About Us

RealtiesNZ is redefining how everyday people invest in New Zealand property.

 

For the first time, investors can access tokenised property ownership in New Zealand — allowing you to invest in income-producing property from as little as $100 per share.

In just a few minutes, you can become the legal owner of a share in a real, income-generating property, without the stress, debt, or complexity of buying an entire property yourself.

Property investing, simplified

Traditional property investment requires large deposits, borrowing capacity, legal complexity, and ongoing management. RealtiesNZ removes these barriers.

We do the work for you — sourcing, assessing, structuring, and preparing properties so investors can focus on what matters most:
earning income and sharing in long-term capital growth.

Each property is held in its own dedicated company, meaning:

  • Your investment is directly linked to a specific property

  • Each property operates independently

  • You choose which properties to invest in — and which to avoid

Designed for diversification

Because shares start at $100, investors can spread their capital across multiple properties rather than tying everything to one asset. This diversification — once only available to large or institutional investors — is now accessible to everyday New Zealanders and overseas investors alike.

Real assets, real returns

RealtiesNZ focuses exclusively on income-producing properties, not speculative developments. Every investment is backed by tangible “brick and mortar” assets from day one, providing transparency and asset-backed security.

Our properties typically sit in a market sweet spot:
too large for individual buyers, yet too small for traditional property funds — creating opportunities for stronger yields and reduced competition.

Built for the future of property investment

RealtiesNZ is proud to be at the forefront of property tokenisation in New Zealand, working within regulatory frameworks to make compliant, transparent property investment available to both local and international investors.

Until now, property investment was largely limited to those with significant capital, borrowing power, or professional verification. RealtiesNZ changes that — opening the door so more people can participate in one of New Zealand’s most trusted asset classes.

A unique opportunity for overseas investors

RealtiesNZ is structured to welcome international investors, giving them access to New Zealand property without the traditional barriers of direct ownership.

For overseas investors, current market conditions may provide an additional advantage. A weaker New Zealand dollar can mean foreign capital goes further when purchasing property-backed shares, potentially increasing the number of shares acquired for the same investment amount when converted from stronger currencies.

Combined with New Zealand’s stable legal framework and reputation for transparent property ownership, this creates an attractive entry point for international investors seeking exposure to real, income-producing assets in a well-regulated market.

Property investing is no longer just for the few.
With RealtiesNZ, it’s accessible, flexible, and built for the modern investor.

Why Realties was born

After decades in real estate, I’ve seen every phase of the property cycle—booms, downturns, and everything in between. Those experiences shaped why RealtiesNZ exists today.

In 2022, our initial launch was paused due to challenges outside our control. A property known as Clare Place was subject to restrictive bank lending rules that made it impossible to proceed without exposing directors and investors to unacceptable personal risk. Rather than compromise on integrity, we stepped back.

Since then, we’ve moved forward decisively. The mortgage has been cleared through the sale of another property, restoring full control and allowing us to relaunch with a stronger, cleaner foundation.

RealtiesNZ was created for people who want exposure to property but are locked out by high prices, strict lending rules, or geographic barriers. With as little as $100, investors can gain access to professionally selected, income-producing New Zealand property—without the need for bank loans, large deposits, or hands-on management.

Our model is built on collective ownership, inspired by successful New Zealand enterprises such as Fonterra and Foodstuffs. By pooling capital, investors can participate in opportunities that are typically only available to institutions or high-net-worth individuals.

For investors, this means:

  • Potential regular income distributions

  • Exposure to long-term capital growth

  • Diversification into real, income-backed assets

  • Access to New Zealand property at a time when the NZ dollar may offer added value to overseas investors

For society, it means helping younger generations, returning expats, and retirees participate in property-backed wealth creation—without the traditional barriers that increasingly exclude them.

RealtiesNZ is about building resilient property portfolios, creating shared opportunity, and restoring access to an asset class that has long underpinned New Zealand’s prosperity.

I invite you to be part of the next chapter.

John H. Caldwell
Founder, RealtiesNZ

Our Mission

Our mission is to open the door to property investment for people who have traditionally been locked out of the market — not because of a lack of capability, but because the system no longer works for them.

We believe property ownership and participation should not be reserved for a privileged few. In a world where prices have outpaced incomes and lending rules have tightened, access needs to evolve.

We aim to provide a practical pathway for New Zealanders returning home after time overseas who discover that, even with a substantial deposit, the absence of a local credit history can prevent them from securing a mortgage.

We also recognise the growing number of older New Zealanders who wish to downsize, remain independent, and access well-designed shared living options — while still generating income and staying connected to their communities.

Above all, we want our investors to feel informed, secure, and confident. Confidence comes from transparency, structure, and knowing exactly how an investment works and what role each person plays.

By building on these principles, we are creating a resilient community of participants — locally and internationally — aligned around long-term value, shared opportunity, and mutual benefit.

Our Vision

Our ultimate goal is to deliver fair, transparent returns for our investors while opening the door for everyday people to achieve home ownership and participate meaningfully in long-term wealth creation. By doing so, we help build stronger communities where more people have a genuine stake in shared economic prosperity.

Founder

John Caldwell

John Caldwell

Founder, CEO

A Lifetime in Property — and Why Timing Matters More Than Ever

After more than 40 years in the real estate industry, I’ve experienced every part of the property cycle—booms, corrections, tight credit markets, and periods of real opportunity. One thing has never changed: timing matters.

In 2022, when I first attempted to launch RealtiesNZ, we ran into obstacles that couldn’t be solved at the time. One of the properties involved, Clare Place, was encumbered by a bank mortgage. The bank’s rules prevented the property from being transferred into a new company structure unless all directors and shareholders provided personal guarantees. That was neither practical nor ethical—and the right decision was to step back.

Since then, a lot has changed.

By selling another property, I was able to fully repay the mortgage on Clare Place. That single step gave me complete control of the asset and, more importantly, the freedom to move forward properly, transparently, and on our own terms.

That experience reinforced something I’ve learned repeatedly over the decades:

The best time to sell is when everyone is rushing in.
The best time to buy is when sentiment is cautious.

We’re now living in an era where lending rules are tighter, interest rates have been elevated, and banks are far more selective. Deposits have doubled. Income tests have tightened. Many people who believed they were “doing everything right” have found themselves locked out—not because they were irresponsible, but because the rules changed.

And that’s where a different approach becomes essential.


A New Way to Participate in Property

Unless you’ve inherited money, had an extraordinary windfall, or already own multiple properties, entering the property market today can feel impossible.

But ownership doesn’t have to start with a full house and a large mortgage.

RealtiesNZ was created to give everyday people—young families, retirees, renters, overseas New Zealanders, and international investors—the ability to participate in income-producing property $100 at a time.

By pooling capital, investors can collectively own professionally managed, multi-tenanted properties—without taking on personal debt, without relying on changing bank policies, and without needing to navigate the stress of individual ownership.

This idea isn’t new. Some of New Zealand’s most successful organisations were built on collective ownership:

  • Fonterra — farmers pooling resources to maximise global returns

  • Foodstuffs — independent owners creating national scale and buying power

RealtiesNZ applies that same cooperative logic to property.


Designed for Today’s Economy — and Tomorrow’s Investors

Each property is held in its own limited-liability company, established solely for the benefit of its investors. Shares are priced at $100, allowing investors to build exposure gradually, diversify across properties, and invest at their own pace.

Properties are professionally managed, rents and expenses are controlled within the company, and investors benefit from:

  • Regular rental income (dividends)

  • Potential long-term capital growth

  • The security of real, physical assets

For overseas investors, this structure is particularly compelling. With the New Zealand dollar having periods of relative weakness against major global currencies, offshore capital can often go further—gaining exposure to a stable property market without the complexities of direct ownership or large upfront commitments.


Why This Matters — Personally

Two years ago, I began investing in a similar model overseas. My first investment was modest—less than the cost of a short holiday—but it now delivers regular rental income and detailed reporting. Over time, I’ve added to that portfolio as funds allow.

What I value most is peace of mind.

No mortgage against my home. No sleepless nights. Just small, steady ownership in bricks and mortar—assets I can visit, understand, and pass on. It’s an investment approach my grandchildren will benefit from, and one I wish had been available decades earlier.

If this model works internationally, there’s no reason it can’t work here—especially in a country where property has always been central to long-term wealth.


Looking Ahead

Historically, property cycles reset every 7–10 years. Those who buy near the top often need patience. Those who invest during periods of uncertainty tend to be rewarded over time.

I firmly believe we are now in one of those rare windows where long-term opportunity is quietly forming.

RealtiesNZ was born from experience—earned the hard way—and built to give people control, choice, and a realistic path to property ownership in a changing world.

We invite you to explore it with us.

John H. Caldwell
Founder, RealtiesNZ

 
 
 

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