Property Apprentice Podcast

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Are we really in a flat NZ property market, or are you missing out on hidden bank payouts? In this episode of the Week in Review, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice unpacks a fascinating shift in how wealth, property, and debt are managed in New Zealand.

If you are feeling the pinch, Reserve Bank Chief Economist Paul Conway explains why: it is fundamentally an issue of purchasing power. Although inflation has slowed, overall prices have surged by approximately 26% since 2020. Debbie explains why monetary policy won't save us, why New Zealand remains structurally expensive, and how successful investors are actively pivoting to adding value instead of waiting for lazy capital gains.

In this episode, we also cover: 

🚨 Bank "Loyalty Payouts": How banks are actively offering cash retention payments of 0.25% to 0.4% to existing home loan customers just to stop them from refinancing. 

📉 The "Flat Market" Myth: Why the national "sideways" trend is an illusion. We dive into Cotality data revealing that 56% of tracked suburbs actually recorded flat or rising house values. 

🔮 Forecast Reversal: Why ANZ economists went from predicting a 5% increase to a 2% fall in house prices for 2026 amid the conflict in the Middle East. 

👴 The Retirement Gap: With mandatory KiwiSaver contributions rising to 3.5% from the 1st of April, Sharesies data shows four in ten Kiwis could still fall short of a basic, "no-frills" retirement.

📢 FREE MASTERCLASS: How to Succeed with Property Investing Times of broader uncertainty often create the best local opportunities. Join our free online masterclass to learn how to spot the right opportunities, protect your cash flow from inflation, and build wealth safely step-by-step. We are a Kiwi-owned and operated business. Because we don't sell property, our financial advice and coaching support is completely unbiased. 

👉 Register here: www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

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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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Are landlords losing their leverage? In Episode 8 of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack a massive divergence in the national rental market, explain how homeowners are fighting back against inaccurate council flood maps, and break down the government's brand new regulations for property managers.

In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:

• The Rental Market Divergence: A tale of two cities. We break down the latest data showing Wellington's rental stock has surged by 54.2%, causing average rents to drop by 8.9%. Meanwhile, regions like Hawke's Bay have seen stock skyrocket by over 115%. We explain why landlords need to drop their egos, prioritize cash flow, and focus heavily on tenant retention right now.
• Fighting Council Flood Maps: We look at a recent case of a Glendowie homeowner fighting Auckland Council over a "flood-prone" designation based on broad-brush 2016 LiDAR data. We explain how sellers can protect their property value with private drainage reports and insurance history, and how savvy investors can use these limb notations to negotiate massive discounts.
• Property Management Regulated: Finally! Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka has announced a new government-backed framework to regulate residential property managers. We explain what the new public register means for you, and why the mandate for separate audited trust accounts will finally force the "cowboys" out of the industry.

Whether you are trying to fill a vacant rental, looking to buy a discounted property, or want to make sure your property manager is handling your money legally, this episode is packed with essential advice.

Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/

🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test your strategy? 

Book a free, no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/

💻 Website: https://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.

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Are property investors really just "unproductive speculators"? In Episode 7 of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts dismantle this long-standing myth with hard economic data. Plus, they break down the latest REINZ figures and provide a crucial survival guide for those currently trapped in negative equity. 

In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:

• The $24.8 Billion Truth: A new Infometrics report commissioned by the NZPIF proves that private residential property investors are a massive economic engine. Investors generate $24.8 billion in value-added economic activity, making up 5.9% of New Zealand's GDP. By spending $4.1 billion on maintenance and $10.7 billion on new builds, investors sustain 126,000 jobs across the country. 
• The 'Patient' Market: The latest REINZ data shows a market that is moving at a deliberate pace. The national median sale price rose 3.2% year-on-year to $795,000, while sales volumes remained relatively flat. With the national median time to sell sitting at 56 days, Paul and Debbie explain why this "standoff" is actually an educated investor's best friend. 
• Surviving Negative Equity: Cotality estimates that 5,000 people who bought at the 2021 market peak have recently sold at a loss, and around 1,700 first-home buyers have had their 20% deposits wiped out. If you are currently underwater on your mortgage, Paul and Debbie share practical steps to survive—including restructuring with your bank, finding a boarder, and manufacturing your own equity through DIY improvements. 

Whether you are looking to understand the true value of your investment business or just need a clear plan to navigate a flat market, this episode provides the factual insights you need.

Resource Links:

📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/

🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test your strategy? Book a free, no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/

💻 Website: https://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.

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Is it finally getting easier to buy a house in New Zealand? In Episode 6 of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack the latest data showing housing affordability is at its best level in nearly a decade. Plus, they issue a massive warning about a deceptive "get-rich-quick" scheme making a comeback in the real estate market.

In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:

• The Affordability Equation: Why the "handbrake is off" for the property market. We break down the latest Cotality data showing it now takes an average of 9.6 years to save a deposit, down from the peak of 13.4 years. Wellington is currently the most affordable main centre with a 6.4 value-to-income ratio, while Tauranga remains the least affordable at 8.5.
• The Property Flipping Trap: A serious warning for both buyers and sellers. We expose the "contemporaneous settlement" tactics used by unlicensed property traders and "gurus" to make quick profits off unwitting vendors. We explain why these schemes leave everyday Kiwis at risk of losing their deposits or facing massive tax bills from the IRD.
• The Rental Squeeze: Tenant demand is surging, with rental enquiries up 35.5% in February. However, rents are barely budging—with Auckland up just 0.7% and Wellington actually falling by 7.4% year-on-year. We explain why we are in a highly price-sensitive renter's market and why landlords need to prioritise tenant retention over rent hikes.

Whether you are looking to buy your first home, expand your portfolio, or just want to ensure your current rentals are protected, this episode provides the factual, evidence-based insights you need.

Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/events 

🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test your strategy? Book a free, no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/

💻 Website: https://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.

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

Is a volatile global market your best window of local opportunity? In this episode, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice breaks down why you shouldn't let overseas headlines dictate your financial strategy.

We explore why top economists believe the Middle East conflict won't crash the local property market, and why pulling your money out of KiwiSaver right now is a dangerous move.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The "Pump Tax": How higher global oil prices will squeeze household disposable income .
• Auckland's Intensification: The pushback from residents over 15-story apartments and the reality of townhouse development .
• The End of Speculation: Why the "Sharesies generation" is pivoting to managed funds, and how true property investors manage the fear of Capital Gains Tax .
• A $27 Billion Crisis: 90% of NZ homes need immediate maintenance . Debbie shares tips on regular upkeep to avoid massive bills .
• Rent Milestones: Central Otago's rental stock has plummeted 24%, driving average rents past $900/week .

📢 FREE EVENT: How to Succeed with Property Investing Learn to navigate the current market with confidence at our live, 100% independent online masterclass . 👉 **Register here:** 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.

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

Are we finally seeing a turning point for the New Zealand property market in 2026? In Episode 5 of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack the latest data, which shows that the potential oversupply of housing is finally starting to clear.

In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:

• The February Market Shift: Over 12,200 new listings hit the market in February this year, which is a 7.8% increase year-on-year. Despite this massive surge, total housing stock only grew a modest 1.8%, indicating that homes are actually being sold rather than accumulating.
• Regional Price Records: Southland recorded an all-time high asking price of $584,786. Meanwhile, Northland's average asking price dropped out of the $800,000 bracket for the first time since June 2025.
• Property vs. KiwiSaver: According to the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey, traditional property investment has just been knocked off the top spot as a preferred way to make money. KiwiSaver and managed funds have overtaken both the family home and investment property as top performers in the eyes of investors.  Paul and Debbie explain why the golden rule of "leverage" still gives property investing a massive advantage over the long-term.
• The "Wear & Tear" Trap: Landlords are seeing a surge of disputes at the Tenancy Tribunal over what constitutes "fair wear and tear" versus intentional damage. Discover how the "betterment" rule and depreciation work—and why a tenant can wreck a five-year-old dishwasher, but the landlord might get zero compensation because its depreciated book value is zero.

Whether you are looking to expand your portfolio or just want to ensure your current rentals are protected, this episode provides the factual, evidence-based insights you need.

Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/

🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test your strategy? Book a free, no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/

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 a flat property market your best window of opportunity? In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice unpacks a fascinating mix of global tension and local opportunity. While Middle East conflicts drive volatility in the share market, the New Zealand property market is presenting one of the best buyer's markets in recent history.

We dive into why Auckland just recorded its busiest February for sales in five years, driven by a 9.6% drop in median prices. We also cover Cotality's latest regional data, Tony Alexander's insights on why speculative investors have thrown in the towel, and a radical new proposal on KiwiSaver.

Key Topics Covered:

• Global Market Volatility: Why you shouldn't panic about your KiwiSaver balance, and how property acts as a tangible hedge against inflation.
• Cotality Regional Update: Auckland flattens out, Wellington City rises, and Invercargill hits a new peak.
• Auckland Sales Surge: How a drop in prices to $904,000 is drawing buyers back into a market with 15-year-high stock levels.
• The End of FOMO: Why first-home buyers are dominating the nearly 36,000 homes currently for sale.
• KiwiSaver 2.0: Reviewing the proposal to lock the withdrawal age at 65 and ramp up employer contributions to 12%.

📢 FREE EVENT: How to Succeed with Property Investing Don't cross your fingers and hope for the best. Join our 100% independent, FREE online masterclass to cut through the jargon and learn how to structure your portfolio for success in today's conditions. 👉 Register here: www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

#NZProperty #KiwiSaver #FirstHomeBuyerNZ #AucklandRealEstate #PropertyInvestingNZ #MarketUpdate #WealthBuilding #InterestRates #DebbieRoberts #PropertyApprentice

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 a flat property market actually your best window of opportunity? In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice unpacks a New Zealand market that is finding its feet, but moving at a glacial pace. While the headlines might sound sobering, there are massive opportunities hiding in plain sight if you know where to look.

We dive into a shocking report revealing how young women are being left behind on the property ladder, alongside alarming Westpac data showing that 1 in 3 Kiwis currently have less than $500 in savings.

Plus, we cover why ANZ economists have downgraded their 2026 house price forecasts to just 2%, why landlords are increasingly anxious about tenant legislation, and the good news about property asking price reductions hitting a two-year low—signalling the ground is finally firming up.

Key Topics Covered:

• Landlord Anxiety: Why lower competition makes this the perfect time to buy.
• The Gender Property Gap: Breaking down the income and knowledge barriers keeping women out of the market.
• ANZ's 2026 Forecast: What a flat house price forecast means for your mortgage strategy.
• The Savings Crisis: The reality of Kiwi savings accounts and KiwiSaver balances.
• Market Data: Why $40 million wiped from asking prices actually points to a stabilizing market.

📢 FREE EVENT: How to Succeed with Property Investing  Join our 100% independent, FREE online masterclass to cut through the jargon and learn how to structure your portfolio for success in today's conditions. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

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#NZProperty #MortgageRates #RealEstateNews #FirstHomeBuyers #FinancialLiteracy #WomensWealth #EconomicUpdate #DebbieRoberts #Podcast

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.

In this episode of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack the stark warnings from the recent New Zealand Economic Forum regarding the future of NZ Superannuation. With an aging population and changing economic data, relying solely on the government for retirement is becoming an increasingly risky strategy.

In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:

• The Superannuation Squeeze: A breakdown of why the retirement age may need to rise to 72 or 73 for the country to afford the Superannuation Bill. The hosts discuss the dropping dependency ratio and the alarming fact that 40% of Kiwis reach age 65 with little to no private savings.
• Reserve Bank Outlook & Interest Rates: With the OCR sitting at 2.25%, the Reserve Bank has indicated that mortgage rates may only fall a further 20 to 30 basis points. Paul and Debbie discuss why 70% of borrowers are now choosing to fix their mortgages for at least one year and how to structure loans in a flat-to-rising market.
• MBIE Landlord Compliance Crackdown: A recent sweep of 53 student rentals in Dunedin resulted in 23 warnings and 12 improvement notices. Discover why taking a planned, preventative approach to maintenance and documenting everything is essential to protect your investment business.

Whether listeners are planning for retirement or looking to ensure their rental properties remain compliant, this episode cuts through the noise to provide actionable, factual insights.

Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/

🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test a strategy? Book a no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/

💻 Website: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Please consult with your own professional advisers before making any investment decisions.

Chapter Markers

01:51 The Savings Crisis: Why 40% reach 65 with no savings

06:37 Topic 2: Reserve Bank Outlook & Interest Rates 

08:34 Mortgage Fixing Trends: Why Kiwis are locking in rates 

10:37 Is it a good time to buy property right now? 

14:28 Topic 3: MBIE Compliance Crackdown on Landlords

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.

The New Zealand property market is showing signs of life, but the real story lies in the regional data and current mortgage trends. In this episode of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts unpack the new Cotality Decoding 2026 Report and the record-breaking surge in bank switching.

In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:

• The 2026 Market Outlook: A deep dive into the latest Cotality report. While 71% of respondents expect house prices to rise in 2026, the data reveals a mood of cautious optimism rather than a massive boom. The hosts discuss the significant regional split, contrasting Canterbury's strong confidence against Wellington's lagging market.
• The Danger of "Free" Advice: Debbie explains why "free" financial plans from property companies are often designed purely to sell commission-based properties. She highlights why securing independent financial advice is crucial to ensure you aren't paying top dollar for an underperforming investment.
• The Great Bank Switch: In December 2025, a record-breaking $5.8 billion in lending was driven simply by borrowers switching banks to chase cashback deals. Paul and Debbie explore whether these cashbacks actually save money, warning investors about hidden break fees and clawback periods. They also share actionable tips on how to negotiate better rates with your current bank using a mortgage adviser.

Whether listeners are looking to refinance or wondering where the property market is heading next, this episode cuts through the noise to provide the facts.

Resource Links: 📅 Free Online Event: Learn how to succeed in any market cycle. Register for the next "How to Succeed with Property Investing" event here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/

 🏠 Book a Free Chat: Need to stress-test a strategy? Click to book a no-obligation chat with Paul Roberts

💻 Website: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

00:00 Intro Music 00:06 Introduction: Unpacking the Cotality 2026 Report 00:18 Topic 1: The 2026 Market Outlook & "Cautious Optimism" 01:35 Regional Property Split: Why Canterbury is outperforming Wellington 01:54 Interest Rate Reality: Are OCR hikes coming? 04:10 The Danger of "Free" Financial Advice & Sales Pitches 04:52 Strategy: Creating your own capital growth through renovations 05:51 Topic 2: The Great Bank Switch & Record Refinancing 06:47 Who is moving banks? The reality of cashback offers 08:03 Warning: Break fees, clawbacks, and the true cost of switching 08:39 Mortgage Advice: How to negotiate better rates with your bank 10:08 Summary & Next Steps: Free Property Investing Event

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.