Talking Property Development with John Kenel

Is New Zealand really a safe haven for anxious millionaires—or just political window dressing? In this wide-ranging chat, John Kenel (21 years, 1,000+ homes built) and Darcy dig into:

• NZ’s “Active Investor Plus” $5m visa, why demand may be limited, and a fairness take on foreign-buyer levies • Cost-of-living angle: using a levy to fund GST-off-food • Immigration settings vs “tax the rich” politics, and Australia’s Division 296 su...

In this mini podcast episode — just 5 minutes — I chat through what’s really going on in the market right now and why I reckon this could be the perfect time for property developers to get moving.

We’ll look at what’s shifting, what it means, and how smart developers can make the most of it. I’ll share a few strategies, a couple of things to watch out for, and hopefully give you a bit of clarity if you’re thinking about your next m...

If you're feeling stuck, uncertain, or just plain frustrated with where the property market’s heading — this episode will shake you awake.

In this action-packed episode of The Property Development Club Podcast, John and Andrew dive deep into:

• Whether house prices are actually affordable or it’s all smoke and mirrors

• Why youth unemployment is sitting at a shocking 18% in Auckland

• The rise of robots like "Flippy" and what i...

Global politics aren’t just headlines—they’re shaping the cost of living, the price of oil, and even what your house is worth.

In this episode, I connect the dots between wars in Europe, US debt and politics, and why oil could hit $150 a barrel.

You’ll learn how these global forces flow through to New Zealand—driving building costs, inflation, rents, and ultimately the value of your property.

I’ll also share thoughts on gold, share...

NZ Property 2025: Rising Costs, Stalled Growth…

But the Smart Move is Starting Now while headlines focus on falling prices and oversupply, because the real shift is already underway.

In this video, John Kenel and Andrew Crosby expose the truth about NZ property development in 2025 — rising infrastructure costs, council dysfunction, rental pressure, and why this could be the most important buying window we’ve seen in years.

This ...

On this episode of The Building Pulse Podcast, host Tim Haycock  sits down with seasoned developer John Kenel to explore one of the biggest questions in the housing market today: Is innovation still possible—or even necessary—to keep developments moving in New Zealand?

With over 1,000 homes built and 20+ years navigating the trenches of property development, John shares what’s changed, what’s broken, and why navigating red tape has...

This week I cover everything from Trump’s tariff chaos to the Reserve Bank’s drip-feed rate cuts—and why both are killing confidence.

I break down what’s really happening in the NZ housing market, with the latest stats from REINZ, and share my take on the government's granny flat policy. Sounds good on paper… but is it another regulation trap?

Plus, I give a behind-the-scenes update on my Moore Street project, explain why I’ve stop...

In this episode of The Property Development Club Podcast, hosts John Kenel and Andrew Crosby sit down with Johnny Gordon of Iconic Construction to explore the groundbreaking world of 3D printing in construction. Together, they dive into how this innovative approach is transforming the housing market in New Zealand and beyond.

From the efficiency and cost savings of 3D printed homes to the challenges of adapting to evolving market t...

In this compelling episode of the Property Development Club, hosts John Kenel and Andrew Crosby sit down with Shane Brealey, Managing Director of Simplicity Living, one of New Zealand's leading Build-to-Rent developers. With decades of experience and a clear vision for the future, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge on New Zealand’s property challenges, the Build-to-Rent (BTR) movement, and the impact of government policies on devel...

Want to avoid the most common mistakes developers make and get ahead in the NZ property game?

n this episode of Talking Property Development, John, Andrew, and Dave dive into the New Zealand property market. We focus on the critical role of surveying with insights from Dave McCracken, an experienced surveyor whose expertise can make or break a development.

Dave explains why accurate surveying is crucial for avoiding costly mistak...

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In this episode, John Kenel and Andrew Crosby host a discussion with Blair Chappell from Williams Corporation.  

They focus on the intricacies of property development, particularly in the context of townhouses.

They explore the journey of Williams Corporation, the challenges of scaling a business in the construction industry, and the impact of market dynamics and government intervention on develop...

In this episode, John Kenel takes a deep dive into the current challenges of the New Zealand property market, explaining why—despite economic downturns and high interest rates—now could be the perfect time to invest. Drawing on years of experience in property development, John shares his best strategies to help investors navigate this difficult landscape and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

John emphasizes the importan...

In this episode of Talking Property Development with John Kenel, we sit down with Doug Thomson from Squirrel and Andrew Crosby to dive into the world of property finance. We cover everything from borrowing money for your next development to maximizing returns on your investments. Doug shares his expertise on how developers can secure funding, the importance of pre-sales, and crafting the best financial strategy for successful proje...

In this chat, John and Andrew dive into a variety of topics surrounding property development and current market dynamics.

They start by exploring the renewed optimism within the property market and the noticeable return of developers.

The conversation then shifts to the tough lending criteria facing developers and the escalating costs of construction.

They also tackle the various challenges and risks that come with property develop...

John and Andrew discuss the recent interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank and its impact on the property market. They delve into topics such as real estate psychology, housing affordability, and the latest development news. The episode wraps up with insights on the importance of mindset in property development.

In the latter part of the conversation, they explore crucial topics for developers: funding for the first development, site...

In this podcast episode, John and Andrew discuss various topics including development news, securing financing for developments, reducing house prices, and the New Zealand property market. They also review a book on the history of money and discuss government policies on insulation standards. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the property development industry.

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Exploring the Latest New...

In this episode, John and Andrew discuss various topics related to property development and investment. They talk about the current state of the property market in New Zealand, including changes in property values and the impact of interest rates. They also discuss the introduction of debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) and the potential consequences for buyers and developers. The conversation touches on the concept of build-to-rent (BTR)...