top of page

How Kerry and Ralph Conquered Property Investment with Ease

  • Writer: Staircase Financial
    Staircase Financial
  • Sep 23
  • 2 min read

The Challenge


Kerry and Ralph discussing the benefits of passive property investing as part of their retirement strategy, seated together in their living room.

Ralph and Kerry came to property investment later in life, both having gone through divorces and wanting to secure a new financial future together. They wanted a lifestyle that prioritised freedom and peace of mind, not the hassles of managing tenants or maintaining properties.


Their main challenges were:


  1. Avoiding the day-to-day property management grind.

  2. Finding a way to grow their nest egg into something meaningful.

  3. Paying off their home mortgage faster than expected.  


“You could call us lazy property investors, but we’re okay with that and so is Staircase. All we worried about was money going into our bank account once a month.” 


The Solution 


Exterior view of Staircase property management building at 32 Mahuhu Crescent, showcasing the company's professional office headquarters.

Staircase gave Ralph and Kerry exactly what they were looking for: a one stop shop for property investment. The team provided new build properties with little to no maintenance in the first 3 to 5 years, full management services, and expert advice.  


They first met with Staircase at home, then visited the offices to sit down with a financial advisor. Within 24 hours they had secured their first property. From there, the process became second nature.  


“The first one was the hard one because we didn’t know the process. The second, third, fourth, and fifth ones were just a meeting at the office. We said yes, we’ll take that one. Some properties we’ve never even been inside.” 


The Results 


By following Staircase’s program, Ralph and Kerry achieved more than they expected:


  • Paid off their home mortgage in just seven years instead of the planned ten.

  • Retired without needing to touch their private superannuation fund, which continues to grow untouched.

  • Built a property portfolio across New Zealand, including Tauranga and Queenstown, all managed seamlessly.  


“It’s so simple you think, why didn’t we do this earlier? We can sit in Auckland and have property in Queenstown without any issues. They have such good property managers that there’s no worries.” 


The Experience 


Close-up of Kerry talking about her journey into passive property investing, highlighting real-life retirement investment stories.

The couple values Staircase not just for the financial results, but for the peace of mind and consistency of service they have received.


“Peace of mind, that’s what it is. The umbrella of confidence Staircase gives you by being there with you. From signing a contract to actually owning the property, they’re with you every step of the way.”


Even when challenges came up, such as developer delays, Staircase kept them informed and resolved issues quickly. The quality of service was the same whether it was their first or their tenth property.


“They almost become part of your family. I’d hate to be missing out if I wasn’t with Staircase.”



Conclusion 


Ralph and Kerry’s story shows how property investment does not need to be complicated or stressful. With Staircase, they have built financial security, paid off debt faster than planned, and kept the lifestyle they value most.  


“If you’re thinking of calling them, do it. Do it sooner rather than later. The sooner you start, the easier it gets, and you will want to buy more and more. The system works.” 


Start your property investment journey with Staircase today!


Comments


This publication has been provided for general information only. Although every effort has been made to ensure this publication is accurate the contents should not be relied upon or used as a basis for entering into any products described in this publication. To the extent that any information or recommendations in this publication constitute financial advice, they do not take into account any person’s particular financial situation or goals. We strongly recommend readers seek independent legal/financial advice prior to acting in relation to any of the matters discussed in this publication. No person involved in this publication accepts any liability for any loss or damage whatsoever which may directly or indirectly result from any advice, opinion, information, representation, or omission, whether negligent or otherwise, contained in this publication.

bottom of page