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 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
Mar 4, 2026 • 18min
We Bought a Property Together, and Now We Hate Each Other⎟Ep. 2366
We bought a property together… and now we hate each other. It sounds dramatic, but it happens more often than you think.In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack three real New Zealand cases where co-ownership went badly wrong — and the one document that could have prevented every single one.You’ll learn:3 true stories of property partnerships that ended up in courtWhy doesn’t the bank care who “stopped paying”The simple agreement that could save you years of stress If you’re thinking about buying with a friend, sibling, partner, or even your in-laws – this episode is a must-listen before you sign anything.Because love is blind, but money isn’t.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 3, 2026 • 12min
Auckland’s 2 Million Home Plan Just Shrunk – Here’s Why⎟Ep. 2365
The government just made a massive housing U-turn. Auckland’s theoretical housing capacity has been slashed by 400,000 homes, from 2 million down to 1.6 million.In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what’s actually going on behind the headline ... and what it really means for property investors.You’ll learn:What the government’s housing U-turn actually changesWhether Auckland was ever going to build 2 million homesThe real opportunities (and risks) hiding in the new zoning rulesWhile the headlines shout “U-turn”… the real story is far more nuanced.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 2, 2026 • 14min
They’re Saying It’s Over for Property Investors… Is It?⎟Ep. 2364
“16 reasons why it’s all over for mum-and-dad property investors.”That was the headline. But is property investment actually dead?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack Tony Alexander’s article, separate the headline from the reality, and dive into what the data really says about investors in 2026.You’ll learn:The 16 headwinds facing everyday property investorsWhether Tony Alexander actually thinks property is “over”Who’s really buying property right now The big shift? Property investing isn’t disappearing ... it’s becoming more professional. And for investors willing to treat it like a serious business instead of a hobby, the opportunity is still there.Check out Tony Alexander's 'Tony's View' newsletter that we 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
Mar 1, 2026 • 19min
The Rules Non-Residents Must Follow to Buy in NZ (2026 Update)⎟Ep. 2363
Living overseas but want to invest in New Zealand property?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down exactly how it works in 2026 – who can legally buy, how to structure it properly, and the biggest mistake overseas investors make.You’ll learn:Who can (and can’t) buy NZ property from overseasThe step-by-step process to invest from abroadThe #1 hurdle most overseas investors run into Investing from overseas is absolutely possible. But it’s more complex than buying locally, and it pays to get the structure right from day one.Here are the links to our articles Top 5 property lawyers in New Zealand Top 10 mortgage brokers in New Zealand and to the Area AnalyserAnd click this link if you want to book a free Wealth Plan meeting
Feb 28, 2026 • 19min
22 Years Old. $100,000 Saved. First Home Bought Alone⎟Ep. 2362
How does a 22-year-old save $100,000 in just four years – on a low income, with no help from Mum and Dad?In this Case Study Sunday episode, George shares the raw, unfiltered story of how he bought his first home completely on his own ... and the sacrifices it took to get there.You’ll learn:How George saved over $100k while fully supporting himselfWhat he sold – including his ute (and his ego) – to speed up his depositWhat it’s really like to buy a house sight unseen and walk in for the first time on settlement dayThis isn’t a ‘get rich quick’ story. It’s a story about grit, discipline, and proving that even on a modest income, it’s still possible to get ahead ... if you’re willing to do what others won’t.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
Feb 27, 2026 • 12min
The One Number That Predicts Whether You’ll Retire Rich⎟Ep. 2361
Do you actually know if you’re getting wealthier?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the one number every property investor needs to track – and why most people either obsess over it… or completely ignore it.You’ll learn:The #1 number that tells you whether you’re actually getting aheadThe extremes some investors go to track it (including weekly property value updates)How to track your net worth automatically – for freeMost investors have big goals: financial freedom, early retirement, and building a portfolio. But if you’re serious about building wealth through property, this is the number you can’t afford to ignore.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
Feb 26, 2026 • 16min
A Viewer Said My Portfolio Is Terrible – Is He Right?⎟Ep. 2360
“Ed, your property portfolio sux.” That’s the comment that kicked off this episode.In today’s show, Ed and Andrew read out a brutally honest viewer comment claiming Ed's new-build portfolio is nothing more than “market-rider properties” ... and that only older houses with land make sense.You’ll learn:The 3 strongest arguments for why Ed’s portfolio “sucks”What the data actually says about land size vs capital growthWhy leverage – not land – might be the real game changerThis isn’t an episode about saying new builds are better than existing properties. It’s about understanding what suits your time, skillset, and risk tolerance... and what you actually have to put in to get the return.And maybe, just maybe, it’s also about property investors judging each other a little less.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
Feb 25, 2026 • 15min
Hot Pools, High Prices — But Is It a Good Investment?⎟Ep. 2359
Is Hanmer Springs actually a good place to invest, or does it just feel like one?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the numbers behind one of New Zealand’s favourite alpine getaway towns. You’ll learn:Whether Hanmer Springs stacks up as a pure investment How much money you could realistically make – from long-term rent to AirbnbThe exact framework to analyse any town in New ZealandThis episode isn’t just about Hanmer. It’s a step-by-step guide to analysing any area in the country ... so you can separate good vibes from good investments.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
Feb 24, 2026 • 9min
The Insurance Red List Most Buyers Don’t Know About⎟Ep. 2358
AA Insurance has quietly stopped issuing new house insurance policies in parts of New Zealand. So what does that actually mean for homeowners and investors?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down what’s really going on behind the headlines ... and why this matters far more than most people realise.You’ll learn:Why AA Insurance paused new home and landlord policies in Rolleston and other suburbsWhat REALLY happens if you can’t get house insurance Why this isn’t just a “risky suburb” issue If you’re buying, selling, or investing in property in 2026, this is one risk you can’t afford to ignore.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
