

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

Jul 13, 2023 • 14min
“Don’t Have Babies” … How Maternity Leave Impacts How Much You Can Borrow ⎜ Ep. 1401
In this episode, we discuss how couples planning to have children can invest in property, how to plan a portfolio, and what to look out for.
This includes how to navigate the financial challenges that come with a single income while one partner is on maternity leave.
We shed light on how having children impacts cash flow, borrowing capabilities, and your ability to invest. We also explore how maternity leave influences these dynamics.
Main Points Discussed:
The Impact of Having Children on Investing:
Maternity leave
Investing Before Having Children:
Friendly Bank Policies for People on Maternity Leave:
Strategies for Single-Income Families:

Jul 12, 2023 • 15min
Building Inspection Breakdown: Spot the Real Problems vs. The Minor Issues ⎜ Ep. 1400
In this episode, we delve into the world of building inspections, showing you how to spot significant issues (and avoid worrying about minor concerns).
We analyze two different building inspection reports: one for an existing plaster home, and the other for a new build.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time homebuyer, this episode will teach you how to navigate building inspections confidently.
Main Points Discussed:
Understanding Building Inspections
Analyzing an Inspection Report for an Existing Plaster Home
Dissecting an Inspection Report for a New Build
How to Distinguish Between Major Problems and Minor Issues
Links Mentioned –
Property investment bootcamp - Learn how to be a property investor

Jul 11, 2023 • 1h 26min
Bonus - Spot the Difference- Good Vs Bad Investment Property - Webinar audio
In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the audio from the recent Property Live webinar where we looked at 'How To Spot the Difference: Good Vs Bad Investment Property' by uncovering the hidden traits of a profitable investment property, the common oversights made by investors and we share our 23 step checklist to help you make the right decisions.

Jul 11, 2023 • 13min
"The bank 'thought' we earned an extra $42,000" – How This Couple Used the Earn Baby Earn Strategy To Get Their Mortgage Approved ⎜ Ep. 1399
In this episode, we tackle the "Earn Baby Earn" strategy for self-employed individuals, small business owners, and commission earners aiming to get their mortgages approved.
We define what this strategy is, how it works, and why it might help you borrow more from the banks.
Through a case study, we illustrate how one couple, Lucy and Nathan, successfully used this strategy to get their loan approved despite initially failing to meet the bank's requirements.
Main Points Discussed:
The "Earn Baby Earn" strategy explained
Actual vs. Bank perceived income
Advice for commission earners seeking a mortgage
The potential of the "Earn Baby Earn" strategy for prospective property investors
Links Mentioned:
Property investment bootcamp - Learn how to be a property investor

Jul 10, 2023 • 15min
FOMO Returns: 7 Reasons The Market Is About To Turn ⎜ Ep. 1398
In this episode, we delve into 7 major indicators that suggest that the property market is about to turn.
We discuss factors like the recent dip in house prices, wage growth, a continuous rise in rents, and escalating construction costs.
We also cover whether interest rates have peaked and if the banks are easing credit criteria.
Main Topics Discussed:
Property Market Update
Decline in House Prices
Wage Growth
Rising Rents
Construction Costs and Failing Developments
Banks Easing Credit Criteria
Links Mentioned:
Tony Alecander's Newsletters
Upcoming Webinar (Spot the Difference: Good Vs Bad Investment Property Tuesday, 11th July at 7pm)

Jul 9, 2023 • 13min
How To Buy an Investment With No Cash (Useable Equity Explained) ⎜ Ep. 1397
This episode breaks down the basics of useable equity.
We clarify what useable equity is, how it differs from regular equity, and how it can be leveraged to purchase an investment property without a cash deposit.
We also address potential uses, risks, and the steps to access your useable equity. This knowledge is essential whether you're an experienced investor or just beginning your property journey.
Main Points Discussed:
Definition and Calculation of Useable Equity
Utilizing Useable Equity to Purchase Property
Different Property Types and Borrowing Limits
Other Uses and Risks of Useable Equity
Steps to Access Your Useable Equity
Links mentioned:
Useable Equity Calculator

Jul 8, 2023 • 17min
Case Study Sunday – Sisters Own 6 Houses Between Them. How Christine and Miriam Got Their Start ⎜ Ep. 1396
In this episode, we are joined by Christine and Miriam from Wellington. These sisters began investing together about 6 years ago.
Since then, they have used their first property to grow an impressive portfolio. Today, they have 6 properties between them.
They talk us through their journey and what they've learned over the years.

Jul 7, 2023 • 15min
One vs Two: How Many Real Estate Agents Should I Use? ⎜ Ep. 1395
Should you use one or two real estate agents to sell your property?
Justin, one of our listeners, has 2 properties up for sale. But two real estate agents want to sell them in different ways. And he's scratching his head over which strategy to go for.
In this episode, we get down to the nitty-gritty of sole agency versus general agency contracts. I.e. should he use 1 or 2 real estate agents?
We talk about the pros and cons of both options. With a sole agency, you might get better service, but your property's exposure is limited to one network.
With a general agency, your property potentially gets seen by more people, but there are potential conflicts and extra costs to consider.
And just to keep things spicy, we look at Justin's specific situation. Plus, Andrew shares a real-life experience from a few years back when he was in Justin's shoes.
Main topics discussed:
Sole vs General Agency
Selling strategies for adjacent properties
Real-life experiences in property selling
Pros and cons of both agency options
Links mentioned:
Upcoming webinar – Spot the Difference: Good vs Bad Investment Property Tuesday 11th July at 7pm

Jul 6, 2023 • 15min
Setting Up Your Own Residents Association – Step-By-Step Guide for Property Investors ⎜ Ep. 1394
In this episode, we dive into the murky waters of setting up a resident's association. You're in for a treat – it's a step-by-step guide!
A listener of the show, Michael is in a bit of a pickle. He settled on a townhouse in Dec '22. But here's the twist, the developer went under, and now there's no resident's association.
So, Michael is scratching his head, wondering – do I need one? And if I do, how on earth do I set it up?
In this episode, we clear the air about resident's associations – what they are, why they're important, and yes, the nitty-gritty on how to set one up.
You'll learn about the three main functions of a resident's association. You'll also learn the five steps you need to set up a resident's association:
Main topics discussed:
Setting up a resident's association
Role of insurance in resident's associations
Shared property maintenance
Rules within resident's associations

Jul 5, 2023 • 14min
Rental Appraisals Trust Them or Trash Them? Learn How to Spot an Accurate Estimate ⎜ Ep. 1393
In this episode, we get down to the nitty-gritty of rental appraisals.
A listener recently reached out, scratching their head over a couple of rental appraisals that seemed a bit high for a potential investment in Auckland's Beach Haven.
We unpack what rental appraisals really are and how much weight you should give them. Spoiler alert: they're not an exact science!
You'll learn the steps you need to take to make sense of these estimates, and we'll use a real-life example to illustrate our points.
And what if you pick the wrong appraisal? We've got you covered with a chat about the potential pitfalls and how to sidestep them.
This episode is like a backstage pass to the world of rental appraisals. So, buckle up and join us for the ride!
Main topics discussed:
Rental appraisals
Property investment
Property management
Real estate market in Auckland
Beach Haven properties
Market research
Rental income


