There’s a lot of extremely helpful and insightful books and podcasts for New Zealand investors out there but there are also some not so great ones. So to save you the time of trawling through all of the books and podcasts out there, we’ve put together our top 5 podcasts and our top 5 books for property investors for you. These are our favourites and we’re sure there are many other great and/or different books and podcasts out there and in your top 5.
Our Top 5 Books
1. The New Zealand Property Guide by Lisa Dudson
This is an excellent resource for both those considering property for the first time and those that have been investing for a while. This book contains real-life stories from actual property investors (from different one's areas that didn’t, what it was that they did and of course, the advice surrounding all of these things. A must read for those looking to learn more about the great benefits to property investment and how to set goals and stick to them. Lisa provides excellent knowledge in mindset, risks, goal setting, processes and importantly how to understand the numbers and maximise the profits you can make. Another great book by Lisa is the “The Complete Guide To Residential Property Investment In New Zealand” which she wrote with Andrew Martin Duncan King.
2. New Zealand Real Estate Investors Secrets by Graeme Fowler
This is the second edition of this hugely popular book, and the feedback from readers that continues five years on, is a testimony to the successful approach it's taken - practical, honest, warts-and-all accounts from successful investors across a number of regions that show just what can be achieved and how to do it.
This second edition looks into the 10 case studies (from the original book), six have been updated showing what has happened with this case studies including the good and bad. Well worth the read. Another one of Graemes book which comes highly recommended is “20 Rental Properties in One Year” where he explains how he could buy 20 rental properties in one year.
3. The Barefoot Investor: The Only Money Guide You'll Ever Need by Scott Pape
Even though this is written by an Australian author it still holds an incredible amount of knowledge and insight for property investors all over the world. This is the biggest-selling nonfiction title on record in Australia and it has helped a lot of people change the way they manage their finances and investments.
This book gives you a step-by-step formula and covers things such as;
- Doubling your income using the ‘Trapeze Strategy’
- Saving up a six-figure house deposit in 20 months
- Finding a financial advisor who won’t rip you off
- Saving $77,641 and wipe almost seven years off your mortgage
- Why you don’t need $1 million to retire … with the ‘Donald Bradman Retirement Strategy’.
- Handing your kids (or grandkids) a $140,000 cheque on their 21st birthday
This book will show you how to create an entire financial plan that is so simple you can “sketch it on the back of a serviette”.
4. Property 101 by Matthew Gilligan
This book is true to its title. With its main focus on the city of Auckland, it is an absolute must-read for NZ Investors. Its contents will get you well informed on some of the following:
- Preparing yourself for investing in property.
- Investment strategy and how the property cycle works
- How to do a deal from analysing them to executing them including negotiation
- Risk management and smarts
- Planning and strategy around and lots more!
Matthew is a highly experienced property investor and developer (over 20 years experience), and has built an impressive portfolio!
5. Rich Dad Poor Dad
This book is the #1 Personal Finance book of all time and for good reason. It provides the ready with an incredible amount of education around money, investing, employment and financial freedom.
Although not directly aimed at property investment, it is a book that can help steer you in the direction to further learn and obtain the skills needed to be a successful investor. The book covers some of the following:
- exploding the myth that you need to earn a high income to become rich
- challenge the belief that your house is an asset
- show parents why they can’t rely on the school system to teach their kids about money
- define, once and for all, an asset and a liability
- explain the difference between good debt and bad debt
- teach you to see the world of money from different perspectives
- discuss the shift in mindset that can put you on the road to financial freedom
Our Top 5 Podcasts
1. Biggest Pockets (US)
"Imagine you're friends with hundreds of real estate investors and entrepreneurs. Now imagine you can grab a beer or coffee with each of them and casually chat about failures, successes, motivations, and lessons learned. That’s what The Bigger Pockets Podcast delivers!”
Even though this is a podcast from the US we find it really offers value and covers some topics which all investors should hear. They cover real strategies that work for real people and they don’t believe in the “get rich quick” schemes that flood the digital space. BiggerPockets Real Estate Investing & Wealth Building Podcast interviews investors and pros each week, focusing on actionable tips and advice. You’ll need to sift through for relevant info (which some include great tips) and some of the episodes can be a little long but the majority of the concepts are applicable to New Zealand.
2. The Property Couch
This highly recommended podcast is praised by it’s listeners. Although Australian based were find that it provides more value and is more professionally put together and curated than any other ones we found in New Zealand (in our opinion). The Property couch is great for drilling in the basics, unlike most podcasts which interview a different person every week which leads to an inconsistent message, these guys often run the weekly podcast without interviewing someone. This podcast is a priceless source for anyone who: - is not sure whether or not investing in peoperties. - wants to invest in residential properties , but needs education on asset selection. - has investments houses and wants to evaluate his/her investment. - is in 30s or 40s and is trying to sort out his/her retirement plans. - needs to cover the basics of household finances and budgets the right way.
3. ‘How I built this’ by Guy Raz
Guy Raz (of TED Radio fame) interviews innovators and entrepreneurs who are behind some of today's most thriving businesses. Each interview subject is invited to recount personal highs and lows, lucky breaks they capitalised on, and memorable lessons they picked up along the way. The best takeaways from these interviews are that there will be failures along the way but it’s how we deal with this failures that push us to succeed and win in business and investing.
It’s a great podcast if you’re looking for some inspiration and drive for your business and investment strategy. The story of the Dyson vacuum cleaner is one of favourites.
4. The Michael Blank Podcast
Michaels focus is more around investing in apartment buildings but his podcasts source real estate, legal, and self-made experts who share their experience and knowledge, successes and failures. Michael is a Commercial Real Estate Investor and Entrepreneur who contributes weekly articles on the BiggerPockets.com and has been investing in real estate since 2005. His mission is to show you how you can become financially free with real estate in the next 3-5 years.
5. The Real Estate Guys Radio Show
A no-hype real estate investing education podcast that includes expert perspectives in a fast-paced, entertaining style. With over 500 episodes, these guys have been talking about the industry and best practices for a long time.
Hosted by professional investor Robert Helms and financial strategist Russell Gray, The Real Estate Guys™ Radio Show is a valuable listen to real estate investors.
We hope some of the above recommendations provide value to you! Please note that these are our preferred books and podcasts and we know there are many other great resources out there and that other people would have different suggestions.
