Property Apprentice Podcast

Debbie & Paul Roberts

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. 1d ago

    Why the Election Isn't Stopping Property Buyers (Plus RBNZ & Building Code Rules) | Week in Review

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

    Why the Election Isn't Stopping Property Buyers (Plus RBNZ & Building Code Rules) | Week in Review
  2. 6d ago

    New Housing Levies Confirmed for 2029! Plus The REAL Cause of the Property Slump | Week in Review

    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 MilestoneAverage 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 ProtectionA 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 SlumpAnnual 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 RatesFMA 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 2029Councils 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 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.

    New Housing Levies Confirmed for 2029! Plus The REAL Cause of the Property Slump | Week in Review
  3. Sep 25

    Labour's Interest Deductibility U-Turn! + 190% Aussie Property Search Surge | NZ Property Insights Ep 28

    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 ShareOver 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 SurgeMoody’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 ShiftsRealestate.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 FocusLabour 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.

    Labour's Interest Deductibility U-Turn! + 190% Aussie Property Search Surge | NZ Property Insights Ep 28
  4. Sep 16

    House Prices Back to 2021 Levels by 2029? + Rent Floor & Non-Bank Strategy | NZ Property Insights Ep 27

    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.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.

  5. Sep 11

    Banks Hike Variable Rates, $300k First Home Deposit Proposal & Auckland's Market Tipping Point

    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.

    Banks Hike Variable Rates, $300k First Home Deposit Proposal & Auckland's Market Tipping Point
  6. Sep 4

    33,000 Homes for Sale! Plus, Christchurch Airbnb Crackdown & CGT Flaws | NZ Property InsightsEp 26

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Buyer choice has jumped by 45% as national listings hit 33,000 homes—so what does this "new normal" mean for house prices and negotiation power? Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank has lifted the Official Cash Rate to 2.75%, a landmark MBIE ruling threatens Christchurch's 5,000 Airbnbs, and an expert panel has dissected the fatal design flaws in Labour's proposed Capital Gains Tax.  In Episode 26 of New Zealand Property Insights, hosts Paul and Debbie Roberts break down the latest data from the RBNZ, Realestate.co.nz, MBIE, and the Salvation Army to deliver real facts without the headline hype.  What You'll Learn in This Episode: OCR Hike & Capital Gains Tax Flaws: Why the RBNZ raised the OCR by 25bps to 2.75%, and why top economists and tax specialists agree Labour's CGT design fails—including a total lack of inflation adjustment that levies a $280,000 tax bill on zero real profit. Christchurch Airbnb Crackdown: How a landmark MBIE ruling requiring commercial visitor accommodation compliance (fire safety & disability access) could impact short-term rentals nationwide. 33,000 Homes on Market: Why buyer inventory has jumped 45% over three years, how shortening the Bright-line test to 2 years encouraged investor listings, and why national average asking prices ($849,362) have settled into a "new normal". Regional Clearance Rates: Why Canterbury inventory takes just 15 weeks to clear while Coromandel takes 56 weeks and Northland takes 48 weeks. Salvation Army Housing Report: Why building 9.1% more homes hasn't solved housing stress, and how Aucklanders relocating to provincial cities are shrinking local rental pools. 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.

    33,000 Homes for Sale! Plus, Christchurch Airbnb Crackdown & CGT Flaws | NZ Property InsightsEp 26
  7. Aug 20

    65% of Kiwis Pausing Life Goals? Cross Lease Traps & Mortgage Default Myth | NZ Property Insights 24

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Why are 65% of New Zealanders under 45 putting major life milestones like buying a home, starting a family, or making career moves on pause? And what really happens when you buy a cross-lease property with an unconsented deck, carport, or extension? In Episode 24 of New Zealand Property Insights, host Paul Roberts breaks down fresh demographic surveys and financial credit data to expose the underlying truths shaping today's property market. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Gen Z & Millennial Financial Pressure: Unpacking the 15th annual 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey on Deloitte New Zealand. Discover why cost-of-living concerns weigh heavily on 56% of young Kiwis, how housing costs dictate career choices, and why low-deposit lending options exist for strategic buyers.Cross-Lease Title Realities & Traps: Demystifying 999-year cross-lease titles in New Zealand. Learn how unconsented extensions create costly defective titles, how to navigate neighbor consent rules, and how converting cross-leases to freehold sections creates instant equity.Mortgage Defaults & Forced Sales Myth: Examining fresh credit data from Moody's, Property Intelligence Data on Cotality, and the Credit Indicator Report on Centrix. Discover why residential default rates remain near historic lows (111 mortgagee sales in Q2 versus 763 during the GFC) and how bank serviceability stress testing protects homeowners.🎓 Free Educational Masterclass Looking to build long-term property wealth without falling into low-deposit traps or high-pressure sales pitches? Join financial adviser Debbie Roberts for our next live online event: How to Succeed with Property Investing. 100% Independent (We do NOT sell real estate)Zero Sales Pressure👉 Register Free Here: Property Apprentice 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.

    65% of Kiwis Pausing Life Goals? Cross Lease Traps & Mortgage Default Myth | NZ Property Insights 24
  8. Aug 14

    AI Real Estate Scams, $2M Property Coach Liquidation & Build Cost Surge | NZ Property Insights Ep 23

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Are fake AI photos hiding structural defects on house listings? And how did a social media property coach end up owing $2M to creditors? In Episode 23 of New Zealand Property Insights, hosts Paul Roberts and Debbie Roberts (owners of Property Apprentice) tackle the biggest ethical, regulatory, and construction cost developments affecting New Zealand property buyers and investors today. 💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: AI in Property Marketing: Where is the boundary between low-risk virtual staging and illegal deception? Learn why sky replacements and digital enhancements require strict disclosures, plus the mandatory "Beyond the Frame" question every buyer must ask listing agents.The $2M Property Coach Collapse: Analyzing the high-profile liquidation of Ashley Dean-Binnie's companies. We unpack the massive regulatory loop-hole between generalized coaching and FMA-regulated financial advice, conflict-of-interest red flags, and why you should never rely on unverified social media influencers.Residential Build Cost Surge: Breaking down the latest June Cordell Construction Cost Index data from Kelvin Davidson. With build costs accelerating at 3.5% annually, discover how squeezed builder margins impact contract safety, plus how to leverage full LVR and DTI exemptions for new build financing.🎓 Free Educational Masterclass Looking to build long-term wealth without falling into risky traps or high-pressure sales pitches? Join financial adviser Debbie Roberts at our next live online event: How to Succeed with Property Investing. 100% Independent (We do NOT sell property)Zero Sales Pressure👉 Register Free Here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz⚖️ Disclaimer Property Advice Group Limited (trading as Property Apprentice) is a Licensed Financial Advice Provider under the Financial Markets Authority (FSP157564). The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial or legal advice. 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.

    AI Real Estate Scams, $2M Property Coach Liquidation & Build Cost Surge | NZ Property Insights Ep 23

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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.

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