At least one third of Auckland house sales are being snapped up by investors. Many Kiwis who aren't on the investment treadmill think they should be.
Property investment can be a great way to build capital and secure passive income for retirement.
Not everyone, however, is cut out to be a property investor and it's not always "as safe as houses" as the old adage goes to invest in properties. Tenants can trash houses and the bank can call the mortgages in if the value of the home drops. And if you do the proverbial "quick flick" you'll be taxed on your profits by the Inland Revenue Department.
Andrew Bruce, president of the Auckland Property Investors Association (APIA) isn't of the "get on the property ladder before it's too late persuasion".
Buying so as not to miss the bus could be a decision that comes back to bite a first-time investor.