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News & Guides
Explore property investment guides, market news, and landlord tips designed to help you build wealth and stay ahead.


Auckland shows how fast housing demand follows employment
Auckland housing demand is recovering as employment records its first annual rise in two years. Population growth still needs fewer homes than the city is completing, keeping pressure on rents and prices. The article examines this gap and what it means for Auckland property investors.

Kieran Trass
Oct 165 min read


Gross vs net rental yield in New Zealand: A clear comparison
Gross and net rental yield are two key measures used to assess rental property performance in New Zealand. Staircase explains how gross yield shows income before costs, while net yield reflects real expenses. Understanding gross vs net rental yield supports better investment decisions.

Staircase
Sep 113 min read


The Long Downturn Is Not the Story. The Next Cycle Is.
New Zealand’s property market has been through a brutal reset, but a long downturn does not mean permanent structural collapse. The next property cycle will place greater importance on timing, affordability, cashflow, debt structure, and local market selection.

Kieran Trass
Sep 89 min read


Negatively geared property does not mean bad investment. Here’s why.
A negatively geared property requires an owner contribution when its expenses exceed its rental income. However, short-term cashflow does not show the complete investment outcome. Debt reduction, rental growth, inflation, market cycles, and long-term capital growth can also influence its performance.

Kieran Trass
Sep 83 min read


Why do accountants often say no to investment property?
Accountants play an important role in protecting financial stability, but their advice may focus on short-term risk rather than long-term property cycles. Learn why a property investment accountant may still say no and what investors should consider before making a decision.

Kieran Trass
Sep 33 min read


KiwiSaver is a start, but will probably not be the finish line
The latest average KiwiSaver balance by age data reveals how New Zealanders are tracking towards retirement. Members aged 61 to 65 have an average balance of $77,927, but thousands have saved considerably less. Kevin Lum explains why KiwiSaver can provide a foundation and why another long-term asset may be needed.

Staircase
Aug 317 min read


Banks Are Turning an LVR Speed Limit Into a Hard Stop
LVR restrictions allow banks to make a limited share of residential loans above standard thresholds. However, borrowers may experience these portfolio limits as blanket deposit requirements when banks apply stricter internal policies. Kieran Trass examines the difference and asks who should be accountable for borrower-based credit restrictions.

Kieran Trass
Aug 316 min read


First property vs second property strategy in New Zealand
Moving from a first home to a second property marks a shift from stability to portfolio growth. Staircase explains how lending, equity use, and risk change at each stage of property investment. Understanding the first property vs second property strategy helps investors expand sustainably.

Staircase
Jun 84 min read
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