Property Apprentice Podcast cover art

Property Apprentice Podcast

Property Apprentice Podcast

By: Debbie & Paul Roberts
Listen for free

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.

© 2026 Property Apprentice Podcast Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Why First-Home Buyers Are Snapping Up Standalone Homes | Week in Review

    Why First-Home Buyers Are Snapping Up Standalone Homes | Week in Review
    Jun 18 2026

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Is NZ a Property "Tax Haven"? + The $387.5M Private Rental Market Shift | NZ Property Insights Ep 16

    Is NZ a Property "Tax Haven"? + The $387.5M Private Rental Market Shift | NZ Property Insights Ep 16
    Jun 11 2026
    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 SignalsThe 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 HavenAustralia'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 RentalsThe 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 showDisclaimer: 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.
    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • NZ Budget 2026, OCR Outlook, First-Home Buyer Trends & KiwiSaver Insights | Week in Review

    NZ Budget 2026, OCR Outlook, First-Home Buyer Trends & KiwiSaver Insights | Week in Review
    Jun 5 2026

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

    In this week's Property Apprentice Week in Review, Debbie Roberts unpacks the biggest economic, property, and personal finance stories shaping New Zealand.

    This episode covers the key announcements from Budget 2026, the Reserve Bank's closely watched OCR decision, new data showing nearly half of first-home buyers are entering the market with less than a 20% deposit, the growing pressure on rental affordability, and what recent KiwiSaver statistics reveal about wealth-building across different age groups.

    Whether you're a property investor, homeowner, landlord, first-home buyer, or simply interested in New Zealand's economic outlook, this episode provides practical insights to help you make more informed financial decisions.

    Topics discussed:

    • Budget 2026 and public sector workforce reductions
    • Regional investment opportunities emerging from government spending
    • OCR outlook and mortgage rate implications
    • First-home buyer lending trends
    • Rental affordability and housing supply pressures
    • KiwiSaver balances by age and gender
    • Long-term wealth creation through property investment

    Property Apprentice helps everyday New Zealanders build wealth through informed property investment decisions, independent education, and expert guidance.

    Learn more 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.
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet