Episode 3
The Investors Secrets to Picking the Right Location & Property in New Zealand
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Key Points of the Podcast
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Property growth is driven by population, jobs, and infrastructure
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Infrastructure signals future value and demand
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Smaller towns carry higher economic risk
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Balance capital growth and rental yield
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New-build townhouses offer strong returns with less upkeep
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Due diligence protects investors from costly mistakes
Knowing how to invest is one thing, but knowing where to buy is what sets successful investors apart. In this episode, Mike and Matt talk with Staircase’s National Sales Manager, Liam Cox, and Head of Research, Kieran Trass, about how smart investors identify the right locations and properties across New Zealand. They break down how data, not guesswork, reveals where future growth will come from and how to avoid costly mistakes.
What Drives Property Growth
Property values rise where people want to live and work. Population growth, new jobs, and major infrastructure projects all increase demand, which pushes up both rents and house prices. Auckland remains the country’s largest and most diverse market, but cities like Hamilton, Tauranga, and Queenstown are now performing strongly thanks to better transport links, regional development, and lifestyle demand.
Why Infrastructure Matters
Infrastructure is one of the clearest indicators of long-term growth. When an area gains new roads, public transport, schools, or shopping centres, it attracts more people and businesses. Kieran Trass highlights Auckland’s multibillion-dollar infrastructure upgrades as an example of investment that strengthens property values and rental demand over time. The same pattern applies in regional hubs where new projects drive population and job growth.
Balancing Growth and Yield
Every investor’s strategy is different. Some focus on capital growth in major centres, while others look for higher rental yields in regional areas. Staircase helps clients find the middle ground, often through new-build townhouses that combine solid cash flow with long-term appreciation. These homes are modern, low-maintenance, and well-suited to the current lending environment.
Doing Proper Due Diligence
Good investing comes down to research. Due diligence means checking everything — location, zoning, flood risk, developer history, and ongoing costs. Staircase uses a 200-point checklist to assess every development before recommending it to clients, ensuring only financially sound opportunities make it through. This process protects investors from hidden risks and poor-quality projects.
Picking the right property isn’t about guessing which suburb will boom, it’s about understanding what drives growth. Areas with strong infrastructure, jobs, and migration tend to perform best over time.
If you want to find out how much usable equity you have and whether you can invest, book a free consultation with Staircase Property to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions — EP3: The Investors Secrets
According to Liam Cox, the key is to follow demand and supply fundamentals — population growth, job creation, and infrastructure spending. Areas attracting people and investment naturally drive higher property values. Auckland remains the country’s “powerhouse,” but regions like Hamilton, Tauranga, and Queenstown are also growing fast thanks to strong infrastructure and employment opportunities.
As Kieran Trass explains, infrastructure — transport links, schools, shopping centres, and public facilities — acts as a magnet for growth. Improved infrastructure draws people, businesses, and housing demand, all of which lift long-term property values. Auckland, for example, is set for billions in water and transport upgrades over the next decade, creating strong future potential.
Investing in smaller “one-horse” towns can be risky because local economies often rely on a single large employer. If that business shuts down or downsizes, the local housing market can collapse. Kieran gives the example of Tokoroa, where the mill layoffs had ripple effects across the community. Investors should focus on areas with diverse industries and steady population growth.
Net migration heavily influences housing demand. Auckland typically receives about two-thirds of all new migrants, boosting rental and property demand. While migration fluctuates in cycles, both Liam and Kieran agree that New Zealand is entering a growth phase, meaning more people - and more housing demand - in major centres.
It depends on the investor’s goals. Those wanting long-term wealth focus on capital growth (often in big cities), while others prioritise rental yield for better cash flow. Staircase helps clients find a balance between both — often through affordable new-builds that generate solid returns while appreciating steadily.
Kieran and Liam both agree that new-build townhouses are the sweet spot for most investors right now. They’re low-maintenance, bank-friendly, and attract quality tenants. While standalone houses may deliver stronger land value over decades, new-build townhouses typically offer better cash flow and fewer upfront costs.
New-builds have major advantages: they come with builder warranties, meet current building codes, require minimal maintenance, and qualify for higher borrowing limits. They also attract tenants willing to pay a premium for modern living. Liam notes that new-builds have “changed the game” by making property investment more accessible to first-timers.
Kieran suggests watching for infrastructure projects (like new transport links or retail hubs), population inflows, and council zoning changes that allow for denser housing. He also warns to be cautious with smaller towns that rely on one employer — stability comes from diversity.
Due diligence means verifying every detail before buying — from checking if the property is in a flood or earthquake zone, to reviewing insurance costs, Body Corp fees, and developer history. Staircase conducts full developer due diligence for clients using a 200-point checklist covering location, builder reputation, and legal compliance.
Both experts agree: failing to do proper due diligence. Many buyers focus only on the purchase price or gross yield, ignoring hidden costs like rates, insurance, or maintenance. Others overlook Body Corp details, flood risks, or leasehold land conditions — mistakes that can turn a “good deal” into a financial disaster.
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