The world of property investment is a dynamic landscape, influenced by shifting markets, emerging technologies, evolving regulations, changing societal needs ... and politics.

In this environment of transformation it’s important for us to unite, share knowledge, and collaborate to navigate the complexities and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

When I became an “accidental” president just under 12 months ago there were many questions I asked myself. The biggest one is the one we all share. While money may seem like a driving force in our investing journey, there are more noble motivations at play. Are we making our world a better place in our pursuit of a better lifestyle for ourselves and our families?

I challenge you to ask yourself as a property investor “What is it you really want?” Your initial response may be a property portfolio of some sort, but that is very superficial. It’s important to dig deeper and start working on your “why” and what you are really hoping property investing will do for you.

Having Choices

The expected and usual response is to have financial freedom, but really it’s not about the next property but something far more important ... having choices.

Human history is full of examples of cooperation, collaboration and care, and that is our natural disposition – not competition and the exclusive pursuit of self-interest.

Many traditional communities have survived because of deeply rooted, socially structured cooperation. For example, Maori tribal groupings are particularly good at greetings, connections to the land and people that continue to stand them well. These are worthy values we share, and every property investors’ association in the country is a perfect example of valuable cooperation.

We are facing an epic housing shortage over the coming years for multiple reasons, including fewer investors, but also due to immigration which will be reinforced by climate change.

Despite the challenges of recent years with escalating costs and new taxes to pay there has actually never been a more needed time to own residential rentals. You are answering one of society’s greatest needs: a roof over the head of our population.

And if you are a member of a property investors’ association you are doing it in the best way possible. That is through networking with like-minded people, increasing knowledge and impartial advice and by understanding the rules and the marketplace you are operating in. By joining with others you are striving to be the best you can on behalf of the tenants you provide a home for.

Caring About Tenants

In our country private investors provide just over 85 per cent of all rental housing, so our members and others are essential. In the last year, having spoken with many members, it impresses me how much they care about their tenants. Meeting the requirements of Healthy Homes was never a big issue as we are the people who took opportunities to improve our properties and make them appealing to the best of tenants.

Most successful people define their success with happiness, inner peace, and positive contributions, much more than money. Think about your way and make the small and big changes to keep you on track to define your own success.

Rather than define your success with money, consider how that money makes our world a better place. We are happier because it enables us to:

• have more experiences
• spend more on others
• have things to look forward to
• own our future.

Above all we have made our own luck and therefore have choices in life while being good stewards of our homes and tenants.

He aha te mea nui? He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata. What is the most important thing? It is people, it is people, it is people.

www.nzpif.org.nz or email admin@nzpif.org.nz. to join now.