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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.
That's whether you're an existing or aspiring property investor, you want to get into your first home, or you're just interested in the property market.
Andrew Nicol and Ed McKnight host the podcast. Andrew is the Managing Partner of Opes Partners and a prolific investor himself. Ed is an economist. https://www.opespartners.co.nz/investment/property-investment
Legal Stuff: https://www.opespartners.co.nz/disclaimer-youtube-podcast-webinar
7 Strategies To Master Your Mortgage – Special Guest: Peter Norris ⎜ Ep. 1224
In this episode, we are joined by mortgage adviser – Peter Norris from Catalyst Financial to discuss the 7 strategies property investors need to know to master their mortgage.
This includes the Mortgage Buster, the Debt Destroyer, the Earn Baby Earn, and the newest strategy, "Bugger the Banks" – i.e. using a non-bank lender.
This allows property investors, first-home buyers and existing homeowners to understand what they can do to borrow more.
We also mention that you can download this ebook to learn about all of the strategies in more depth.
13:2517/01/2023
(Must Listen) – The Ultimate Guide To Buying Your First Home in 2023 ⎜ Ep. 1223
In this episode, we discuss what first-home buyers need to do when purchasing a house to live in throughout 2023.
This includes a look at how much deposit first home buyers need, how to calculate how much money they can afford to borrow, and the type of property to buy.
This is based on the information in our recently released book – Wealth Plan, which shows investors how to use property throughout their lifetime to eventually retire on real estate.
We also mention that if you want help buying your first home, check out our first home buyers service – Opes First Home.
13:1316/01/2023
Don't Follow This Advice – "The Accountant Didn't Know What He Was Doing" – with April Hastilow ⎜ Ep. 1222
In this episode, we are joined by April Hastilow, a mortgage adviser at Catalyst Financial, to discuss an example of the sort of advice property investors should not follow.
This comes from a story when April was working with a property investor who put a new build under contract. The investor then took advice from their accountant to start their own business.
In the end, this meant that the property investor's finance fell through, and they had to pay a substantially higher interest rate.
We also mention that if you want to learn more about property investment, subscribe to the Opes Partners YouTube channel.
14:1015/01/2023
Case Study Sunday – "Give Me My $12,000 Back!" How This Investor Got Their Money Back From a Financial Adviser ⎜ Ep. 1221
In this episode, we are joined by Kathy Faulkner to discuss a case study of a property investor who paid $12,000 to a financial adviser to get financial advice and access to the financial adviser's information.
But, in the end, these investors didn't see value in the information that was provided. We walk through what this investor did to get their money back and what their next steps in property investment are.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
11:1214/01/2023
Review: Bluestone Home Loans – Are They Any Good? ⎜ Ep. 1220
In this episode, we review Bluestone Home Loans, a non-bank lender. For this, we are joined by mortgage adviser Peter Norris from Catalyst Financial.
We talk through who Bluestone is the right and wrong fit for and how their products compare with the main banks and other non-bank lenders like Resimac.
Ultimately, this lets property investors and first-home buyers understand when Bluestone would be the right call for them.
We also mention that you can book your complimentary Portfolio Planning session by clicking the link and popping your details into the form.
11:3913/01/2023
Do I Really Need a Property Manager? The Answer May Be No ⎜ Ep. 1219
In this episode, we discuss whether Kiwi property investors really do need a property manager … because the answer may be "no".
We discuss the reasons to use a property manager and also the reasons not to use a property manager.
Ultimately, this allows property investors to make up their own minds and decide whether using a property manager is the right fit for them.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
16:1412/01/2023
Stop Saving For Retirement … Do This Instead ⎜ Ep. 1218
In this episode, we discuss why Kiwi investors should stop saving for retirement and what they should start doing instead.
This includes a look at the amount of money Kiwi investors would need to put away each week if they were to save $1 million.
We then compare this with the amount an investor would need to invest if choosing a different (higher risk) asset class. Ultimately, this allows investors to make an informed decision about where to park their money.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
13:0511/01/2023
Is [Insert Developer Name] Any Good? How To Tell If A Developer Is Any Good or Not ⎜ Ep. 1217
In this episode, we are joined by Micky Limmer from Opes Property to talk about how to tell if the developer you are working with is any good (or not).
This includes the checks you can do at home to test whether a developer will likely build you a good property on time and budget.
Andrew also walks through a couple of case studies of where a developer has seemed ok initially, but then has come out as less reputable once the red flags have started to appear.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
13:5810/01/2023
Till Divorce Do Us Part – When To Combine Your Financial Situation With Your Partner ⎜ Ep. 1216
In this epsiode, we discuss the exact point where two property investors should combine their financial situations. We go through why property investors need a Relationship Property Agreement (RPA) when they start getting serious in their new relationship.
And on top of this, we talk about how investors can set up their financial situation when they start investing with a partner. Ultimately this allows property investors to manage their risk and not put themselves in a bad financial situation.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
14:2809/01/2023
Use This Simple Trick To Beat Falling House Prices and Keep Investing – with April Hastilow ⎜ Ep. 1215
In this episode, we are joined by mortgage adviser April Hastilow from Catalyst Financial to discuss a simple trick that homeowners can use to beat falling house prices.
Specifically, this strategy is around managing your debt so that you can still borrow against your property ... even if its value has fallen.
This includes using mortgage products like a revolving credit to pay down debt while still retaining access to the money.
10:5708/01/2023
Case Study Sunday – "The Banks Won't Lend Me More Money" … How This Investor Got the Money To Invest ⎜ Ep. 1214
In this episode, we are joined by property investors, Ilse Wolfe from Opes Accelerate to discuss a case study of an investor who wasn't able to get the money from the bank to purchase an existing property to renovate.
We discuss how they used a non-bank lender product through Catalyst Financial to borrow the money, even though they didn't initially have the deposit to do it.
12:5107/01/2023
Rentvesting – How To Invest in Property While Still Renting ⎜ Ep. 1213
In this episode, we discuss how kiwi property investors can build an investment portfolio while still renting personally.
We work through the numbers to show how rentvesting impacts your ability to borrow in the future, and both the pros and the cons of this strategy.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
12:4006/01/2023
Are Taking Enough Risk? Not Taking Risk Can Cost You ⎜ Ep. 1212
In this episode, we discuss how property investors (and all investors) need to take some amount of risk, and that not taking risk has a cost associated with it.
We work through the numbers to show how much not taking risk costs you, and how it compares across different asset classes.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
12:4405/01/2023
Bottom of the Market Predictions – When Will The Bottom of the Market Hit? ⎜ Ep. 1211
In this epsiode, we discuss when the bottom of the property market will hit, how much more property prices will drop, and how quickly prices will recover.
This is based on the predictions and forecasts of the Reserve Bank, The Treasury, ANZ, and Westpac ... along with predictions from KiwiBank, Tony Alexander and Opes Partners.
Putting all these forecasts and predictions together can give us different views on the market, so we can come to a reasoned consensus of what might actually happen.
Ultimately, this allows property investors and first-home buyers to make a more informed decision about when to purchase.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
09:2804/01/2023
Best of the Best in 2022 – Revealed: The Suburbs That Did The Best For Property Investors ⎜ Ep. 1210
In this episode, we discuss CoreLogic's Best of the Best report, which details the top-performing suburbs across New Zealand in 2022.
This includes the suburbs that increased in value the fastest, the suburbs that decreased in value the fastest, and the most (and least) expensive suburbs across the country.
Ultimately, this helps property investors and first-home buyers understand how the property market works and how it is changing. Together, this data will help you see the principles that we talk about on the show in practice.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
12:0103/01/2023
Help! My Financial Advisers Are Saying Different Things (Conflicting Financial Advice) ⎜ Ep. 1209
In this episode, we discuss what property investors should do if they are working with two financial advisers who are saying different things.
This includes a 4-step process that investors can walk through to come to a resolution: being clear on your goals; understanding the strategy each adviser recommends; getting your advisers in the same room; and understanding each of their financial motivations.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
13:3102/01/2023
How Many Properties Do I Need to Look at To Get a Good Deal? ⎜ Ep. 1208
In this episode, we are joined by Micky Limmer from Opes Property to talk about how many properties investors need to look at before they can get a good deal.
This includes numbers for investors looking at new builds and existing properties too. We also discuss how the number of properties you need to look at will change based on how well you know your buying criteria ... and examples of how you can set your buying criteria to get a better hit rate.
That way, you won't have to look at so many different properties.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
14:2801/01/2023
Case Study Sunday – "Complete Disaster & Money Pit?" … Andrew + Ed Share Their View ⎜ Ep. 1207
In this episode, we discuss a case study of an investor who had worked with Propellor Property Investments to purchase a property. The investor then became worried that her property would be a "complete disaster & money pit".
Andrew walks through how he helped the investor figure out whether she should hold or sell the property. He also talks through the return on investment and cashflow for the property.
We also mention that you can book a complimentary Portfolio Planning session through this link.
13:0631/12/2022
How To Set Insanely Achievable Goals in 2023 (3 Steps) ⎜ Ep. 1206
In this episode, we discuss the 3-step process property investors should use to set achievable goals. This includes deciding what you want, how much of it you want and when you want it by.
We go through case studies and examples, so you can see how this framework can be used in practice.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
08:5130/12/2022
Today Is The Day – Smash Your Property Goals in 2023 ⎜ Ep. 1205
In this episode, we discuss how property investors and first-home buyers can set actionable goals and then achieve them in 2023.
This includes discussing how to stay motivated, so that you keep moving towards your goals.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
10:0129/12/2022
Top 10 Opportunities in 2023 for Kiwi Property Investors ⎜ Ep. 1204
In this episode, we discuss the top 10 property investment opportunities available in 2023. This includes opportunities for property investors, developers, first-home buyers, and anyone looking to stay engaged with the New Zealand property market throughout 2023.
These opportunities include: developers picking up deals from other investors cheaply, renovations-focussed investors picking up properties before the election, and first-home buyers taking advantage of a quieter market with more choices.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
16:0928/12/2022
No-Skill Renovations – How To Renovate Without Doing The Grunt Work + Opes 360 ⎜ Ep. 1203
In this episode, we discuss how property investors can renovate properties without doing a lot of the grunt work. That means not having to pick up a hammer … or having to put on old clothes before lathering up a paintbrush.
For this, we are joined by Ilse Wolfe from Opes Accelerate, who also announces her new service – Opes 360, where Ilse's team will project manage a renovation for you.
That means property investors can Cashflow Hack the properties they already own without needing to be actively involved themselves.
15:2627/12/2022
Learn How To Renovate – What To Learn & How to Learn It ⎜ Ep. 1202
In this episode, we are joined by Ilse Wolfe from Opes Accelerate to discuss how Kiwi property investors can learn how to renovate properties … the right way.
This includes what property investors need to learn and the content to read, watch and listen to so they can learn these skills. Ilse also shares how she learned to renovate properties over 13 years of renovation experience.
We also mention that if you want some help learning how to renovate, you can always check out the Opes Accelerate property coaching programme.
15:0926/12/2022
Leaked: The Properties Andrew Bought in 2022 – Exact Numbers ⎜ Ep. 1201
In this episode, we share the properties that Andrew Nicol bought in 2022. This includes the properties he signed a contract to buy … and the ones he settled.
Andrew talks us through the types of properties he is buying right now and the reasons why he's pursuing this specific strategy.
He then takes us through the numbers, including the purchase price, cash flow and expected return on investment. Ultimately this allows property investors and first home buyers to copy the same strategy ... if they think it's going to work for them.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
14:2825/12/2022
Case Study Sunday – Single Mum Invests in Property … Prepares For Retirement ⎜ Ep. 1200
In this episode, we are joined by property investor, Toby Pascoe to discuss a case study of a single mum from the Hawke's Bay who is investing in property to secure her retirement.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
10:1724/12/2022
Christmas Special: All I Want For Christmas Is … ⎜ Ep. 1199
This special Christmas episode discusses what Ed and Andrew want Santa to bring them over the next year in the property market. We also review what the pair asked for last year … and whether they got it.
Ultimately, this is a lighthearted look at what could be in store for property investors, home buyers and first-home buyers in 2023.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
09:5423/12/2022
Get Around the Interest Deductibility Taxes – Recap ⎜ Ep. 1198
In this episode, we recap the government's new interest deductibility rules that have some property investors paying tax as if they don't have a mortgage … even though they still have a mortgage to pay.
This includes looking at how investors can adapt their properties to make them 'New Builds' under the new tax rules, which come with significant tax benefits.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
11:4422/12/2022
Can't Find a Tenant! Is There an Oversupply of Rentals? ⎜ Ep. 1197
In this episode, we discuss whether it is harder to find a tenant at the moment … and whether there is an oversupply of rental properties in New Zealand.
This comes from a listener of the show who is struggling to find a tenant for their rental property right now in the Auckland property market.
We also mention how the rental market is cyclical and that throughout the year, there are periods where it is more difficult to find a tenant compared to the rest of the year.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
13:3421/12/2022
Biased! Are Mortgage Brokers Biased & Are They Worth It? ⎜ Ep. 1196
In this episode, we discuss whether mortgage brokers are biased … and if they're any good. This comes from a recent Stuff article, which suggested that mortgage brokers unfairly increase interest rates for all borrowers across the country.
We also reveal how much mortgage brokers earn per deal and whether they are incentivised to recommend borrowers go with lenders who pay the highest commissions.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
15:0920/12/2022
How to Recession-Proof Your Property Portfolio (6 Strategies) ⎜ Ep. 1195
In this episode, we discuss how property investors can recession-proof their portfolios. This includes a look at what the potential recession in 2023 could look like, how deep it will be, and how many people could be impacted.
We also introduce 6 strategies that property investors can use to protect themselves, including revolving credits, increasing their pay, securing their jobs, raising rents, restructuring debts and preparing to take advantage of good deals.
We wrap up the episode by mentioning that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate what your retirement is going to look like.
13:5219/12/2022
John Key's Property Predictions – What the ANZ Chairman Thinks Will Happen ⎜ Ep. 1194
In this episode, we discuss John Key's property market predictions. These come from a recent webinar held with Sir John Key with property developer Stonewood Key.
This includes Sir John's views on interest rates, unemployment, whether property prices will continue to increase over the long term, and how the properties that New Zealanders buy will change.
This allows property investors and first-home buyers to understand what the property market may do over the next 1-10 years.
13:3518/12/2022
Case Study Sunday – Flipping Houses on a $48k a Salary with Hollie McLachlan ⎜ Ep. 1193
In this episode, we are joined by Hollie McLachlan to discuss how she flipped a house while earning just $48k a year as her main salary.
Hollie shows us how property investors can get their start doing flips while still holding down a full-time job and doing it while servicing is tight.
We also mention that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to see what your retirement is going to look like. Click the link to use the software for free.
15:0117/12/2022
Rising Interest Rates – Should I Break My Mortgage Before Rates Go Up? ⎜ Ep. 1192
In this episode, we discuss whether property investors and home owners should break their fixed mortgage interest rate before rates go up further.
We break down the numbers and discuss how to know whether you'll save money or end up spending even more money if you break your mortgage.
We also mention that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software to calculate the size of your Wealth Gap and see whether you're on track for a comfortable retirement.
09:2716/12/2022
"My Wife and I are Splitting Up – How Do We Value the House?" ⎜ Ep. 1191
In this episode, we discuss how to determine the fair value of a house when you are getting a divorce. We run through the numbers and talk about the different ways that a house can be valued.
This includes a discussion on whether property investors and first home buyers should use a registered valuer or a real estate agent to determine the value.
We also discuss that you can use the public version of our My Wealth Plan software, to see what your Wealth Gap is, and how on track you are for a comfortable retirement.
10:3315/12/2022
Are Banks Making Bank? How Much Banks Are Really Making Through Higher Interest Rates ⎜ Ep. 1190
In this episode, we discuss whether banks really are making enormous profits from higher interest rates, and whether property investors and first home buyers are paying too much in interest costs.
This includes a look at how banks set interest rates and the net interest margin that each bank makes when lending out money for residential property. We also take a look at the composition of each bank's funding.
We also mention that we have just released our My Wealth Plan software, which you can use to see whether you are on track for retirement.
10:1414/12/2022
Long Term Interest Rates – Where Will Interest Rates Go In The Long Term? ⎜ Ep. 1189
In this episode, we discuss where interest rates are going to go over the long term. This allows first home buyers and property investors to project what their cashflows may do over the long run.
We specifically go through data points like the long term neutral interest rate and what interest rates have done (on average) over the last 10 years.
09:2413/12/2022
Selling Old Properties To Buy New Builds – Is It a Good or Bad Idea? ⎜ Ep. 1188
In this episode, we discuss whether it is a good idea for property investors to sell their existing properties to buy new builds.
This comes after the government introduced new taxes that mean that investors holding existing properties will be significantly more to the IRD.
We talk through when this is a good or bad idea, and also the three checks you need to go through before selling.
11:3212/12/2022
Property Market Downturn – How Far Through The Downturn Are We? ⎜ Ep. 1187
In this episode, we discuss how far through the housing market downturn the New Zealand property market currently is.
This allows property investors and first home buyers the chance to decide whether it is the right time for them to engage with the housing market or not.
We also mention that you can get the latest property market insights by signing up to our weekly newsletter – Private Property newsletter sign-up.
You can also see all the graphs mentioned in this episode here.
12:3711/12/2022
Case Study Sunday – Retiring Early on $200k a Year ... How Mike and Sarah Plan To Do It ⎜ Ep. 1186
In this episode, we discuss a case study of a real Kiwi couple who are investing in property so that they can retire early and spend $200k a year using the Nest Egg strategy.
We go through how Mike and Sarah ended up in the position where this is an option for them, how many properties they own, and when they started.
Ultimately this allows you to understand what you'd need to do to getin the same position.
15:1410/12/2022
What Would Make the Property Market Turn Around? ⎜ Ep. 1185
In this episode, we discuss the factors that would make the property market turn around, including a reversal in the interest deductibility rules; a change in the LVR restrictions and a belief that interest rates are coming down.
We go through how this would change property investors' cashflows and their ability to borrow.
14:4409/12/2022
Talking To Your Parents About Retirement ... The Game Plan ⎜ Ep. 1184
In this episode, we discuss how property investors can talk to their parents (and other family members) about their retirement.
We talk about when to bring it up and the types of questions to ask your family when trying to talk to them about their financial future.
We also mention that you might like to use our My Wealth Plan software to calculate their exact Wealth Gap.
10:3108/12/2022
Bad News is Good News ... Why Scary News Headlines Are Good (Right Now) ⎜ Ep. 1183
In this episode, we discuss how bad economics news and scary news headlines are exactly what New Zealand needs (right now).
Inflation is too high and the Reserve Bank needs to get all Kiwis to spend less so that prices stop rising so quickly. So it is a good thing if bad news headlines scare us into spending less.
That will decrease demand in the economy, bringing it back inline with supply, which will then help keep prices in check.
So as property investors and first home buyers, we should be aware that scary headlines and bad news is exactly what the country needs to eventually bring interest rates down.
12:0607/12/2022
Bonus - Property Investment Cashflows in 2023 – What To Expect - Webinar audio
In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the audio from the recent Property Live webinar where we looked at the "Property Investment Cashflows in 2023 – What To Expect", what to look for in a property, and how you should calculate cashflows to guide your property investment choices and create wealth in 2023 and for your financial future.
01:21:0906/12/2022
Timing The Market – Which Data Should I Look At? ⎜ Ep. 1182
In this episode, we discuss which data property investors, first home buyers and other home owners should look at if they are trying to time their purchase of an investment property perfectly.
This includes a discussion of the data produced by both Tony Alexander, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) and Core Logic.
14:0406/12/2022
"Don't Invest in Property. Just Don't" – Arguing with Uncle Lester ⎜ Ep. 1181
In this episode, we discuss how property investors (and those interested in property) should ho about debating with people who take a more pessimistic view.
This comes after one Facebook user left a lengthy comment on one of our Facebook ads detailing why people shouldn't invest in property.
We use this as a case study of how you can use facts and data to respond to emotional comments from people who take a negative view of investment properties.
14:5905/12/2022
Buying a House vs Investing in Shares ... Are You Better Off Renting? ⎜ Ep. 1180
In this episode, we discuss a recent news story that claimed that investing in KiwiSaver would provide better returns than first-home buyers purchasing a property.
We go through the modelling to see whether that news article was correct, and you can double-check our modelling and our assumptions using this modelling spreadsheet here.
14:0404/12/2022
Case Study Sunday – "Can We Retire in 8 Years with a $150k Passive Income?" ⎜ Ep. 1179
In this episode, we discuss the case study of Aaron and Sue who want to retire in 8 years and spend $150k a year.
We look at their current portfolio, their situation and consider what options they have to achieve their goals ... and if not, what they should do instead.
14:3503/12/2022
What Happens if My Property Management Company is Sold?⎜Ep. 1178
In this episode, we discuss what happens if the property manager you're using is sold.
This happens frequently in the property investment industry, so we walk you through the questions that you as a property investor should ask when this happens.
We also mention that you can vote for the Property Academy Podcast as part of the NZ Podcast Awards Listener's Choice award. Click the link to vote.
11:1202/12/2022
New House Price Forecast – How the OCR Impacts House Prices ... Latest Data ⎜ Ep. 1177
In this episode, we discuss the Reserve Bank's most recent house price forecast, and how interest rates will impact New Zealand real estate prices.
This includes diving into how this house price forecast compares to the previous predictions put out by the country's central bank and whether this impacts our own prediction for the housing market.
We also mention that you can vote for the Property Academy Podcast at the NZ Podcast Awards Listener's Choice. Click the link to vote.
14:4401/12/2022
Interest Rates – OCR Up ... What It Means For Your Mortgage ⎜ Ep. 1176
In this episode, we discuss the Reserve Banks' most recent change to the OCR and how this will impact mortgage interest rates.
We play clips from the most recent Monetary Policy Statement to get a sense of how high mortgage interest rates may go.
We also mention that =we could use your vote for the NZ Podcast Awards Listener's Choice award. Click the link to nominate the Property Academy Podcast.
15:1830/11/2022