PHOTO: Forget what you’ve been told: Property investment isn’t just for the wealthy elite. FILE
The surprising truth about home ownership and property investment in New Zealand today.
💡 Can the average Kiwi really still invest in property in 2025? You might think the answer is no – but the numbers tell a different story.
Forget what you’ve been told: Property investment isn’t just for the wealthy elite. In fact, the latest data shows that the “average” New Zealander may be sitting on more potential than they realise.
In a new episode of the Property Academy Podcast, industry experts break down the real figures around Kiwi incomes, equity, and borrowing potential – and it’s not as bleak as you’d think.
▶️ Watch the full video here: Can the Average Kiwi Buy Property?
▶️ Test your own buying power here: Find Out What You Can Afford
📊 What the Numbers Really Say in 2025
The idea that property investing is out of reach for middle-income New Zealanders just doesn’t stack up when you look at the data:
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Average Household Income in NZ: $122,000/year
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Average Mortgage: $350,000
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Average Property Equity: Over $300,000
That’s right – thanks to capital gains in the 2010s and early 2020s, many Kiwis who already own a home have significant equity they can unlock to buy an investment property.
🧠 How the Average Kiwi Can Start Investing
According to the team at Opes Partners, many everyday homeowners can start their investing journey using this simple framework:
💡 Step 1: Leverage Your Equity
Use the equity in your existing home as the deposit for your first investment property – often with no cash needed upfront.
💡 Step 2: Buy Smart With the Numbers
Target new-build properties in high-growth areas that deliver positive cashflow or long-term gains.
💡 Step 3: Use the Bank’s Money Wisely
Lending conditions may be tight, but with a strong equity position and decent income, you’re probably in a better borrowing position than you think.
🏡 This Isn’t Just for Property Moguls
Single parents, nurses, tradies, and teachers – real stories from across the country show that normal people are using strategic property investment to build wealth and security for their families.
💬 “I thought I needed $100K in cash to get started. Turns out, I could borrow against my home and make it happen.”
💬 “We didn’t want 10 properties – we just wanted a future where we weren’t relying on superannuation.”
🚨 The Biggest Risk Is Doing Nothing
With rents rising and the cost of living soaring, not investing might actually cost you more in the long run.
The opportunity to invest in 2025 is still there – but it requires action, education, and the right strategy.