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
Mar 14, 2026 • 24min
Two Builders, No House… Now She’s Mini-Retired in Greece⎟Ep. 2376
She lost her first deposit. Fought a builder. Held land for 12 years. And still came back to property investing. In this Case Study Sunday episode, Sheryn joins the show from rural Greece to share the raw, honest story behind her investing journey and why she’s now taking a mini-retirement in her 40s.You’ll learn:The one major move that changed her money life How she’s started her mini-retirement in her 40’s The one true love in this investor’s lifeThis is a grounded, honest look at resilience, reinvention, and what happens when you decide your time is worth more than just another pay cheque.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
Mar 13, 2026 • 14min
You Think You Can Only Buy One… The Model Says Otherwise⎟Ep. 2375
How many houses can you actually buy?In this episode, Ed and Andrew run three real-life scenarios through a bank-style modelling tool to show what’s genuinely possible ... and why most people either underestimate or overestimate their borrowing power.You’ll learn:How many properties could an average Kiwi couple realistically buy over 15 years3 scenarios that show how big these Kiwis could grow their property portfolio How to figure out how many properties you could potentially buyThe key takeaway? It’s not guesswork. With the right modelling and realistic assumptions, you can see exactly how many properties you could buy, when you could buy them, and what needs to change to move faster.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
Mar 12, 2026 • 12min
The Reserve Bank’s Rules Aren’t as Strict as You Think⎟Ep. 2374
Are home buyers secretly breaking the Reserve Bank’s rules?In this episode, Ed fact-checks Andrew and dives into the data to reveal just how many Kiwis are legally borrowing outside the standard deposit and debt-to-income limits.You’ll learn:How many first home buyers are purchasing with less than a 20% depositThe real percentage of borrowers going above the 6x and 7x debt-to-income “limits”How to grow your portfolio faster … by working around the rulesThe key takeaway? The Reserve Bank sets speed limits, not brick walls. If you don’t quite fit the “standard” criteria, it doesn’t automatically mean no ... but it does mean you need to understand how the rules actually work.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
Mar 11, 2026 • 19min
When the Bank Says No – What’s Your Next Move?⎟Ep. 2373
Non-banks used to feel like a last resort.Not anymore.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down when property investors actually use non-bank lenders ... and why they’re more relevant in 2026 than they’ve been in years.You’ll learn:How investors still buy property when the bank says noWhy non-bank lenders are becoming more competitive againThe 5 real situations where using a non-bank can make senseThe key isn’t avoiding non-banks altogether – it’s understanding your exit strategy before you sign anything.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
Mar 10, 2026 • 15min
NZ Property: Easiest in the World to Buy?! (You WON'T Believe This)⎟Ep. 2372
Is New Zealand actually the easiest country in the world to buy property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew compare NZ’s property system to the UK, Australia, France, and the US – and uncover why buying here is surprisingly simple.You’ll learn:Why NZ is one of the easiest countries in the world to buy propertyThe unusual way our tax and agent system worksThe one thing that’s really, really hard about buying property hereBy comparison, NZ’s system is streamlined and predictable. But “easy to buy” doesn’t mean “easy to afford.” While the process is simple, house prices relative to incomes remain one of the biggest hurdles ... and that’s where the real challenge lies.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
Mar 9, 2026 • 13min
Can You Use a Student Loan to Pay Off Your Mortgage?⎟Ep. 2371
Can you use a student loan to pay down your investment property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack a clever question from a listener who wondered whether she could borrow at 0% and use it to reduce mortgage debt.You’ll learn:Whether it’s actually legal to use student loan living costs to pay down a mortgageHow this strategy works at different income levels Which parts of a student loan you can – and can’t – redirect toward investment debtAnd the real question isn’t “Is it allowed?” ... it’s whether it meaningfully moves the needle for your long-term wealth plan.Click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meetingDon'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
Mar 8, 2026 • 18min
From Learner to Mega Landlord: The 7 Stages Explained⎟Ep. 2370
What level of property investor are you?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the 7 levels of property investment – from complete beginner to mega landlord – and help you figure out exactly where you are (and what it takes to move up).You’ll learn:The 7 stages of property investing ... and which one you’re currently atHow many Kiwis reach each level What’s holding investors back at each stageEd and Andrew share how rare the higher levels actually are. and why you might not even need to climb that far to reach your version of financial freedom.Because here’s the key: the goal isn’t to collect properties. It’s about reaching your destination and then letting time do the heavy lifting.Click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meetingDon'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
Mar 7, 2026 • 21min
He Started Investing in Shanghai – Now He Develops Across NZ⎟Ep. 2369
What does it look like to invest in Shanghai, build New Zealand’s largest IKEA parallel importing business… and then pivot into commercial property development across the country?In this Case Study Sunday episode, Sudhir shares his unusual journey through international property, entrepreneurship, and large-scale development.You’ll learn:How Sudhir started investing in Shanghai back in 2007 How he built NZ’s largest IKEA parallel importerWhy did he shift into residential and then commercial property developmentThis is a wide-ranging conversation about thinking bigger, taking calculated risks, and building multiple income streams – not just buying rentals, but creating businesses and developments that scale.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Mar 6, 2026 • 16min
Sell One Property… Lose the Cash? Here’s Why⎟Ep. 2368
Got all your properties with one bank? That could be a problem.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack cross-collateralisation – what it is, why banks love it, and the three biggest risks it creates for property investors.You’ll learn:The 3 biggest risks of having all your properties secured with one bankWhat cross-collateralisation actually means (in plain English)Why property investors should cheat on their bankThey also explain split banking – why serious investors spread properties across multiple lenders – and how a dollar-for-dollar refinance can break the cross-security without increasing your loan.Click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meetingDon'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
Mar 5, 2026 • 16min
The 4 Ways to Make Retirement Cheaper (or More Expensive)⎟Ep. 2367
Will you need to work until 72… or can you make retirement cheaper than you think?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the retirement debate – from calls to raise the NZ Super age to surprising data showing many retirees might not need as much as they believe.You’ll learn:The 4 ways to make your retirement significantly cheaper (or more expensive)The data showing retirement spending often falls over timeHow property investors use these levers to retire years earlierOnce you understand these four levers, you might realise you don’t need as much as you thought – or you could retire sooner than planned.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
