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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 right now.
• Insurance Halt: A major insurer freezes new policies in Westport.
• Forecast Downgrade: ANZ cuts 2026 price growth to 2%.
• Renovations: Why buyers are ditching DIY for turnkey homes.

📢 FREE MASTERCLASS: Don't guess your way through 2026. Join our free online event to learn strategies for this volatile market. 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: The Market Tug of War 1:05 - Interest Rates: Mid-Year Hike Warning 3:20 - First Home Buyers: "Goldilocks" Conditions 5:45 - Insurance Retreat: Westport Freeze 8:10 - Market Update: ANZ Downgrades Prices 10:30 - The Death of the "Doer-Upper" 13:15 - Free Masterclass Invite

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not personalized financial advice.

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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.

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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 Discussed:

• The Case for Compulsion: How mandatory savings could close the "savings gap" for New Zealanders and strengthen the national economy.
• The Impact on Your Wallet: The potential downsides of reduced take-home pay during a cost-of-living crisis and the increased costs for businesses.
• The First-Home Gateway: Why KiwiSaver remains the primary tool for many to enter the property market and how compulsory savings could lead to larger deposits and better bank lending terms.
• Financial Discipline: Why the habit of living on slightly less than you earn is a crucial trait for any successful property investor.
• Taking Control: Why you shouldn't wait for government legislation to secure your financial future.

Take Action for Your Future

Whether the rules change or not, your focus should remain on a long-term strategy. If you aren't already a client of Property Apprentice, we invite you to take control of your financial journey today.

👉 Register for our next FREE online event: How to Succeed with Property Investing

#PropertyApprentice #NZPropertyMarket #KiwiSaver #NZInvesting #FinancialEducation #AucklandProperty #FinancialAdviser #NZProperty #FirstHomeBuyerNZ #RetirementPlanning

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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.

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

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 builder is now a massive liability issue.

Plus, we look at the surprising rebound in the NZ job market. While more jobs are great for paying rent, we discuss why this "good news" might actually slow down the OCR cuts we were all hoping for. Finally, we issue an urgent warning for self-managing landlords regarding a specific email from Tenancy Services that you cannot afford to ignore.

In this episode, we cover:

The 70sqm Exemption: What you can build, what you can't, and why "exempt" doesn't mean "rule-free."

The "Shower Trap": Why installing a level-entry shower for an elderly relative might technically trigger a consent requirement.

Liability Shifts: Why the homeowner is now the guarantee, not the Council.

Economic Update: Why a hiring boom in 2026 could result in "sticky" inflation and mortgage rates.

Landlord Admin: The missing "LNL" code you need to access the new Tenancy Bond Hub.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to NZ Property Insights 0:55 - New Granny Flat Rules (70sqm Exemption) Explained 2:15 - The "Granny" Trap: Wet Areas & Accessibility 4:30 - The Resource Consent Misconception 6:20 - 2026 Economic Shift: Jobs vs. Inflation 8:45 - What High Employment Means for Mortgage Rates 9:45 - Urgent: The "LNL" Code for Self-Managing Landlords

Resources & Links: Learn how to create a property strategy that works in the 2026 market. Register for our upcoming free online event, "How to Succeed with Property Investing." 👉 Register here: https://www.propertyapprentice.co.nz/auckland-events/

About Property Apprentice: Property Apprentice is New Zealand’s leading property investment education and coaching provider. We offer 100% impartial advice—we don't sell property, so our only goal is to help you achieve financial freedom through safe, strategic investing.

Subscribe for more data-driven NZ property market updates.

#NZProperty #GrannyFlats #PropertyInvestmentNZ #InterestRatesNZ #LandlordAdvice #PropertyApprentice #PaulandDebbieRoberts #NZRealEstate #BuildingConsent #PassiveIncome

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.