Trends Property Insight Series

Watch this episode and more at TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Stephen Jones, Mortgage Adviser at Mortgage Express Waikato and two-time Olympic rower, to explore how homeowners can approach borrowing with greater confidence, clarity, and preparation.For many people, conversations about money can feel intimidating. Whether you’re buying your first home, renovating, refinancing, or planning your next move, uncertainty around lending often becomes one of the biggest barriers to progress. Stephen explains why successful property decisions are rarely about chasing the largest possible loan but rather about understanding your options, preparing early, and aligning financial decisions with long-term goals.Drawing on lessons from elite sport and his experience helping clients navigate the lending process, Stephen shares practical insights into what banks are looking for, how borrowers can become “bank-ready”, and why preparation often creates more opportunities than people realise. He also discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team and how the collective experience at Mortgage Express helps clients navigate what is often a stressful and emotional process.Whether you’re planning a renovation, preparing to purchase a home, reviewing your lending structure, or simply trying to better understand your financial position, this episode offers a practical and reassuring perspective on how thoughtful preparation can help build confidence and create better property outcomes.Watch this episode and more at TrendsProperty.com/Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcastIn this episode of the TIDA Designer Series, host Paul Taylor sits down with Kate Gardham of Suede + Stone to explore her TIDA award-winning bathroom and the journey that led her from a career in fashion to becoming a recognised interior designer.Kate shares how her early creative instincts evolved through formal training and hands-on site experience, highlighting the importance of real-world problem-solving in shaping her design approach. She reflects on building her business, taking on increasingly complex projects, and why collaboration with clients, builders, and architects is central to achieving successful outcomes.At the heart of the conversation is her award-winning bathroom, set within a unique pavilion-style home surrounded by nature. Kate explains how the space was completely reimagined after an initial misstep, reinforcing the critical role of planning, layout, and timing in any renovation. The final design balances privacy and openness, creating a series of connected zones that enhance daily rituals while maintaining a strong connection to the landscape.The discussion also explores material selection and emerging design trends, including the use of natural finishes such as marble, timber, and Venetian plaster to create warmth, texture, and depth. Kate shares practical advice on budgeting, working with trades, and making smart decisions around layout and fittings to avoid costly mistakes.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the TIDA Designer Series, host Paul Taylor sits down with Celia Visser of Celia Visser Design to explore the thinking behind her TIDA award-winning kitchen and her remarkable journey through more than 30 years in kitchen and interior design.Celia shares how her career began through renovating homes of her own, how she built her practice from New Plymouth to Auckland, and why kitchen design continues to excite her through its combination of technical precision, creativity, and deeply personal client relationships. She reflects on what it means to design spaces that are not only beautiful, but tailored to the way people actually live.At the centre of the conversation is Celia’s own renovated 1870s colonial cottage and the award-winning kitchen she designed for it. She talks Paul through the challenges of living through a major renovation, the importance of connecting old and new architecture, and the clever detailing that allows the kitchen to shift between a highly functional workspace and a calm, furniture-like presence within the home.The episode also explores wider kitchen design trends, from concealed appliances and innovative induction technology to materials, colour, indoor-outdoor living, and the changing way New Zealanders use their kitchens. Along the way, Celia shares practical advice for clients starting a renovation, thoughts on balancing trends with longevity, and why New Zealand designers are increasingly leading the way on the international stage.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, to explore how technology is reshaping the property journey for everyday New Zealanders.Drawing on her background across marketing, digital commerce, and classified platforms, Sarah explains how realestate.co.nz has evolved into a technology-driven marketplace that helps connect buyers and sellers with the right information at the right time. From instant notifications and mobile-first search to saved properties, market insights, and price-change tracking, this episode explores the practical tools that reduce friction and make the search process more responsive and user-friendly.Sarah also shares how data is being used to improve confidence and transparency for both buyers and sellers — from suburb-level asking prices and sold values through to property tracking and future-facing tools like My Home. Along the way, she unpacks how the platform balances innovation with simplicity, why trust matters so much in property, and how great ideas often come from inside the team rather than from the top down.We also look ahead to the future of property search, including the role of AI, predictive tools, better personalisation, and the growing importance of making complex decisions easier in one of the most emotional and financially significant journeys people undertake.Whether you’re buying, selling, researching, or simply fascinated by how digital platforms influence the way we find and understand homes, this episode is an insightful look at the technology shaping the future of property in New Zealand.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with landscape designer Gavin Olson of Olsen Landscapes to explore how thoughtful landscaping can dramatically transform the way a property looks, feels, and functions.With more than 26 years of experience designing and building outdoor spaces across residential and commercial projects in New Zealand and overseas, Gavin shares practical insight into how gardens, pathways, planting, decks, and lighting can reshape a property’s first impression and extend the way people live in their homes.We discuss the common misconceptions homeowners have about landscaping, the simple improvements that can dramatically lift a property’s presentation before sale, and why planning outdoor spaces early — rather than as an afterthought — often delivers the best results.Gavin also explains how good landscape design balances structure and planting, how lighting, shade, and privacy shape outdoor living areas, and why even modest budgets can create meaningful improvements to a property’s value and lifestyle.Whether you're renovating, preparing a home for sale, or simply looking to create a more enjoyable outdoor space, this episode highlights how landscaping can turn unused areas into beautiful, functional extensions of the home.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ou can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcastIn this returning-guest episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, Andrew Johnson sits down again with Derek Von Sturmer to go deeper than “trust” — and unpack the real mechanics that shape buyer and seller outcomes.Derek breaks down the misunderstandings around price guides, why buyers often rely too heavily on an agent’s framing, and how to get clearer context using comparable sales and smarter questioning. He also shares a practical tactic for shifting the conversation when an agent won’t provide guidance, and why “what a home is worth” and “what someone will pay” are two very different things.The conversation also covers online valuation tools and why they can’t replace on-the-ground research, the risk of underquoting and wasted due diligence, and how some agents “buy the listing” then condition vendors down over time. From there, Derek explains how a strong preparation plan — including concierge-style coordination — can reduce overwhelm, increase buyer appeal, and create a genuine “no regrets” selling experience.Whether you’re buying, selling, or preparing your home for market months in advance, this episode gives the audience clearer language, stronger questions, and a more confident way to navigate real estate decisions.ou can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch the full episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/about-usIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with David Johnson, founder and CEO of Trends, to unpack the entrepreneur’s template that took a New Zealand idea global. We explore how a simple, repeatable format — clear headlines, useful stories, disciplined layouts, and strict guardrails — scaled across countries and cultures.You’ll hear the pivotal moments: selling on talkback radio, inventing “advertorial” as education-first marketing, templating pages so journalists could ship quality at speed, and pairing print with early web video years before YouTube. We connect those lessons to today: why systems thinking beats guesswork, why distribution is strategy, and how to protect product integrity as you grow.Set in the context of New Zealand’s design and building sector, this conversation shows how a focus on clarity, trust, and audience respect can travel from Auckland to Asia, the US, and beyond — and why those same principles power TrendsProperty.com today.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a marketer, or a builder of teams and platforms, you’ll take away a practical playbook for turning one good idea into many durable wins.You can watch the full episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/about-us Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Ross Longney, longtime kitchen specialist at Poggenpohl Studio Auckland, to unpack how design discipline and quality systems turn a busy room into the most reliable space in your home. From 130-plus years of German engineering heritage to what that means on site in New Zealand, Ross explains why “the chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”He breaks down the decisions that matter most: establishing a clear brief, choosing appliances early because they drive the layout, and prioritising workflow as a “work circle.” Think storage, prep, cook, clean, and put away, rather than a dated triangle. We explore why drawers beat under-bench cupboards, how tall kitchens are changing storage, and the real-world benefits of good hardware, integrated appliances, and durable benchtops.Ross also demystifies installation, the critical last mile that makes everything line up, glide, and last. He shares how to avoid common regrets, such as corner clashes and noisy plant rooms, why branded kitchens can lift resale, and how to balance timeless materials with future-ready tech such as induction through porcelain hobs and high-performance refrigeration.Whether you are planning a compact upgrade or a full open plan showpiece, you will learn where to spend, where to simplify, and how to work with a trained kitchen designer and specialist installer so your kitchen looks serene and performs beautifully for decades.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Damian Francis from Frontier Pools to unpack the full journey from first idea to first swim. With a background in landscaping and concrete, he explains why the best pools begin with a solid design, clear goals, and a site plan that considers access, fencing, and the entire backyard — not just the water.Damian walks through the early steps: engaging a landscape architect, shaping a concept that reflects how you actually want to live, and navigating consent with pool fencing in mind. He demystifies common decisions — pool size, shape, filtration, heating, and finishes — and shares when features like infinity edges or integrated spas make sense.We dig into the build realities many homeowners miss: tight Auckland sites, rock excavation, machinery access, and sequencing the dig so landscaping benefits from the same window of work. Damian outlines typical timelines from construction to handover and explains why planning for a concealed cover early can save money and improve the look while reducing evaporation and running costs.Finally, he breaks down water care options (salt-to-chlorine, mineral systems, automation), the basics of maintenance and valet services, and the simple habits that keep water clear with minimal effort. Throughout, Damian returns to the real payoff — time together. A well-planned pool becomes a daily ritual for kids, teens, and parents alike, turning the backyard into a place to connect, unplug, and make memories for decades.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Aaron Sampson from Hot Spring to talk about the real choices that make a spa a smart everyday wellness tool, not just a backyard luxury. We look past the brochure specs and into what actually lowers running costs, insulation that works as a system, efficient pumps and heaters, and the humble cover (plus a lift assist) that keeps heat where it belongs.Instead of juggling chemicals, we explore saltwater care that creates chlorine naturally and can keep water sparkling for up to a year. Aaron explains why that means less fuss, fewer additives, and a gentler soak. We also cover practicalities people miss: how a site visit can solve access, orientation, and views; when a plug-in model is enough; and why “closer to the house” often means more winter use.We get into layouts and living: open-plan seating that suits families, when lounges help (and when they don’t), and the growing world of aquatic fitness, from compact models used as plunge pools to full swim systems and even underwater treadmills. Aaron also shares why Hot Spring is adding a new old plunge and soon a sauna, completing a home routine that’s about recovery, calm, and time together away from screens.If you’re spa-curious, we finish with a simple path: research the options, sit in a few shells (dry and wet tests), and lean on the dealer network for delivery, power, and deck checks. Whether you’re carving out a small courtyard nook or planning a full backyard wellness zone, this conversation will help you choose well, use it more, and make every day a little better.You watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Michael Cooper, principal of Michael Cooper Architects, to talk through the practical decisions that turn good ideas into great buildings you can actually live in.Instead of chasing showy gestures, we explore the quiet levers that matter: how a master plan stops piecemeal renovations, why fixed fees align everyone on budget. The way builder relationships and careful details keep a design beautiful and buildable. Michael explains his “use space twice” mindset, the checks that prevent cost creep, and the simple way he gets to a real budget number early.We also cover coastal smarts (materials, wind, sun, and multiple outdoor zones), the feel of natural finishes and human scale, and what to expect from concept to consent to site meetings. Michael shares why you should choose an architect with whom you gel, stay involved as a client, and trust the process, right down to the last details that make a house sing.Whether you’re mapping a renovation, sketching a new build, or adding a small pavilion or boathouse, this conversation will help you see the big picture, stage decisions sensibly, and move forward with confidence.You can watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can also watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with David Niethe, a mental performance coach and author, to unpack the mindset behind making confident decisions, both at home and in life. Dave’s message is simple and grounded: start with identity, get specific about the future you’re building, and make your daily behaviour match it.Dave shares how to work with the end in mind without getting trapped by limiting beliefs. He explains practical tools you can use immediately: create a clear “future snapshot,” build a visual anchor (yes, like a Trends Property vision board), and translate that into small, repeatable actions. When stress hits, such as on auction day, with a big offer, or during a renovation, he explains how using a short breathing pattern can help steady your state, so you can respond rather than react.We talk about “permission”: giving yourself the okay to dream bigger, to set boundaries with partners and pros, and to lead your own project. Dave shows how alignment beats willpower, shared goals, honest conversations, and roles that reduce friction. He also reframes challenge as a gift: time under tension is how confidence is built, and momentum compounds like interest when intentions and attention stay congruent.Whether you’re selling, buying, or reshaping the home you live in, this episode offers practical mindset shifts to make better choices with less noise: clarify the outcome, minimise the negative self-talk, and behave your way there, one calm, deliberate step at a time.You can also watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You can also watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/PodcastIn this episode of the Trends Property Insight Series, we sit down with Haydon Marks, Category Manager at Altus Windows & Doors, to explore the often-overlooked role that windows and doors play in the comfort, performance, and visual identity of your home.From ranch sliders to high-performance glazing, Haydon walks us through the key decisions homeowners face when renovating or building, including how to balance aesthetics, ventilation, thermal efficiency, security, and cost. He explains why joinery isn't just a finishing detail, but a crucial part of your building envelope that affects everything from heating bills to natural light, acoustic control, and resale appeal.We take a closer look at how joinery systems have evolved in New Zealand, from traditional aluminium frames to modern thermally broken and high-spec options designed for energy-conscious living. Haydon breaks down the differences between standard and high-performance glass, the practical value of low-E coatings and argon gas fills, and what to consider when choosing between sliding, bi-folding, and hinged door systems, especially in coastal or exposed locations.Whether you’re planning a large new build or simply upgrading tired joinery in an existing home, this episode will help you ask smarter questions, spot long-term value, and better understand how the right windows and doors can elevate both form and function. With clarity and insight, Haydon makes this technical topic accessible and shows why future-proofed design starts at the frame.You can also watch this episode by visiting TrendsProperty.com/Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.