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
May 24, 2025 • 16min
The $50,000 mistake: How one tradie poisoned this Kiwi’s home⎥Ep. 2082
In this episode, we share Nick’s story — a Kiwi tradie who bought a do-up in Auckland… and ended up with a toxic home, a rogue removalist, and a $50,000 repair bill.You’ll learn:How asbestos was missed (then badly handled) during a renovationWhat it took to fix the contamination and take the tradie to courtAnd how to protect yourself from dodgy operators when renovating your propertyWant to build a safe and smart reno plan? Start with a solid property investment strategy that covers more than just the upfront numbers.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 23, 2025 • 16min
How much can tenants damage a house … and still get their bond back?⎥Ep. 2081
In this episode, we discuss what actually counts as “fair wear and tear” — and how much damage a tenant can do before they’re forced to pay.You’ll learn:When landlords can legally take money from the bond to cover repairsWhat the Tenancy Tribunal considers “normal” damage (vs neglect or intent)And the wild case where one tenant had to pay $4,500 — just in insurance excessesWant peace of mind that your property is being looked after? Learn how property management in NZ can help protect your investment.Register to try Opes+ out for yourself, it's free for everyone to use.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 22, 2025 • 17min
Who can legally sell property in NZ? (The 5 levels explained)⎥Ep. 2080
In this episode, we discuss who’s legally allowed to sell property in New Zealand — and the 5 different levels of people involved in the real estate game.You’ll learn:Who can sell property without any qualifications (and the surprising loopholes)The difference between a salesperson, agent, developer, and financial adviserAnd the risks of taking advice from someone who isn’t properly licensedThinking of getting into the industry — or just want to know who’s really qualified to advise you? Check out our guide to financial advisers in NZ and how they can support your property journey.Register to try Opes+ out for yourself, it's free for everyone to use.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 21, 2025 • 16min
How often do tenants NOT pay their rent?⎥Ep. 2079
In this episode, we discuss how often tenants fall behind on rent – and whether rent arrears are as scary as many property investors fear.You’ll learn:The real data behind how often rent goes unpaid (including our own internal numbers)Why tenants fall behind — and what you can do to protect yourselfAnd which city has more missed rent payments: Auckland or Christchurch?Want to feel more confident renting out your property? Here’s what you need to know about property management in NZ.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 20, 2025 • 17min
How Fast Are Interest Rates REALLY Falling?⎥Ep. 2078
In this episode, we discuss how fast interest rates are actually falling — and what that means for your mortgage.You’ll learn:Why Trump’s tariffs could be the surprising reason your mortgage just got cheaperWhich fixed-term rates have dropped the most in the last 30 daysAnd why negotiating your rate is getting harder (unless you know what to ask for)Want to know what your repayments will look like as rates fall? Use our mortgage calculator NZ to run the numbers on your next fix.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 19, 2025 • 22min
I lived on NZ Super for a week. Here's what happened⎥Ep. 2077
In this episode, we discuss what happened when we challenged ourselves to live off the New Zealand Superannuation for a full week — and spoiler: it was harder than we thought.You’ll learn:What it’s really like to stick to $538 a week (and how fast it disappears)The hidden costs and unexpected bills that trip up even the best budgetsAnd why retiring on NZ Super alone might not be as easy as it soundsThinking ahead to your own retirement? Check out our guide on how much is NZ Super per fortnight — and what else you’ll need to truly live well in your later years.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 18, 2025 • 21min
Is property investing still worth it in 2025?⎥Ep. 2076
In this episode, we discuss whether property investing still stacks up in 2025 — or if the golden age is over (and never coming back).You’ll learn:The real returns you can expect from property vs shares todayHow to know if property is still the right fit for your investment strategyAnd why the idea of a “property cycle” might not be as outdated as some thinkWant to see how investing compares in today’s market? Create your free account in the Opes+ app to weigh up the numbers for yourself.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 17, 2025 • 17min
From landscaper to accountant: How I started investing at 23⎥Ep. 2075
In this episode, we discuss how Oliver — a 23-year-old investor — bought his first home in Tauranga, went from landscaper to accountant, and used a clever Kiwi strategy to pay off his mortgage faster.You’ll learn:How he bought an older home and used boarders to cover the mortgageWhat inspired him to start investing young (and how he made it work)And the mindset shift that helped him move from labouring to long-term wealth buildingFor more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 16, 2025 • 19min
Do this every time you get paid (Economist’s Routine)⎥Ep. 2074
In this episode, we discuss what to do every time you get paid — and how to create a simple system that helps you grow wealth without overthinking it.You’ll learn:Why budgeting doesn’t work (and what to do instead)How to set up the 4-bank-account system used by Ed and AndrewAnd how to build your “silent salary” — income that grows while you sleepWant to know what it’ll cost to invest in your first property? Use our free property investment calculator to see how much you’ll need to top it up each week.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
May 15, 2025 • 13min
Why time IN the market beats timing the market⎥Ep. 2073
In this episode, we discuss whether that old saying — “time in the market beats timing the market” — actually holds up. (Spoiler: it does. And we’ve got the data to prove it.)You’ll learn:The best and worst returns in NZ property history — from 1 year to 15 yearsWhy holding for the long term smooths out the booms and bustsAnd why even the worst-timed property purchase in history still turned out okay (if held long enough)Want to understand how property grows over time? Check out our interactive house price index calculator to see what’s really happened in the market.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
