Property Apprentice Podcast

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The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has blindsided financial markets and bank economists by voting 4 to 3 to hold the Official Cash Rate steady at 2.75%! 

In Episode 33 of NZ Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts break down what this surprise rate pause means for Kiwi homeowners and mortgage holders heading into the summer months, why townhouses in Auckland and Wellington have dropped up to 8%, and how a Porirua landlord was ordered to pay over $3,300 after carrying out an intentional campaign of baseless eviction threats. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• Breaking News — RBNZ Holds OCR at 2.75%: How the Reserve Bank's split 4–3 vote defied wholesale market expectations of an 83% probability hike, avoided a pre-Christmas double rate rise, and provided unexpected breathing room for borrowers. 
• The 40% Accommodation Supplement Rule: The details of the Social Security Amendment Bill, which lifts the qualifying housing cost threshold for homeowners from 30% to 40% of income, while freezing cash asset limits at 1990s levels ($16,200). 
• Child Poverty Action Group Warning: Why pushing the subsidy threshold higher risks driving stretched families into deeper after-housing-cost poverty and triggering health-damaging deferred home maintenance. 
• Asking Prices vs. Sale Realities: Trade Me Property Pulse data reveals national average asking prices climbed 0.8% in September to $835,050, while REINZ actual median sale prices fell 2.3% year-on-year to $755,000. 
• Townhouse Oversupply & Discounts: Why asking prices for medium-density townhouses slid nearly 8% in Auckland and 6% in Wellington, and why large-scale developments risk future maintenance and resident society headaches. 
• Regional Divergence: Why Christchurch (+2.5% to $725,600) and Otago (+8% to $938,000) continue to outperform, closing the price gap with Auckland. 
• Tenancy Tribunal Precedent: Why a Porirua landlord was ordered to pay $3,391.64 in exemplary damages and unlawful entry after ignoring professional property manager advice from Quinovic, and why the adjudicator refused to grant name suppression. 

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Property Apprentice provides 100% independent financial advice, lifetime coaching, and portfolio strategy. We do not sell real estate or flog new builds! 

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If you found value in this episode, please tap Follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave us a 5-star rating to help more Kiwi property owners navigate the market with real facts and zero hype! 

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

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Has the "Bank of Mum and Dad" officially taken a back seat in the New Zealand property market? For years, Kiwis were told getting onto the property ladder was virtually impossible without parental equity guarantees. 

In this episode of The Week in Review, Property Apprentice owner and financial adviser Debbie Roberts reveals how record-shattering $2.2 billion KiwiSaver withdrawals and low-deposit bank lending are allowing first-home buyers to surge into the market independently—even as property investors sit on the sidelines. 

We also dive into new 10-year Cotality data revealing why Auckland house prices have stalled at just 9% to 10% total growth while regional markets skyrocketed 125%, analyze 20 years of ASB economic data that completely debunks the myth of the "election-year economic freeze," and unpack a police investigation exposing hundreds of millions of dollars in dirty money laundered through Kiwi building sites. 

FEATURED SOURCE ARTICLES

• Topic 1: Which Generation Has Lost the Most Ground on Home Ownership?
• Topic 2: Where House Prices Have Risen Fastest Over the Last 10 Years
• Topic 3: Bank of Mum and Dad Shrinks as KiwiSaver Steps Up
• Topic 4: Election 2026: Is the Looming Election Putting the Economy on Hold?
• Topic 5: When Dirty Money Meets the Building Industry

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

With first-home buyers relying heavily on KiwiSaver and independent low-deposit lending rather than family bailouts, but the average buyer age climbing up to 35: Should younger Kiwis compromise on location and buy a smaller starter home or townhouse in their 20s, or wait until their mid-30s to buy their ideal standalone family home? 

Let us know your thoughts by sending us a message or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

FREE ONLINE TRAINING: HOW TO SUCCEED WITH PROPERTY INVESTING

Learn how to navigate today's property market with clarity and build long-term, cash-flowing wealth using proven, independent strategies. 

Register for our upcoming free live online event:

👉 Reserve your spot here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

(Property Apprentice is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. We provide independent financial education and do not sell real estate.)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is general in nature and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Always consult a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP) before making significant financial, mortgage, or investment decisions.

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

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Has Auckland's property market handed investors an unexpected yield window? In Episode 31 of NZ Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts break down fresh data from realestate.co.nz showing Auckland's average asking price dropping below $1 million for the first time in six years, while weekly asking rents hold firm at $695. 

Plus, they analyze a landmark Tenancy Tribunal ruling fining a Christchurch property management firm, the truth about flawed council flood maps, and why buying "discounted" flood-zone homes could put you in breach of your bank mortgage. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• The $5,877 Tenancy Tribunal Precedent: Why blaming an uncooperative landlord no longer protects property managers from liability, what the ruling means for ongoing maintenance, and how non-compliant rentals can freeze your bank borrowing capacity. 
• The Natural Hazard Blind Spot: Suncorp research reveals 43% of buyers skip checking natural hazard data. Paul and Debbie explore why the Helen Clark Foundation warns 10,000 homes could be uninsurable by 2050, and why post-disaster "bargain" properties can turn into unsellable liabilities. 
• Council Flood Maps vs. Ground Reality: Why blanket council flood overlays don't always match actual flood risk, what Cyclone Gabrielle taught us about local property damage, and how to verify true risk with insurers before going unconditional. 
• Auckland’s New Yield Window: With Auckland asking prices falling below $1 million while rents remain resilient, Paul and Debbie look at where gross yields are improving and why cash-flow-focused buyers are finding discounted opportunities right now. 
• South Island Rent Surge: Why rental price growth across five South Island regions—including Central Otago, Canterbury, and Otago—is rising at more than double the national average. 

🎓 ATTEND OUR FREE LIVE PROPERTY MASTERCLASS:

How to Succeed with Property Investing (Hosted live by Debbie Roberts) 

👉 Register free here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

Property Apprentice provides 100% independent education, borrowing capacity optimization, and personal financial strategies. We DO NOT sell real estate! 

👉 Enjoying the show? Please tap Follow or Subscribe in your podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast) and leave us a 5-star rating to help more Kiwi property owners and investors find the show! 

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

Is New Zealand's retirement age inevitably shifting to 67? In this episode of The Week in Review, Property Apprentice owner and financial adviser Debbie Roberts tackles the biggest economic, regulatory, and property headlines shaping the Kiwi market this week. 

From the practical financing and asset depreciation traps behind the 90% search surge in tiny homes to the heated debate over compulsory KiwiSaver, we unpack what the numbers really mean for your personal wealth. Plus, we look at why first-home buyers are taking full advantage of 34,000 active listings while property investors wait on the sidelines, the harsh realities facing meth decontamination crews under updated 15 µg/100cm² legal thresholds, and ACT leader David Seymour’s proposal to gradually lift the NZ Super qualification age to 67. 

Topics & Source Links

• Topic 1: The Small-Scale Search Surge in the New Zealand Property Dream
• Topic 2: Does KiwiSaver Really Make Us Better Off?
• Topic 3: First Home Buyer Activity Jumps as Investors Stay Sidelined
• Topic 4: Hazmat Suits & Booby Traps: Cleaning Meth-Contaminated Homes
• Topic 5: David Seymour Hints at Retirement Age Increase If ACT Is Elected

Question of the Week

David Seymour argues that raising the superannuation age to 67 is inevitable given shifting taxpayer-to-retiree demographics. If lifting the age meant eliminating tax on your KiwiSaver investment returns, would you support it—or should age 65 remain strictly non-negotiable? 

Send us your thoughts or leave a comment on our social channels!

Free Online Training with Property Apprentice

Learn how to build a sustainable, cash-flowing property portfolio using proven, independent strategies that work across every stage of the market cycle. 

Register for our upcoming free 2-hour live online event:

👉 How to Succeed with Property Investing: Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

 (Property Apprentice is a licensed Financial Advice Provider. We provide independent financial education and do not sell real estate.)

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

Here is the revised, high-converting Buzzsprout podcast description with all timestamps removed, structured according to podcast growth best practices:

Are new multi-storey townhouses turning into summer solar ovens? In Episode 30 of NZ Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts investigate severe overheating reports in modern townhouses reaching 35°C indoors—and why MBIE’s decision to delay Building Code fixes until 2031 has building experts outraged! 

Plus, they break down fresh research from LJ Hooker and Squirrel Property Finance revealing why 89% of Kiwis over 55 want to downsize but can't find suitable single-level homes with garages, and Netsafe's urgent warning on AI-generated holiday rental scams. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

• The Townhouse Heat Trap: Why brand-new townhouses are reaching 35°C upstairs and front doors are hitting 70°C, how families are resorting to Temu foil shades to keep babies safe, and why waiting until 2031 for Building Code changes puts buyers and investors at risk. 
• The Downsizing Bottleneck: Why 89% of older homeowners are considering moving but only 19% are active in the market, the non-negotiable features buyers demand, and how building accessible single-level homes unlocks family properties right down the housing chain. 
• AI Holiday Rental Fraud: How scammers used fake listings to offer 10 Downing Street, the rise of AI photo manipulation, and the off-platform payment red flags you must spot to protect your money. 
• Trade Insider Tip: Why pre-wiring heat pump cables during construction costs a couple hundred dollars now versus thousands in retrofitting later. 

🎓 ATTEND OUR FREE LIVE PROPERTY MASTERCLASS: How to Succeed with Property Investing (Hosted Live by Debbie Roberts) 👉 Register free here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz 

Property Apprentice provides 100% independent education, borrowing capacity optimization, and personal financial strategies. We DO NOT sell real estate!

👉 Enjoying the show? Please tap Follow or Subscribe in your podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast) and leave us a 5-star rating to help us reach more Kiwi investors! 

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

Are high interest rates, election jitters, and regulatory changes reshaping the New Zealand housing market? In this episode of The Week in Review, financial adviser Debbie Roberts breaks down the latest market data, economic forecasts, and legal warnings every property owner, buyer, and investor needs to know.

In this episode, we unpack:

1. The Election Influence Myth: Why over 75% of buyers and sellers are ignoring political timing and pressing ahead with life plans.
2. Pre-Election Business Caution: How the Reserve Bank's OCR moves and political debate are impacting commercial confidence and rental market demand.
3. The $11,900 Prefab Cabin Legal Trap: Why contract disclaimers do NOT exempt sellers from the NZ Building Act or Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA).
4. RBNZ vs. Inflation: Economists' warnings on rising wholesale interest rates, imported fuel shocks, and what it means for your home loan.
5. The Gen Z Mortgage Loyalty Surprise: Why 56% of younger buyers value a trusted mortgage adviser relationship over rate-chasing.

Episode Chapters & Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction & Market Overview 

01:08 - Topic 1: Is the Election Really Affecting NZ Property Buyers? 

04:54 - Topic 2: Pre-Election Business Caution 

08:38 - Topic 3: WARNING: Non-Compliant Prefab Cabins & The Building Act 

10:58 - Mid-Roll: How to Build Long-Term Property Wealth 

11:54 - Topic 4: RBNZ Inflation Battle & Interest Rate Predictions 

14:52 - Topic 5: Why Gen Z Buyers Are the Most Loyal Mortgage Clients 

16:29 - Final Thoughts & Community Question

Free Property Training & Resources: Want to build a resilient, cash-flowing property portfolio with confidence? 

Join Debbie Roberts at our next live, free online event: "How to Succeed with Property Investing". Register for free HERE

Property Apprentice is 100% independent - we do not sell property. We teach you how to succeed regardless of market cycles.

Connect with Us: Website: www.propertyapprentice.co.nz 

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Have a question for Debbie? Leave us a review or drop your thoughts in the show comments!

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

Major changes are coming to how New Zealand funds housing infrastructure! In this Week in Review episode of NZ Property Insights, Debbie Roberts breaks down Housing Minister Chris Bishop's newly confirmed standardized development levies kicking in by 2029, requiring government departments to pay their fair share and bringing in the Commerce Commission as an independent regulator. 

Plus, we examine fresh Cotality data revealing why a pullback from "movers" (existing homeowners trading up) is the single biggest driver of the residential sales slump, average KiwiSaver balances crossing $40,000, proposed retirement village payout reforms, and new FMA data tracking how banks pass OCR hikes to floating mortgage rates. 

Key Episode Highlights & Breakdown

• Topic 1: Average KiwiSaver Balances Break $40,000 Milestone
  • Average KiwiSaver balances reached $40,340 (up 11% year-on-year) with total scheme funds reaching $138.8 billion. 
  • Why payday automation remains the most effective driver of long-term wealth compounding. 
  • Risk alignment warnings: The cost of 40-year-olds remaining in conservative default funds with 20–25 years until retirement. 
• Topic 2: Retirement Village Reforms & Payout Protection
  • A grieving family faces indefinite delays receiving a $220,000 estate payout from an internal village move. 
  • Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka's proposed reforms: mandating a 12-month maximum repayment window, interest after 6 months, and halting weekly fees immediately upon vacating. 
  • Why Occupation Right Agreements (ORAs) require specialized legal review before signing. 
• Topic 3: Cotality Report — Why "Movers" Are Driving the Sales Slump
  • Annual residential sales fell 3.2% to 89,043 transactions, led primarily by a 6.6% drop in relocating owner-occupiers ("movers"). 
  • Upgraders face 27% less deposit equity compared to the late 2021 market peak alongside job security concerns. 
  • Why less competition from movers creates strong price leverage for active buyers in today's quiet market. 
• Topic 4: FMA Data — Banks Pass 100% of OCR Hikes to Floating Rates
  • FMA tracking of 8 major lenders shows banks passed 100% or more of recent OCR increases to floating debt while leaving on-call savings rates stagnant. 
  • Floating rates have returned to pre-October 2025 levels despite the OCR sitting lower at 2.75%. 
  • Actionable cash flow advice for variable-rate borrowers and low-yield account holders. 
• Topic 5: Housing Infrastructure Development Levies Confirmed for 2029
  • Councils will transition to standardized development levies starting in 2029 under housing infrastructure reforms. 
  • Core Crown departments (Ministry of Defence, Corrections) will pay levies for the first time alongside private developers. 
  • Commerce Commission steps in as an independent regulator to stop overcharging and standardize calculations nationwide. 
  • Targeted localized levy zones aimed at solving deficits like Auckland Council's $5 billion unplanned infrastructure gap. 

🎓 Attend Our Free Live Property Masterclass:

"How to Succeed with Property Investing" (Hosted Live by Debbie Roberts) 

👉 Register free here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz 

Property Apprentice provides 100% independent education, borrowing capacity optimization, and personal financial strategies. We DO NOT sell real estate! 

👉 Enjoying the show? Click the + Follow or Subscribe button in your podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast) so you never miss an episode! If you found this breakdown valuable, please leave us a 5-star rating and review. 

#NZProperty #RealEstateNZ #PropertyApprentice #HousingLevies #KiwiSaver #MortgageRates #NewZealand #PropertyInvesting

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

Labour drops a major tax policy bombshell! In Episode 28 of NZ Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack Labour's official confirmation to retain 100% interest deductibility for residential property investors, alongside the technical accounting reasons behind their Capital Gains Tax shift. 

Plus, we break down why first-home buyers hit a record 29% market share, Moody’s new economic recovery forecast, a $2.5 billion data centre energy boom, and a staggering 190% surge in Australian buyers hunting for Kiwi real estate! 

Key Episode Highlights

• Segment 1: $2.2B KiwiSaver Cash-Out & Record First-Home Buyer Share
  • Over 50,000 Kiwis withdrew $2.2 billion from KiwiSaver to secure their first home. 
  • Cotality data confirms first-home buyers reached a record 29% national market share. 
  • Why QV's -1.9% quarterly drop lags real-time market activity by up to three months. 
  • How ASB’s housing outlook gives buyers an extended runway through late 2029. 
• Segment 2: Moody's Economic Recovery Report & Data Centre Surge
  • Moody’s projects NZ real GDP growth of 1.6% in 2026, broadening to 2.3% in 2027. 
  • Data centres are set to consume over 3 terawatt-hours of power, requiring $2.5B in energy infrastructure. 
  • Moody's warning on central government’s proposed 2%–4% council rate caps. 
  • Why NZ’s well-capitalized banks are keeping mortgagee sales at historical lows. 
• Segment 3: 190% Aussie Search Surge Driven by Cross-Tasman Tax Shifts
  • Realestate.co.nz search traffic from Australia surged 163% in May and 190% in August following Australian tax changes. 
  • Australian enquiries jumped 134% in May, with saved properties up over 44%. 
  • Hotspot demand: Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth buyers targeting standalone houses in Auckland, Canterbury, and Central Otago. 
• Segment 4: Labour’s Interest Deductibility U-Turn & Capital Gains Tax Focus
  • Labour confirms it will retain 100% mortgage interest deductibility ($2.8B policy over 4 years). 
  • The technical tax math: Why interest, rates, and insurance are deductible holding costs under a Capital Gains Tax regime. 
  • Political fallout: Industry reactions from Renters United, the Property Investors Federation, National, and ACT. 

Call to Action (Drive Masterclass & Subscriptions)

🎓 Attend Our Free Live Property Masterclass:

"How to Succeed with Property Investing" (Hosted Live by Debbie Roberts) 

👉 Register free here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz 

Property Apprentice provides 100% independent education, borrowing capacity optimization, and personal financial strategies. We DO NOT sell real estate! 

👉 Enjoying the show? Tap the + Follow or Subscribe button in your podcast app (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, etc.) so you never miss an episode! Leave us a 5-star review if you find our weekly data breakdowns helpful. 

#NZProperty #RealEstateNZ #PropertyApprentice #InterestDeductibility #KiwiSaver #NZEconomy #HousingMarket #NewZealand

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

Will New Zealand house prices rebound to their 2021 peak, or are we in for a prolonged flat cycle? In Episode 27 of New Zealand Property Insights, hosts Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack ASB’s latest housing outlook, which projects national home values will not return to 2021 peak levels until at least 2029. They examine what flat growth in 2026 and a 3.5% lift in 2027 mean for buyers, how disposable income multiples have dropped from 9.8x to 6.7x, and how a proposed 5% deposit scheme could impact first-home buyer demand. 

Next, they explore the ongoing structural shift in non-bank mortgage lending. Featuring insights from XCEDA CEO Daniel McGrath and BaseCorp CFO John Moody, Paul and Debbie explain why non-bank lending is moving from a fallback option to a proactive strategy for self-employed borrowers, property flippers, and investors needing approvals within 24 to 48 hours. 

Finally, they break down fresh Realestate.co.nz rental figures to determine whether national asking rents have officially hit a floor. With the national average asking rent reaching $637 per week (+1.5% YoY), they analyze major regional variations—from strong gains in Marlborough (+8.2%) and Waikato ($587/wk record) to drops on the West Coast (-6.5%)—and reveal why pushing for a $10–$20 weekly rent increase can cost landlords up to $1,400 in vacant downtime. 

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• ASB Price Forecast: Why house prices are expected to remain flat through 2026 before rising 3.5% in 2027, and why a 2029 peak recovery is positive for long-term market stability. 
• Income-to-Price Multiples: How house price-to-disposable income ratios dropped to 6.7x (down from 9.8x in 2021), helping first-home buyers capture nearly 30% of sales. 
• Proposed 5% Deposit Rule: How raising income caps to $300,000 for couples could accelerate first-home buyer entry. 
• Non-Bank Lending Tactics: How writing clear application narratives enables specialist lenders to approve complex scenarios (bridging, self-employed, property additions) in 24–48 hours. 
• Rental Market Floor: Why asking rents act as a leading indicator, and how provincial cashflows in Canterbury, Otago, and Waikato are supporting local rental gains. 
• Tenant Retention vs. Vacancy Costs: Why keeping reliable tenants and avoiding 2–3 weeks of vacancy easily outweighs aggressive rent hikes in an adjusting market. 

Free Educational Masterclass & Resources

Ready to build a resilient, data-backed property portfolio without sales pressure or developer hype? Join financial adviser Debbie Roberts live for our free online training session: How to Succeed with Property Investing. 

• 100% Independent Education (Property Apprentice does NOT sell real estate) 
• Live Q&A Session Included
• 👉 Register Free Here: propertyapprentice.co.nz

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.

New Zealand’s major banks have officially lifted variable mortgage rates following the Reserve Bank’s latest 25 basis point OCR hike. What does this mean for your home loan, and how are fixed rates holding up? 

In this episode of the Week in Review, Debbie Roberts (Owner & Financial Adviser at Property Apprentice) breaks down the biggest property and finance headlines across Aotearoa. From National’s proposed $300,000 income threshold for 5% deposit First Home Loans to Barfoot & Thompson's latest August sales figures signal an Auckland market tipping point, we deliver the practical insights you need to navigate today's property market. 

In This Episode:

• Floating Mortgage Rates Shift: All five major banks (ANZ, BNZ, ASB, Westpac, Kiwibank) have raised variable rates by 25bps. Discover why 92% of Kiwi borrowers remain insulated on fixed terms and what ASB’s customer repayment data tells us about household resilience. 
• Lessons From Australia's Property Market: Australian home values fell for a fifth consecutive month, led by Sydney (-7.1% from peak). We analyze why persistent construction bottlenecks mean structural supply shortages remain unresolved across the ditch. 
• National's 5% Deposit Scheme Expansion: National proposes raising the First Home Loan income cap to $300,000, potentially opening low-deposit options to over 90% of households. We weigh the benefits against the 1.2% government mortgage insurance fee. 
• Auckland Market Tipping Point: Barfoot & Thompson sales dropped to their lowest August volume since 2022 while median prices edged up to $955,000. What this stabilization means for active buyers and sellers. 
• KiwiSaver Loophole Closed for Rural Workers: A new amendment bill will finally allow farm staff, rural teachers, and police officers in employer-provided housing to access their KiwiSaver for a first home or farm purchase. 

Free Financial Education & Events Want to build a resilient, cash-flowing property portfolio using proven, independent strategies? Join Debbie Roberts at our next live, free online event: How to Succeed with Property Investing. 

👉 Register now at www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

Support the show

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial advice. We recommend seeking advice from a qualified professional before making any investment decisions.

*Property Advice Group Limited trading as Property Apprentice has been granted a FULL Licence with the Financial Markets Authority of New Zealand. (FSP Number: FSP157564) Debbie Roberts | Financial Adviser (FSP221305) For our Public disclosure statement please go to our website or you may request a copy free of charge.