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