Property Apprentice Podcast

40 Episodes
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By: 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.

The February Market Shift, KiwiSaver vs Property, & The "Wear and Tear" Trap | NZ Property Insights Ep. 5
#5
Last Wednesday at 4:00 AM

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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...


Global Shocks, Auckland's 5-Year Sales High & KiwiSaver Reforms (Week in Review)
#8
Last Tuesday at 6:00 AM

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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...


1 in 3 Kiwis Have <$500 Saved, Women Left Behind & Flat House Prices (Week in Review)
#7
03/04/2026

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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...


Retiring at 73? The Superannuation Squeeze & Interest Rate Update | NZ Property Insights Episode 4
#4
03/02/2026

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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...


Decoding 2026, The Great Bank Switch & Hidden Mortgage Costs Ep. 3
#3
02/24/2026

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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...


OCR Holds at 2.25%, ASB's 5% Deposit Hack & Rents Drop (Week in Review)
#6
02/20/2026

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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 Kāi...


Fixed Rates Surge, Resale Profits Return & Foreign Buyer Rules (Week in Review)
#5
02/16/2026

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The market is shifting gears—are you keeping up?

In this week's Week in Review, Debbie Roberts unpacks the signals that matter most to your wallet. We are seeing a stabilizing market with resale profits ticking up, but a surprise surge in borrowers locking in 2-year fixed rates suggests the "floating rate" trend is over.

Key Topics Covered:

Resale Turnaround: 88% of sellers made a profit in Q4—has the market hit the bottom?Mort...


Market Stalling or Buying Window? Unemployment Highs vs. Rate Drops (Week in Review)
#4
02/07/2026

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Is the property market recovering, or is there a sting in the tail?

In this week's Week in Review, Debbie Roberts tackles the contradictory headlines facing Kiwi property buyers. We are seeing a classic tug-of-war: mortgage rates are dropping and first-home buyers are active, but unemployment has hit a 10-year high of 5.4% and the RBNZ is demanding tighter risk rules from banks.

Key Topics Covered:

Property Values: Why the market dipped in January and t...


A 28% Capital Gains Tax & The Inflation U-Turn | NZ Property Insights Ep. 2
#2
02/05/2026

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The start of 2026 hasn't been as quiet as expected. From new tax proposals that have investors on edge to economic data forcing banks to tear up their interest rate forecasts, there is a lot to unpack.

In this episode of New Zealand Property Insights, Paul and Debbie Roberts deep dive into the proposed 28% Capital Gains Tax (CGT), the reality of sticky inflation, and why "resilience" is the new keyword for due diligence.

In this episode, Paul and Debbie cover:

...


Interest Rates to Rise Mid-Year? + Major Insurance Halt
#3
02/02/2026

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Is 2026 a "Goldilocks" year for buyers, or is a rate hike trap set for mid-year?

In this week's Week in Review, Debbie Roberts (Property Apprentice) cuts through the contradictory headlines. We explore why major banks are predicting an OCR hike, why insurers are retreating from Westport, and if the "doer-upper" dream is dead.

We cover:

Interest Rate Warning: Why ASB & ANZ predict a mid-year rise."Goldilocks" Market: Why first-home buyers are winning...


The Great Debate: Should KiwiSaver Be Made Compulsory?
01/29/2026

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In this episode, Debbie Roberts from Property Apprentice discusses the hot topic of whether KiwiSaver should be made compulsory or remain voluntary. With recent media attention and political proposals suggesting a shift toward a mandatory model similar to Australia’s, it is a conversation that every New Zealander should be following.

Debbie breaks down the potential impact of these changes on your take-home pay, your ability to secure a first-home deposit, and your long-term retirement goals.

Key Topics Di...


NZ Property Insights: New 70sqm Granny Flat Rules Explained & NZ Interest Rate Predictions 2026
#1
01/26/2026

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As of January 15th, 2026, the rules for building minor dwellings in New Zealand have officially changed. The headlines say "No Consent Needed" for builds under 70sqm, but the fine print says something very different.

In this premiere episode, Paul and Debbie Roberts (Property Apprentice) strip away the media hype to look at the practical details that actually matter to your portfolio. We break down the specific "gotchas" in the new Building and Construction Amendment Act—specifically regarding wet areas and accessibility—and why your choice of b...


Recovery Signals vs. Price Drops: The "Oil Tanker" Economy & Housing Returns
#2
01/23/2026

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Are we in a recovery or a price crash? In this week's episode, we tackle the mixed signals hitting the New Zealand market. BNZ economists are telling us "don't stop believin'" as business confidence hits multi-year highs, yet Trade Me data shows asking prices plummeted by over $80,000 in the last two months of 2025.

We break down why REINZ says buyer confidence (and FOMO) is officially returning, despite the confusing data out of regions like Gisborne. Plus, we dive into the "Oil Tanker" effect—why dropping in...


NZ Property Market 2026: Granny Flat Rules, Record Listings & Interest Rate Forecasts
#1
01/19/2026

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Is the "Buyer's Market" finally here? In this first episode of 2026, we break down a massive week for New Zealand real estate. The data is in: December stock levels have hit a 10-year high, giving buyers more choice than we've seen in a decade. But with new rules for Granny Flats kicking in today and economists predicting a twist in the OCR tale, the window of opportunity might be moving faster than you think.

We discuss the...


Is a GST Hike Coming? And Why Mortgage Rates Are Up Despite OCR Cuts
#98
12/12/2025

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Topic #1:  Stuff 10th of December - Capital crunch: Central Wellington now has the cheapest property in the country

Topic #2: RNZ 9th of December - GST used to be 10%, is it going to rise again?

Topic #3: Interest.co.nz  11th of December- Average asking prices on Trade Me Property cooled in most regions in November

Topic #4: RNZ 9th of December - The OCR is down, so why are home loans rising?

Topic #5: Financial Markets Authority 11th of December - FMA ce...


Real Estate Market Update: Why It’s the Best Time to Buy in a Decade
#96
12/05/2025

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Topic #1:  The Mortgage Mag 4th of December - Buyers sitting on the sidelines in best time to buy in a decade

Topic #2: RNZ 3rd of December - Westpac launches scheme to help owners protect homes from extreme weather

Topic #3: Cotality 4th of December- Property values still in a holding pattern

Topic #4: RNZ 2nd of December - Adjustment to single pension rate may be prompting women to borrow against homes 

Topic #5: RN...


Rent vs. Buy in 2025: Why “Cheaper Now” Could Cost You More Later
#95
12/03/2025

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Topic #1:  Good Returns 26th of November- OCR Cut: What the RBNZ said

Topic #2: RNZ 26th of November - Is it cheaper to pay a mortgage, or rent?

Topic #3: TradeMe 28th of November- OCR predictions for 2026 & 2027

Topic #4: RNZ 26th of November - The rising cost of taking a gamble on the what-ifs

Topic #5: NZ Herald 24th of November - KiwiSaver 12% plan risks backfiring without total pay ban, provider warns

#PropertyApprentice #NZProperty #RentVsBuy #FirstHomeBuyerNZ #FinancialFreedom #RNZ #PropertyInvestmentNZ #P...


Let's be real about a Capital Gains Tax in NZ
#97
12/02/2025

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Is a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) actually on the horizon for New Zealand property investors? 🏠🤔

Paul's tackling the conversation arising from the recent Labour Party conference and answering the big question many of you have been asking: What does this mean for my portfolio?

He also take a hard look at why the Government struggles to be an effective landlord compared to private investors, and I share some "warning signs" from the UK and Australian markets that we need to pay attention to.


The CGT Revenue Myth & Future Interest Rate Cuts
#94
11/25/2025

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Topic #1:  NZ Herald 19th of November- Capital gains tax wouldn’t have raised much in recent years - Cotality

Topic #2: RNZ 20th of November - The difference in investing strategies between over-60s and under-30s

Topic #3: Oneroof 19th of November- Homeowners could get up to $15,000 as ANZ boosts its cashback to 1.5%

Topic #4: TradeMe 20th of November - What new Auckland Council housing intensification proposals (PC 120) mean for you

Topic #5: NZ...


Hardship Withdrawals in KiwiSaver: When Rules Are Being Bent
#93
11/07/2025

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Topic #1:  Good  Returns 3rd of November- Market recovery signals consistent with interest rate falls

Topic #2: NZ Financial Adviser 5th of November - Auckland housing market steadies as listings rise and confidence grows

Topic #3: RNZ 6th of November- 'People learning to manipulate the system': Call for KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal changes

Topic #4: Oneroof 4th of November - SBS quietly offers ‘crazy’ home loan rates of 3.99% - lowest in four years

Topic #5: Realestate.co.nz...


Experts Respond to Capital Gains Tax: Housing Market Outlook Explained
#92
10/31/2025

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Topic #1:  Oneroof 29th of October-Capital gains tax fallout: ‘House prices are not going to fall another 20%’

Topic #2: Good Returns 28th of October - Bets are on for OCR to fall even further

Topic #3:  Stuff 30th of October- Biggest bank thinks house prices will rise this year after all

Topic #4: 1News 30th of October - New granny flat rules could put rates up, economist says


#PropertyInvestment #NZPropertyMarket #PropertyNews #RealEstateNZ #InvestInProperty #PropertyInvesting #PropertyApprentice
#LandlordsNZ #OccupancyLimits #GrannyFlatsNZ #ConsentFreeGrannyFlats #Housin...


Economists Welcome RBNZ’s Careful LVR Changes | Will It Boost NZ Property Investment?
#91
10/31/2025

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Topic #1:  RNZ 15th of October- Consider tax breaks for KiwiSaver, international report say

Topic #2: NZ Financial Adviser 16th of October - Economists welcome RBNZ's cautious LVR easing amid housing restraint

Topic #3: Good Returns 14th of October - First home buyers take advantage of soft housing market

Topic #4: 1News 13th of October- Why Inland Revenue is taking money from bank accounts

Topic #5: Interest.co.nz 25th of October -Residential building costs still increasing but slowed to 0.4% in the September quarter


New Law Allows Consent-Free Granny Flats and Landlords Speak Out on Occupancy Rule Backlash
#90
10/28/2025

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Topic #1:  RNZ 21st of October- Landlords respond to research criticism on occupancy limits

Topic #2: 1News 23rd of October - Exemption allowing granny flats to be built consent-free passes into law

Topic #3: Interest.co.nz 22nd of October - Trade Me Property says the balance of power between tenants and landlords is shifting in tenants' favour

Topic #4: NZ Herald 22nd of October- Why you might need $1m to retire in a big city


Auckland Homelessness Rises Among International Students, NZ Treasury to Propose 32% GST & Pension Age 72
#89
09/30/2025

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Topic #1:  NZ Herald 25th of September- First-home buyers’ 10-year, $260,000 rent bill to save deposit

Topic #2: Oneroof.co.nz 24th of September - Tony Alexander: Why rents are falling and what it means for landlords and tenants

Topic #3: RNZ 25th of September - International students join growing number of rough sleepers in Auckland, advocate says

Topic #4: 1News 25th of September - Is it worth fixing your home loan for longer?

Topic #5: NZ...


OCR Drop Coming? Why Splitting Your Mortgage Could Pay Off
#88
09/23/2025

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Topic #1:  Good Returns 17th of September- Why some mortgage advisers say splitting is good when interest rates are low

Topic #2: Stuff 16th of September - Spring house hunting season is here: Everything you need to get your home ready to sell

Topic #3: NZ Adviser 16th of September - Otago tops rental market with record weekly rent

Topic #4: The Mortgage Mag 18th of September - Predictions for big OCR drop next month               

Topic...


IRD CRACKS DOWN: $228M in Undeclared Income! What This Means for NZ Property Investors
#87
09/19/2025

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In this episode, we're diving into the latest and most significant news for the New Zealand property market. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has just revealed that its tax investigations into property investors and developers are paying off—BIG TIME! 💰

We break down the shocking numbers from a recent Business Desk article, including a staggering $228 million in undeclared income discovered in just one financial year. This is a massive 46% increase from the previous year, all thanks to new government funding for tax compliance efforts.


Supply Outpaces Population Growth & KiwiSaver Hits $123B Amid Rising Non-Contributors
#86
09/12/2025

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Topic #1:  Good Returns 9th of September- Slumping house prices good news for first home buyers

Topic #2: RNZ 9th of September - Wellington house prices slump 30 percent from peak, QV says

Topic #3: TradeMe 9th of September - House prices up for the first time in over a year

Topic #4: The Mortgage Mag 11th of September - Keeping a lid on house prices – housing supply outpaces population growth

Topic #5: NZ Adviser 10th of September - KiwiSaver grows to $123bn but non-contributors ris...


Why Wealthy Foreigners Are Buying Their Way Into New Zealand
#85
09/09/2025

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Topic #1:  Good Returns 2nd of September- Mortgage defaults improve while lending rises

Topic #2: Stuff 2nd of September - Housing is no longer NZ's economic heroin. Now what?

Topic #3: The Post 1st of September - Zero growth year: ANZ predicts no house price growth for 2025

Topic #4: Stuff 2nd of September - ‘Safe haven’: Wealthy Americans flock to buy their way into NZ

Topic #5: Ministry of Housing and Urban Development 1st of Septe...


Will NZ Outperform Australia? What This Means for Property Prices
#84
08/29/2025

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Will New Zealand’s economy really outperform Australia over the next few years? And what does this mean for property investors and first-home buyers?

In this episode, Paul from Property Apprentice breaks down:
Why Westpac expects NZ to outpace Australia economically
How OCR cuts and affordability improvements are creating a unique buying window
Why Sydney’s $1.7M median price makes NZ property look affordable
What the next 6–12 months could mean for buyers, investors, and upgraders
Why NOW is the time to pla...


Is the NZ Housing Crisis Finally Over? | Lessons from the Last Decade
#83
08/19/2025

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Topic #1:  Oneroof 11th of August - Has NZ finally solved its housing crisis? Ten years after soaring prices triggered nationwide panic

Topic #2: Good Results 13th of August - Gloomy home ownership results

Topic #3: RNZ 14th of August - More people making losses when selling their homes

Topic #4: 1News 13th of August - Warning after real estate agents caught altering sale agreements

Topic #5: RNZ 13th of August - Living apart together or bird nesting? Divorce in a tough property market


Home Loan Outlook: Unemployment Trends and a Stable Property Market
#82
08/12/2025

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Topic #1:  Good Returns 29th of July - Flatter prices in a well- balanced market

Topic #2: Stuff 7th of August - Auckland house price average falls below $1m for first time in nearly a year, Trade Me report says

Topic #3: RNZ 5th of August - Here's what unemployment data means for your home loan

Topic #4: Oneroof 6th of August - Tony Alexander: Banks aren’t cutting rates because sunny days are around the corner

<...


What to Do While Waiting for Property Equity to Grow | 5 Smart Moves NZ Investors Must Know
#81
08/07/2025

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Are you feeling stuck while waiting for your property equity to grow? You’re not alone—but the good news is, this can actually be one of the most powerful times in your investing journey. 

In this bonus episode, Debbie Roberts—Financial Adviser and Co-Founder of Property Apprentice—shares five smart and practical strategies you can use right now to set yourself up for success while you're in the holding phase. Whether you’re waiting for equity, a market upswing, or just your next move...


NZ House Prices More Than Double Apartment Growth & Should Kiwis Rethink Their Property Strategy?
#80
08/05/2025

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Topic #1:  Good Returns 29th of July - Flatter prices in a well- balanced market

Topic #2: RNZ 29th of July - New Zealanders urged to break up with property

Topic #3: New Zealand Adviser 29th of July - NZ property market: Sales volumes rise but buyers still hold the cards

Topic #4: Realestate.co.nz 28th of July - Home run: Prices of homes in NZ outpace apartments by more than double

Topic #5: S...


The $300 Question: Are NZ Property Investors Really Making Money?
#79
07/29/2025

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Topic #1:  RNZ 24th of July -Rents fall for first time since 2009

Topic  #2: Good Returns 23rd of July -Record number of deals being done by first home buyers

Topic #3: Eite Agent 23rd of July -NZ buyers and sellers finally find common ground on price

Topic #4: Good Returns 22nd of July -Green light burning brightly for August interest rate cut

Topic #5: 'Topping up $300 a week': How much money do property investors actually ma...


Aging Population & NZ Property: What It Means for House Prices, Interest Rates & Your Retirement
#78
07/23/2025

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Welcome to another bonus episode of the Property Apprentice Podcast, hosted by Debbie Roberts, financial adviser and co-founder of Property Apprentice. In this episode, Debbie unpacks how New Zealand’s aging population is reshaping the future of property investment, interest rates, housing supply, and banking services. 

What happens to house prices as more Kiwis reach retirement age? Will there be an oversupply of large homes in aging regions? How c...


Why Are Property Investors Coming Back And Should You Pay an Agent to Sell Your Home?
#77
07/21/2025

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Topic #1:  Oneroof 15th of July - Homeowners taking out low-interest green loans warned on break fees and rate hooks

Topic #2: RNZ 15th of July -Is it worth paying a real estate agent to sell your house?

Topic #3: 1News 17th of July - Apprentices dropped as builders struggle with downturn

Topic #4: RNZ 15th of July -The return of the property investor - but why?

Topic #5: Interest.co.nz 15t...


Are You a Criminal Just for Selling Your Home? Big Changes to AML Rules in NZ
#76
07/14/2025

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In this bonus episode of the Property Apprentice Podcast, host Debbie Roberts breaks down a major change in New Zealand’s property regulations that could significantly ease the burden for families using trusts. 

The New Zealand government has announced key updates to anti-money laundering (AML) rules, aiming to reduce excessive compliance requirements for “low-risk” property transactions involving family trusts. This move is set to simplify the often complex and intrusive checks that everyday Kiwis have faced when selling a home held in a trust. ...


RBNZ Holds OCR as Market Shifts: Has the Mortgage Rate Bottom Arrived?
#75
07/11/2025

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Topic #1:  The Mortgage Mag 9th of July - Mortgage rates may have bottomed already as RBNZ holds OCR

Topic #2: NZ Adviser 8th of July -NZ housing market dips as buyers gain leverage

Topic #3: RNZ 9th of July - No climate change buy-outs in future, expert group tells government

Topic #4: Realestate.co.nz 9th of July -The New Zealand Property Report Good news for renters as national rental price falls for another month


Impulse Buys: Why Kiwis Are Accidentally Buying Homes
#74
07/04/2025

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Topic #1:  1News 3rd of July - Average NZ property value sees 'modest' uptick in June

Topic #2: Good Returns 1st of July -Service agreements could help banks’ processing timeframes

Topic #3: The Mortgage Mag 2nd of July - Little growth for the rest of this year expected

Topic #4: RNZ 3rd of July - Consumer spending on the rise

Topic #5: Realestate.co.nz 3rd of July - Oops, I bought a house!

<...


Common Landlording Issues and How to Solve them
#73
07/01/2025

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In this episode of the Property Apprentice Podcast, Debbie Roberts breaks down the top challenges that landlords face in New Zealand—and, more importantly, how to solve them.

Whether you're a first-time landlord or a seasoned property investor, this episode is packed with practical tips and expert advice to help you:

 Prevent rent arrears and late paymentsChoose the right tenants using background, credit, and tribunal checksMaintain your property with regular inspectionsNavigate meth testing, privacy laws, and Healthy Homes standardsUnderstand your legal obligations und...