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. Best Housing Affordability in a Decade? + The Property Flipping Trap | NZ Property Insights Ep. 6

    6D AGO

    Best Housing Affordability in a Decade? + The Property Flipping Trap | NZ Property Insights Ep. 6

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

    17 min
  2. Why Market Panic Won't Crash NZ Property & Central Otago's Record Rents

    MAR 16

    Why Market Panic Won't Crash NZ Property & Central Otago's Record Rents

    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.

    20 min
  3. The February Market Shift, KiwiSaver vs Property, & The "Wear and Tear" Trap | NZ Property Insights Ep. 5

    MAR 11

    The February Market Shift, KiwiSaver vs Property, & The "Wear and Tear" Trap | NZ Property Insights Ep. 5

    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.

    13 min
  4. MAR 10

    Global Shocks, Auckland's 5-Year Sales High & KiwiSaver Reforms (Week in Review)

    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 #Auckland 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.

    21 min
  5. 1 in 3 Kiwis Have $500 Saved, Women Left Behind & Flat House Prices (Week in Review)

    MAR 4

    1 in 3 Kiwis Have $500 Saved, Women Left Behind & Flat House Prices (Week in Review)

    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 🎧 Follow us for weekly updates! Please open your Apple Podcasts or Spotify app right now and hit the follow button! Subscribe to our Apple Podcasts Channel HereSubscribe to our Spotify Channel Here#NZProperty #MortgageRates #RealEstateNews #FirstHomeBuyers #FinancialLiteracy # 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.

    17 min
  6. Retiring at 73? The Superannuation Squeeze & Interest Rate Update | NZ Property Insights Episode 4

    MAR 2

    Retiring at 73? The Superannuation Squeeze & Interest Rate Update | NZ Property Insights Episode 4

    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.

    19 min
  7. Decoding 2026, The Great Bank Switch & Hidden Mortgage Costs Ep. 3

    FEB 24

    Decoding 2026, The Great Bank Switch & Hidden Mortgage Costs Ep. 3

    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.

    11 min
  8. OCR Holds at 2.25%, ASB's 5% Deposit Hack & Rents Drop (Week in Review)

    FEB 20

    OCR Holds at 2.25%, ASB's 5% Deposit Hack & Rents Drop (Week in Review)

    Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think. Is the property market officially shifting gears? In this episode of The Week in Review, Debbie Roberts unpacks a massive week of contradictory but exciting real estate news. We dive into a sudden surge in tourism and migration that has the broader economy starting to hum, and discuss why the Reserve Bank holding the OCR steady at 2.25% cements a "higher for longer" interest rate environment. We also cover a massive win for first-home buyers as ASB joins the Kāinga Ora 5% deposit scheme with a unique lending advantage, plus a look at why the government just slashed Auckland's long-term housing targets by 400,000 homes. Key Topics Covered: Migration & Tourism: How the late-2025 rebound is setting the stage for a housing revival.First Home Buyers: Why ASB's entry into the 5% deposit scheme—and their acceptance of two boarders' income—could boost your buying power.Interest Rates: What the OCR pause at 2.25% means for your fixed-rate mortgage strategy.Auckland Zoning: The government's U-turn on Plan Change 120 and what it means for character neighbourhoods.Market Data: Cotality's February update showing flat property values and a welcome drop in rents.📢 FREE EVENT: Navigating a recovering market requires careful planning based on data, not headlines. Join our free online masterclass to learn how to structure your portfolio for success. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Economic Rebound & Mixed Signals 0:46 - Migration & Tourism Rebound 1:44 - ASB Joins Kāinga Ora 5% Deposit Scheme 2:50 - OCR Paused at 2.25% 5:10 - Auckland Housing Target Slashed 6:25 - Cotality Feb 2026 Data 8:30 - Final Thoughts & Free 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.

    16 min

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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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