Marina George

So you want to get on the property ladder, but you also love your lifestyle. Living close to the city, your workplace, and your favourite cafes and gym is important to you. The challenge is that the places you want to live in aren’t necessarily the ones you can afford to buy in. This is […]

You’ve bought an investment property. You’ve painted, carpeted, deep-cleaned, and ticked off your Healthy Homes checklist and you’re finally ready to open the doors to tenants. And it might feel like the hard part is over. Not quite! Before you reward yourself with a well-earned flat white (or a wine or two), there’s one crucial

The keys were still warm in her hand. Months of searching, signing, and wondering what to buy… done. Our new investor had just bought a brand-new townhouse in Manurewa. She’d done what so many first-time investors do: relied completely on the rental appraisal from the same people who sold her the property. It told her

It’s the middle of winter. The heater’s on, your home is insulated and is Healthy Homes compliant.  So why are your windows covered in condensation each morning? Both older and newer homes deal with condensation, especially in winter.  That’s why ventilation matters. It’s not just about comfort, it’s also about keeping mould at bay. Condensation

No Exceptions. No Grace. No More Time.1 July 2025 = Comply or Vacate Landlords, this is your final boarding call: Healthy Homes compliance becomes non-negotiable on 1 July 2025.Not optional. Not flexible. Not “we’re still working on it.” If your rental property isn’t compliant by the deadline: ❌ You can’t rent it out.No compliance =

These days, attracting great tenants takes more than just a “For Rent” sign  If it feels like it’s harder than ever to find the right tenant, you’re not imagining it. Renters are spoilt for choice, and competition is fierce. But the good news? A few smart tweaks can give your property the edge it needs

I recently caught up with a seasoned investor who owns both residential and commercial property across Auckland. As we chatted through the ups and downs of today’s rental market, he shared something that really stuck: “I have this high-end apartment, but the body corp fees alone are $200 a week. I need to rent it

When you buy an investment property, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is this: Do I roll up my sleeves and manage it myself (DIY landlord), or hand over the keys to a property manager? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your time, experience, and how hands-on you want to be.

Selling your investment property? Whether you’re cashing out to level up or just shifting gears, a little prep work now can make a big difference later. We’re talking more views on your listing, stronger offers, and (hopefully!) a faster sale. So, how do you make sure your property isn’t just another ‘maybe’ on someone’s Saturday

Owning an investment property isn’t just about finding a tenant and collecting the rent – it’s about protecting and maintaining your asset to set yourself up for strong, long-term returns.  But here’s where many landlords slip up: they underestimate the power of proactive maintenance. That tiny leak or loose tile? Ignore it, and you’re looking