Property Apprentice Podcast

Debbie & Paul Roberts
  • 4.8 (13)
  • Investing
  • Updated Weekly

Property Apprentice dives deep into the what's and how's of real estate investing in New Zealand. Each week, we discuss topics relevant to every home buyer and investor.

  1. 2 days ago

    Is the 10-Year Property Doubling Rule Dead? (Plus: Proposed 28% Capital Gains Tax) | NZ Property Insights Ep 20

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. The election campaign has officially ignited a fierce debate over capital, wealth, and property taxes in New Zealand. In this episode, we dive deep into the facts behind Labour’s proposed 28% Capital Gains Tax and the Green Party’s proposed wealth and inheritance tax structures.  We also crunch 70 years of historical real estate data to reveal the truth behind the 10-year doubling rule, look at why high-quality listings are essentially "on special" right now, and address the staggering new Inland Revenue data showing a massive spike in KiwiSaver financial hardship applications.  The Looming Property Taxes: Labour has proposed a 28% Capital Gains Tax on realized residential and commercial property gains starting from a July 1, 2027 valuation day (excluding the family home currently). Meanwhile, the Green Party has proposed a 2.5% wealth tax on net assets over $10 million and a 33% inheritance tax on assets over $1 million.  The Confirmed Banking Levy: Under Budget 2026, a new prudential levy on banks and insurers is expected to raise $290 million. Financial institutions rarely absorb these operational fees, meaning they will likely pass them down to consumers via higher mortgage interest rates.  The 10-Year Doubling Rule Exposed: Historical data since 1950 reveals that nominal house prices doubling every decade only actually occurs about 55% of the time. The 2020s are currently on track to be the weakest growth decade in 70 years, sitting at just 10% value growth so far.  The KiwiSaver Hardship Reality: Over 58,000 KiwiSaver members submitted financial hardship applications in 2025—a clean doubling of the volume recorded just two years prior.  Don't get frozen on the sidelines by election-year fearmongering. Learn how to establish clear buying boundaries and build independent financial security.  🏡 Register for our next FREE Educational Masterclass: How to Succeed with Property Investing.Secure your zero-pressure, independent spot here: www.propertyapprentice.co.nzSupport 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.

    Is the 10-Year Property Doubling Rule Dead? (Plus: Proposed 28% Capital Gains Tax) | NZ Property Insights Ep 20

  2. 5 days ago

    Why Housing Affordability Just Jumped 23% (And June’s 6-Year Record) | Week in Review

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Think the New Zealand property market is locked in permanent doom and gloom? Think again! Massey University's latest data reveals a staggering 23.1% annual jump in housing affordability, right alongside a historic 6-year high surge in June market activity.  In this week's episode, Debbie Roberts strips away the media's negativity bias to show you where the real opportunities are hiding. Learn why Canterbury is hitting all-time high records, how to navigate the banks' confusing new split-direction mortgage rates, and why counter-cyclical buyers are preparing to reap massive rewards as the longest market downturn since the 1970s begins to mature. Detailed Episode Breakdown & Sources 1. ANZ Forecasts & Interest Rate Trims Despite predicting a mild 2% drop in national property values due to election-year tax uncertainty, wholesale interest rates have eased off after geopolitical de-escalations. Savvy buyers are utilizing this brief calm to manufacture equity and negotiate prices directly with vendors on the ground.  2. June’s 6-Year Listing Surge & Canterbury Dominance Kiwi property sellers are officially done waiting around for "perfect" market conditions. June saw the highest volume of transaction activity in six years, with total stock climbing to 34,761 homes, giving buyers ultimate leverage. Meanwhile, Canterbury hit an all-time record average asking price of over $757,000.  3. The Double-Digit Affordability Boost Massey University's Home Affordability Index reveals a massive 12.6% quarterly gain and a phenomenal 23.1% annual surge in nationwide housing affordability. A stellar combination of lower fixed interest rates, rising incomes, and corrected vendor expectations has opened up a brilliant buying window across Auckland, Wellington, and Northland.  4. ASB’s Split-Direction Rate Adjustments Commercial lenders are rewriting the mortgage playbook ahead of the next major OCR shifts. ASB executed a series of split-direction moves—bumping up short-term 6-month options while simultaneously cutting long-term 3 to 5-year fixed mortgage rates down significantly.  5. Social Housing Realities & Private Landlords With emergency housing numbers under strict review, 30% of declined applicants are left navigating the accommodation gap without direct government help. This underscores the critical, socially valuable role private property investors play in providing stable, reliable long-term housing solutions without dragging on the taxpayer.  Ready to learn the exact risk-reduction strategies needed to succeed as a property investor in New Zealand without risking it all?  👉 Register for our next FREE Educational Webinar: How to Succeed with Property Investing. Secure your independent, zero-pressure spot 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.

    Why Housing Affordability Just Jumped 23% (And June’s 6-Year Record) | Week in Review

  3. 4 July

    Easing Rents, NZ's Safe Havens & Trade Me's New Pulse | NZ Property Insights Ep 19

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Ready for some genuinely encouraging news about the New Zealand property market? In Episode 19 of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts pull back the curtain on the exciting opportunities opening up as rental markets rebalance and active buyers establish clear winning strategies. Discover why New Zealand's stable policy environment is outperforming Australia’s tax-squeezed rental market, how Trade Me's Winter Pulse report reveals hidden hotspots in Canterbury, and how to successfully navigate the bank financing rules behind the upcoming apartment size deregulation. 1. Trans-Tasman Rental Split: The latest Regional Rental Affordability Index reveals that local rental burdens dropped 5% over the past year as New Zealand's restored interest deductibility stabilized investor and tenant confidence. While our neighbors across the Tasman face severe shortages due to artificial tax constraints, Kiwi property owners are perfectly positioned to enjoy a balanced and highly predictable cash-flow environment.  2. Inside Trade Me's Winter Pulse: Trade Me's newly released property report proves that active buyers are staying highly disciplined, using smart non-negotiable criteria to target the best properties in a favorable buyers' market. With Canterbury completely dominating regional search volumes outside of Auckland, strategic investors have a golden opportunity to expand into resilient, highly affordable regional hubs.  3. Sizeless Apartments & Lending Realities: The government's proposal to eliminate minimum apartment sizes is set to unlock excellent, affordable entry-level options for students and young professionals seeking dynamic urban lifestyles. To fully capitalize on this density shift, buyers must simply align with independent mortgage advisers to comfortably navigate bank lending limits on smaller units and secure their long-term equity.  Want to learn how to identify high-performing regional assets under the $500,000 mark and build a portfolio that thrives while the main centers take a breath? 👉 Register for our next FREE Educational Webinar: "How to Succeed with Property Investing" Click here to secure your free spot: 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.

    Easing Rents, NZ's Safe Havens & Trade Me's New Pulse | NZ Property Insights Ep 19

  4. 3 July

    Trapped Together? Why the 17% Property Drop is a 10-Year Buying Window

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Think a 17% market dip is all bad news? Think again! While falling house prices are creating some bizarre living arrangements for separating couples, they are also opening up the single greatest buying window in a decade. In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts reveals why savvy first-home buyers just grabbed a record 27.7% market share, how you can use bank logic to beat election-year panic, and how to turn today's flat market into your ultimate wealth-building launchpad. The 17% Market Drop and The Ex-Partner Dilemma Property values are down 17% from the 2021 peak, leaving some peak-boom buyers in negative equity and forcing 60% of separating couples to temporarily cohabit under one roof. While this structural down-cycle creates short-term friction for sellers, it leaves the field completely wide open for smart buyers to lock in discounted floor pricing with zero competition. The Election Reality Check Election years always cause a temporary wait-and-see slowdown, but data proves commercial banks never alter core credit criteria based on campaign promises. Lending rules depend entirely on Reserve Bank regulations and funding costs rather than political rhetoric, allowing savvy buyers to confidently exploit this quiet window. Source: New Zealand Adviser  First-Home Buyers Grab a Record 27.7% Share While overall transaction volumes are down 4.7% year-to-date, first-home buyers are absolutely thriving in current conditions. They have bucked the trend to execute 10,025 purchases and capture an all-time record 27.7% market share by taking action while investors and movers sit on the sidelines. Source: 1News  The Trans-Tasman Brain Drain Reversals The Kiwi brain drain has hit a major turning point, with citizen departures falling 4.7% and returning citizen arrivals jumping 7.1% as Kiwis escape Australia's sky-high house prices and brutal rental markets. With New Zealand’s quarterly GDP growth at 0.8% actively outpacing Australia's sluggish economy at 0.3%, this returning capital adds an exceptionally solid foundation for future property stability. Source: New Zealand Herald  The KiwiSaver and Superannuation Saving Rules Actuaries suggest a 10% total KiwiSaver rate is the optimal default setup, but political frameworks aim to mandate a 12% baseline by 2032 to match international standards. Because economic modeling shows future means-testing for NZ Super is highly likely, building an independent property portfolio is now your best tool for long-term retirement security. Source: New Zealand Herald  Connect with Property Apprentice Register for our next FREE Educational Webinar: How to Succeed with Property Investing. Click here to secure your free spot: 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.

    Trapped Together? Why the 17% Property Drop is a 10-Year Buying Window

  5. 26 June

    Auckland’s 8% Price Drop? + Why Aussie Renters Envy NZ | Week in Review

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Are New Zealand property buyers quietly proving the mainstream headlines wrong? In this catch-up episode of New Zealand Property Insights, Debbie Roberts explains why Kiwi buyer intent has jumped despite flat national asking prices, how Auckland's upcoming density rollback could slide home values by up to 8% over time, and the policy differences keeping New Zealand's rental market stable while Australia faces a severe crisis. Plus, we look at a classic house-sharing feud that ended up in the Disputes Tribunal, and ask whether KiwiSaver rules should be updated to support modern buying strategies.  Episode Highlights & News Sources 1. Quiet Buyer Intent Gains Ground: National asking prices are flat, but regional markets like Southland are surging (+10.2%). First-home buyers led the charge, capturing 27.5% of all Q1 purchases. 2. CoreLogic Suburb Breakdown: 56% of New Zealand suburbs recorded stable or rising values (led by Southland and West Coast), while Auckland’s Wesley and Glen Innes saw sharp drops under heavy supply. 3. Trans-Tasman Rent Comparison: New Zealand rental affordability is improving (Hawke's Bay down $53/wk) while Australian metros face extreme rental stress. New Zealand's interest deductibility restoration is actively helping supply. 4. Auckland's July Zoning Decision: Council is debating two density rollbacks. Projections show Scenario B (denser zoning) could lower home prices by 5% to 8% over time while generating $3.9B in economic benefit. 5. Co-buying and Property Sharing Pitfalls: A recent Disputes Tribunal feud over cleaning products and utility bills serves as a sharp warning against buying property with friends without a formal agreement.Interactive Question of the Week We want to hear from you! Should the Government change the rules and allow Kiwis to use their KiwiSaver to buy a regional rental property under a rent-vesting strategy? Or should it remain strictly for a home that you intend to live in? Let us know your thoughts and your experiences in the comments or reply to our Spotify Q&A poll! Connect with Property Apprentice 👉 Register for our next FREE Educational Webinar: "How to Succeed with Property Investing" Click here to secure your free spot: www.propertyapprentice.co.nz (Please note: We are independent financial advisers. We do not sell property, meaning our training is 100% focused on your strategy and goals). 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.

  6. 19 June

    NZ Banks Just Cut Their Rules: Is This Your Golden Buying Window? | NZ Property Insights Ep 17

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Is New Zealand’s property market quietly offering you a hidden advantage? While the mainstream headlines scream about high interest rates and a frozen sales volume, a major shift is happening behind closed doors. NZ banks are actively cutting back credit rules, slashing criteria, and sweetening their cashback offers in an aggressive bid to win your business. In this episode of NZ Property Insights, financial adviser Debbie Roberts and seasoned investor Paul Roberts analyze the "Lender Appetite Paradox." We break down why lenders are suddenly open for business, whether you should capitalize on these friendly conditions before the crowd wakes up, and how to structure your risk. We also dive deep into a remarkable winter rental shift, highlighted by an extraordinary 18.6% annual rent correction in Otago, and explore the changing landscape of Kiwi density as Auckland suburbs opt-out of blanket housing laws, leading more buyers to choose modern apartment living over the quarter-acre dream. Register for our next FREE Online Masterclass Book a No-Obligation Strategic Consultation HERE THE DATA DEEP DIVE: Banks Easing Credit: The latest survey of 59 mortgage advisers reveals a substantial 29% increase in bank willingness to advance funds, resulting in lower uncommitted monthly income thresholds and easier 20% deposit paths.The Fixed-Rate Playbook: Why 74% of active borrowers are locking in a 2-year fixed rate at 5.69% rather than committing to shorter or longer terms.Otago Rent Shock: Average weekly asking rents in Otago plummeted from 699 down to 569 annually, a sharp 18.6% drop as local supply temporarily outpaces tenant demand.Planning Backdowns: How Resource Management Minister Chris Bishop’s blanket density exemptions are impacting high-value suburbs like Epsom.Mortgage-Free Pathways: The real-life case studies of everyday Kiwis bypassing traditional property models to achieve financial freedom sooner through compact city homes.About Property Apprentice: We are a 100% independent property education and coaching company in New Zealand. We do not sell property, which means we have zero conflicts of interest. Our only goal is to help you build stable, long-term wealth through realistic financial education. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star review, and let us know your thoughts: Is this current bank shift the window of opportunity you have been waiting for? 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.

    NZ Banks Just Cut Their Rules: Is This Your Golden Buying Window? | NZ Property Insights Ep 17

  7. 18 June

    Why First-Home Buyers Are Snapping Up Standalone Homes | Week in Review

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. First-home buyers are quietly rewriting the rules of the New Zealand property market. Despite a flat wider economy, a record 75% of first-home buyer purchases this year are standalone houses—the highest level since 2020. But as the market continues to fragment, we are seeing a fascinating regional split. While Auckland and Wellington face slower movements, areas like Southland, Taranaki, and Otago are showing surprising resilience. Meanwhile, mortgage arrears are falling, but financial hardship applications are spiking—pointing to a deeper credit squeeze on middle-aged Kiwis. In this episode of the Week in Review, Debbie Roberts (Financial Adviser at Property Apprentice) breaks down the five critical economic shifts shaping your property choices right now. 👉 Register for our next FREE Online Masterclass "How to Succeed with Property Investing:" : https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz  📞 Book a No-Obligation Consultation with Paul Roberts: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/free-strategy-call/ KEY ECONOMIC INSIGHTS COVERED: The Cotality Westpac New Zealand First Home Buyer Report reveals that standalone homes are back in fashion, making up 75% of FHB purchases nationally.Centrix credit data shows that while overall mortgage arrears dropped to 1.49% of the credit active population, formal financial hardship cases rose by 13.3% year-on-year.Regional property trends: Wellington's asking prices jumped 12.9% due to a 32.1% drop in new listings, while Southland hits record asking price highs.Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub's new modelling highlights how a flat 15% tax on KiwiSaver contributions and returns could leave the average retiree $60,000 better off.About Property Apprentice: We are a 100% independent property education and coaching company in New Zealand. We do not sell property, which means we have zero conflicts of interest. Our only goal is to help everyday Kiwis, first-home buyers, and experienced investors make smart, data-backed 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.

    Why First-Home Buyers Are Snapping Up Standalone Homes | Week in Review

  8. 11 June

    Is NZ a Property "Tax Haven"? + The $387.5M Private Rental Market Shift | NZ Property Insights Ep 16

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. In this post-budget episode, Paul and Debbie Roberts cut through the mainstream media noise to deliver the real data, strategies, and opportunities hiding in the current property market.  We kick things off by breaking down groundbreaking economic research that challenges outdated council building targets and introduces "price signal planning". Then, we cast our eyes across the Tasman, where Australia's latest federal budget has left their property community deeply envious—with Aussie media openly calling New Zealand a real estate "tax haven". Finally, we unpack a structural social housing reform shifting hundreds of millions of dollars directly into the private rental market to boost tenant stability.  1. Ditching Arbitrary Council Quotas for Price Signals The New Zealand Initiative's Beyond Targets report demonstrates that hitting numeric council targets has historically failed to improve underlying housing affordability. Substantial price jumps right at invisible council zoning lines act as clear proof that development permissions are being treated as a rationed, scarce commodity rather than meeting actual demand. The Latest REINZ Figures: National median residential prices slipped a minor 0.6% year-on-year to $775,000, while sales volumes dropped 7.9% nationally—led by a 14.8% annual decline in Auckland as the market finds a stable footing. 2. Why Australia Thinks NZ is a Real Estate Tax Haven Australia's new federal budget cuts their capital gains tax discount to a minimum 30% tax rate, targets legacy assets bought before 1985, and heavily restricts negative gearing. New Zealand stands in stark contrast with no general capital gains tax outside a 2-year bright-line test, no stamp duty, and no land tax. Because Australian buyers are completely exempt from our foreign buyer restrictions, a favorable exchange rate is setting the stage for an influx of trans-Tasman capital. Data reveals Kiwi investors care far more about monthly cash flow and loan serviceability than back-end capital gains taxes, making our market highly attractive. 3. The $387.5 Million Cash Injection for Private Rentals The government's multi-year social housing reform package raises the minimum income-related rent contribution from 25% to 30%. This structural rebalancing unlocks $387.5 million in operating savings, which is being completely reinvested back into the private sector. Maximum weekly Accommodation Supplement rates will climb by $10 to $30 a week, leaving roughly 111,000 families renting in the private market better off by an average of $14.91 a week. For private landlords, this targeted support fundamentally lowers the risk of rent arrears and increases overall tenant stability. Want to discover how to navigate the current buyer's market, analyze local cash flow numbers, and purchase the right property for your personal financial goals?  👉 Register for our next FREE Online Event: "How to Succeed with Property Investing" Click here to secure your educational spot: www.propertyapprentice.co.nz (You can ask Debbie your investment questions live during the 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.

    Is NZ a Property "Tax Haven"? + The $387.5M Private Rental Market Shift | NZ Property Insights Ep 16
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Property Apprentice dives deep into the what's and how's of real estate investing in New Zealand. Each week, we discuss topics relevant to every home buyer and investor.

Information

  • Creator
    Debbie & Paul Roberts
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    283
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Property Apprentice Podcast
  • Show Website
    Property Apprentice Podcast

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