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
Jun 30, 2025 • 16min
Top 5 Worst Tenant Horror Stories (NZ)⎥Ep. 2119
From racist tenants to used condoms on the floor … this episode shares the worst of the worst rental nightmares from Kiwi landlords.In today’s episode, we expose five jaw-dropping horror stories – and the lessons every landlord must learn to avoid the same fate.You’ll hear:Why the “perfect” tenant on paper sometimes turns out to be a nightmareHow one tenant sold furniture they didn’t own – and paid the priceA story involving poo, mattresses, and fake friendsWant to learn more about managing your rentals the smart way? Check out our guide on property investment in NZ.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 29, 2025 • 17min
The Property Market Is Changing (But Not How You Think)⎥Ep. 2118
The housing market feels flat. Property prices seem to be going nowhere. But look a little closer, and you’ll see a different story.In this episode, we reveal the two-tier recovery happening in the New Zealand property market – where some areas are thriving and others are falling behind.You’ll learn:The 5 best (and worst) performing areas over the past yearWhy national averages can be misleading for investorsWhich regions are quietly becoming more affordableWant to see the latest data for yourself? Check out our in-depth breakdown of house prices in NZ to see which regions are up … and which are lagging behind.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 28, 2025 • 17min
I Made $660,000 from Property Investing Here's How⎥Ep. 2117
Lynne and Darren aren’t your typical investors. No kids. Six motorbikes. And a plan to travel the South Island in a motorhome. But they’ve also built a $660,000 nest egg through strategic property investing. Now, they’re just a few years away from retiring early – and comfortably.In this episode, you’ll learn:How they used property to grow their wealth (without overextending)Why they bought two properties at once … and never looked backTheir exact plan to generate $103k/year in retirement incomeThe moment they said “no more working after 65”How two different money personalities can still build wealth togetherThis case study shows how the average Kiwi couple – even starting later in life – can still retire wealthy through smart property investment in NZ.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 27, 2025 • 29min
Bitcoin vs Property Which is the BETTER Investment for 2025? (with Darcy Ungaro)⎥Ep. 2116
Bitcoin’s price is up 84,000x since 2011 – turning $100 into over $11 million. But does that make it a smart investment today?In this episode, we’re joined by financial advisor and crypto expert Darcy Ungaro to put property and Bitcoin head-to-head. Ed and Andrew are sceptical … but can Darcy convince them?You’ll hear real data, real questions, and real tension as we unpack the truth about cryptocurrency and where (or if) it fits in your investment plan.In this episode, we cover:Whether crypto deserves a place in a Kiwi investor’s portfolioHow much you should (realistically) invest in BitcoinWhy property may still come out on top – even with smaller gainsLearn more about smart property investment in NZ and how it compares to other assets.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 26, 2025 • 19min
Our Top 9 Unhinged Financial Mistakes (NZ)⎥Ep. 2115
Ever looked back at a financial decision and thought: What was I thinking?In this episode, we count down the 9 most unhinged money mistakes made by real Kiwis – as told by you. From wedding blowouts to shady online “investment” courses, we unpack the jaw-dropping stories and share what you can learn from each.Whether you’ve made a money mistake before (who hasn’t?) or just want to feel better about your own, this episode’s for you.You’ll learn:The wildest ways Kiwis have blown big moneyThe hidden psychology behind these financial failsThe No.1 thing to ask before you spend that inheritance Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 25, 2025 • 14min
What's The BIGGEST Misconception About Ideal Tenants?⎥Ep. 2114
When you imagine the perfect tenant, who comes to mind? A young professional couple? No pets, no kids, high income, long-term renters? That’s what most new landlords think. But they’re wrong. In this episode, we reveal the surprising truth about who actually makes the best tenants – and how first-time landlords often get it backwards.You’ll learn:Why the tenant who looks worst on paper might be your best long-term renterThe crucial difference between “ideal buyer” and “ideal tenant”Why high income doesn’t always mean low riskWhat real property managers look for when picking the right personHow to challenge your assumptions (and avoid costly turnover) Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 24, 2025 • 14min
Why It’s Taking Longer to Find Tenants – and What You Can Do About It⎥Ep. 2113
In this episode, we dig into what’s really going on in the rental market. Is it just your imagination, or is it genuinely taking longer to find tenants? We reveal what the data says, what property managers are experiencing on the ground, and what that means for landlords today. If your rental’s been sitting vacant longer than you’d like, this episode’s for you.You’ll learn:Whether the slowdown is real or just a blipWhat the numbers show about current rental listings vs. demandHow long properties are sitting vacantWhat rents are doing right now (hint: not much)The steps smart landlords are taking to stay ahead Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 23, 2025 • 8min
The Worst Way to Predict House Prices – and Everyone Does It⎥Ep. 2112
Think you can guess where house prices (NZ) are headed based on what happened last year? Think again.In this episode, we reveal why using last year’s prices to predict next year’s market is one of the most common – and costly – mistakes investors make.We dig into the data to show whether good years really follow good years … and what actually happens next.You’ll learn:How often property prices really go upWhy the past is a poor predictor of the futureThe data behind short-term property market randomnessWhat Palmerston North can teach us about recency biasWhy smart investors never rely on headlines aloneThis is a wake-up call to stop investing with the rear-view mirror and start looking through the windscreen instead.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 22, 2025 • 15min
Can Average Kiwis Still Afford To Invest In Property?⎥Ep. 2111
Most Kiwis assume you need $100k+ in cash to buy a rental. But that’s not necessarily true.In this episode, we ask: “Can the average New Zealander actually invest in property?” And the answer might surprise you.We also dig into:What the “average” Kiwi really looks like – and whether you’re above or below itReal-life examples of everyday Kiwis investing in propertyHow much you might be able to afford – even with a modest incomeThe role equity plays and how you can unlock it Here's the calculator we mentioned in the showDon't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jun 21, 2025 • 21min
How Debbie and Brett Rebuilt Their Portfolio After Hitting a Wall⎥Ep. 2110
In this episode, we discuss how Debbie and Brett rebuilt their entire property investment strategy after hitting a major roadblock.After losing finance on a deal, they were forced to pause, regroup, and reset their retirement plan. And what came out of that process was a smarter, more sustainable investment strategy.You’ll learn:How they pivoted after the bank said “no”Why they sold both their existing rentals to buy new onesThe “one property per child” mindset (and why they moved on from it)Their vision for retirement and the lifestyle they’re building towardsThis is a powerful story for anyone who’s felt stuck in their property journey – and a clear example of how sometimes, going backwards can help you leap forward.Don't forget to create your free Opes+ account here.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
