That herd mentality! Many of us can look back and say what we would have done differently had we not been caught up in the hype of throwing our money in a direction too enticing to resist. That fear of missing out is an intoxicating mistress.

So it was, in 2003, when Graeme Eagle, a smart accountant from Hawkes Bay, got led into using LAQC companies to offset losses against his income by investing in negatively-geared properties.

While it was all a bit scary, Eagle put his trust in the slick machine that had sold him on the idea in the first place. He was right to feel nervous. When the Global Financial Crisis hit and his marriage broke down, it all came unstuck.

It’s a familiar tale, especially among property investor groups. But it seems to me there’s so much more healthy scepticism about now. We’ve been through property cycles. We’ve seen property investment schemes fail. We’ve learnt from our mistakes and those around us. And maybe it’s because there are just so many options out there now, we fully appreciate the crucial need to ask more questions to get it right.

Fortunately, Graeme Eagle is an investor who recognised that property is still a great vehicle for financial freedom.

He recovered and got back on his feet through paying off his debts and devising a strategy of buying under value to achieve positive cash flow. Read about this fantastic comeback on page 20.

With new opportunities becoming available as the Government looks to the private sector for help with social housing, investors are keen to find out more. We launch the first in a series of features this month, clarifying what is on offer. We aim to keep you up-to-date and advise you on the best choices to help you avoid making mistakes.

We all know how difficult it is, getting on to the property ladder, especially for young Aucklanders where values have risen by 6.4% over the past year, according to QV. In our lead story, we profile several young Aucklanders who have started to think strategically and have managed to put their feet on that ladder. For most, it’s not been easy. They’ve had to make sacrifices. But now, they are on their way up. Where have they bought and how have they done this? Take a look on page 26. You can do this too. It’s a great option.

If you’re investing in property, frankly, you can’t afford not to buy this magazine. Enjoy the read!

Vicki Holder

Editor