The Property Academy Podcast

The Property Academy Podcast

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

Episodes

August 12, 2025 19 mins

In this brutally honest episode, Ed and Andrew tackle a difficult but essential question: Have we misled people into investing in property?

After receiving an email from a listener who says some followers are now in financial hardship, the team doesn’t brush it off. Instead, they confront the feedback head-on – acknowledging the risks of leverage, and the need for deeper financial education.

You’ll hear:

  • Why one listener says Opes...
Mark as Played

You don’t have to sacrifice the finer things in life just because you’re saving for your next investment.

In this episode, Ed, Andrew, and Sabby talk about how to live a boujee lifestyle without blowing your budget.

You’ll learn:

  • The biggest mistake most people make when trying to save – and what to do instead
  • Sabby’s favourite “boujee on a budget” hacks, including her take on affordable luxury
  • How to still enjoy life (while secret...
Mark as Played

Thinking about becoming a property investor? Before you take the plunge, you need to hear this.

This episode is your brutally honest reality check. Most people think property investing is a quick win. Buy a house, wait a bit, boom — instant equity. But that’s not how it works.In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • 6 hard truths about property investment that most people don’t talk about
  • Why 1 in 3 new investors lose money in their first y...
Mark as Played

Chris built a 4-property portfolio without using any of his own cash. He started investing while living in the UK – and now owns four houses across Wellington and Rolleston.

In this episode, we unpack how he did it and the tactics he used to get great deals – even in a tough market.

You’ll learn:

  • How Chris used cheeky lowball offers to nab a great deal
  • Why he doesn’t want to retire early (and what he’s aiming for instead)
  • How equity...
Mark as Played

Is New Zealand quietly heading toward another leaky home crisis?Right now, over one-third of new homes are failing their final council inspection – and most Kiwis don’t know it.

In this episode, we reveal what’s really going on with the quality of new builds, and whether you should be worried as a property investor.

You’ll learn:

  • The 4 most common reasons new builds fail their final inspection
  • Whether this is the start of another ...
Mark as Played

Council rates are surging across the country – but what’s really driving the increase?

In this episode, we break down the hidden forces that are making rates more expensive for property investors and homeowners alike.

You’ll learn:

  • Why 2025 is the worst year for rate hikes since 1991
  • The 3-year council that increased rates by a staggering 66%
  • What councils are spending your money on – and whether it’s worth it

Don't forget ...

Mark as Played

Some experts claim that investing in shares grows the economy, while investing in property doesn’t. But is that really true?

In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down an article from RNZ that encouraged Kiwis to “break up with property,” and challenge the idea that property investment is bad for New Zealand’s future.

You’ll hear:

  • Why comparing $100 in shares vs $100 in property misses the full picture.
  • The hidden productivity behin...
Mark as Played
August 5, 2025 88 mins

In this special bonus episode, you'll hear the audio from the recent Property Live webinar where we looked at ⁠how to "Use 1 house to buy 5 more"

In this podcast you'll learn:

  • the fundamentals
  • see an example of how someone used 1 house to buy 5 more
  • How to use ⁠Opes+⁠ to create a plan and see if you can do it too


For more from Opes Partners:

Mark as Played

If you’ve got a budget in mind but don’t know where to invest, this episode is your roadmap.

We break down the best locations to buy property in New Zealand at every price point – from $100K to $1M+. Using real sales data and listings, we reveal what’s actually available at each level and where to look for opportunities.

You’ll learn:

  • Which areas have real properties available under $200K (yes, they exist)
  • What $400K–$600K gets you...
Mark as Played

It’s getting easier to find cashflow positive properties in New Zealand – but only in certain places.In this episode, we reveal brand new data showing where investors are most likely to find properties that don’t require a top-up. But we also unpack the truth behind the numbers.

You’ll learn:

  • The 5 cities with the highest proportion of cashflow positive properties
  • Why Queenstown is still 100% cashflow negative
  • What “cashflow positi...
Mark as Played

Airbnb can look like a cash cow … but beneath the glossy headlines, there are risks many investors don’t realise.

In this episode, we break down the true costs of running a short-term rental and the mistakes that catch Kiwis off guard. Because while Airbnb can boost income, it’s not always the money-maker it seems.

You’ll learn:

  • 3 hidden risks every Airbnb investor must know
  • Why one Wellington investor lost money despite solid occu...
Mark as Played

In this episode, we sit down with 26-year-old Josh – a young investor who’s seen both sides of the property game.

From buying his first home at just 20 (with his twin brother) to taking a huge financial hit on an Auckland property … Josh is now locking in deals with seriously high cashflow.

You’ll hear how he turned things around to secure a 20% gross yield on his latest investment – and how joining a property group helped sharpen hi...

Mark as Played

What if the key to building 3x more wealth wasn’t about earning more … but getting help?

In this episode, we reveal the surprising reason people build significantly more wealth just by working with a financial adviser – and it’s probably not what you think.

You’ll learn:

  • The key differences between Kiwis who build wealth and those who don’t
  • Why knowledge isn’t enough (and how accountability changes everything)
  • What a gym personal t...
Mark as Played

This is one of the most common questions we get from older Kiwis: “Is it too late for me to invest?”

In this episode, we break down what it takes to get a mortgage in your 60s – and how one listener used the no-cash-needed method to try and make it work.

You’ll learn:

  • Whether age really is a barrier to investing in property
  • How lenders assess mortgage applications when you’re over 60
  • How to boost your chances of getting a “yes” fro...
Mark as Played

In this episode, we reveal the banks now offering 10-year interest-only mortgages – and why this could be a game-changer for property investors.

While most banks cap interest-only terms at 5 years, some are now doubling that time frame. But that doesn’t mean it’s easier to get. In fact, the lending criteria are often stricter.

We dig into the differences between ANZ and TSB’s approaches, including how much extra income you need to q...

Mark as Played

Divorce isn’t just emotionally devastating – it can kill your finances. In this episode, we reveal five real-life divorce horror stories and the costly mistakes investors made when their relationships broke down.

Whether it’s family trusts backfiring, prenups falling over, or messy asset disputes, you’ll hear exactly what went wrong – and what you need to do to protect yourself.

You’ll learn:

  • 5 true stories of Kiwi couples whose b...
Mark as Played

Most Kiwis think a trust will protect their assets in a break-up.But that’s not always true. In fact, without a relationship property agreement (a prenup), even your trust could be challenged in court.

In this episode, we break down the real risks of not having a prenup – including how one Kiwi lost his house, despite putting it in a trust – and explain how to put a contracting out agreement in place.

You’ll learn:

  • How NZ’s relati...
Mark as Played

Getting a mortgage isn’t just about picking the bank with the best rate. There are key decisions and financial tests you need to understand before the bank will lend you money.

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know to master your mortgage – from figuring out how much you can borrow, to setting up your loan the right way.

You’ll learn:

  • The 3 bank tests you must pass before you can get a mortgage
  • How to calculate...
Mark as Played

Most 18-year-olds are worried about uni, flatting or getting their licence … not about mortgage rates and tenant cashflow.

But Kaylee is different. At just 18, she bought her first rental property. And she didn’t need a $150k deposit to do it.

In this episode, we unpack Kaylee’s story – and what her journey can teach parents and young Kiwis about getting into the property market early.

You’ll learn:

  • How Kaylee built a $350k portfol...
Mark as Played

Weddings are beautiful … but they can also cost a fortune. So in this episode, Ed shares the exact tactics he and his fiancée are using to keep costs down – while still making the big day feel special.

You’ll learn:

  • How much Kiwis actually spend on weddings (hint: it’s not $30k anymore)
  • 7 practical, real-world ways to cut wedding costs without cutting joy
  • Why a smaller wedding might mean a wealthier future

Don't forget to ⁠...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    24/7 News: The Latest

    The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.