episode gives you a clear, practical way to decide whether an adviser will genuinely add value to your journey – or whether you’re already on the right track without one.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
Dec 20, 2025 • 22min
The Wildest Side Hustle: Traveling to the Ends of Earth to Invest⎥Ep. 2292
Tim’s journey from Army deployments to Antarctic expeditions – and later, the Aussie mines – wasn’t just about adventure. It was about financial independence. In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with Tim to unpack how he creates long-term wealth for his young family.You’ll learn:How a $170k Whanganui reno turned into a $365k success storyHow working overseas became his secret weapon to fund property dealsWhat he’d do differently if he could start againTim’s story proves that you don’t need perfect timing or a massive income – just determination, adaptability, and a plan that fits your life.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
