Old vs new: Which property strategy builds more wealth?

When you're deciding whether to buy a house or build one, you're not just choosing a home, you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

In this Ask the Experts episode of Making Cents, financial journalist Frances Cook is joined by Kirsty Healey from EnableMe to unpack the pros and cons of buying an existing home vs building new. And importantly, which option could help you build more long-term wealth.

Whether you're a first-home buyer or property investor, the choice between old and new has serious financial implications. New builds often come with lower maintenance costs, better mortgage deals, and the potential for higher-quality construction. But they also carry risks like construction delays, budget blowouts, and developer red tape.

On the flip side, buying an existing home is faster and feels more straightforward. But it can come with hidden costs, future-proofing challenges, and unexpected renovation bills.

In this episode, we cover:

• How new builds can affect your mortgage rate and deposit requirements
• The most common building pitfalls, including budget and council issues
• Why existing homes aren't always the “safe” choice
• Which option could offer better long-term value growth
• How to decide based on your personal timeline, risk tolerance, and financial goals

If you're stuck between buying or building, this episode will help you weigh the real costs, risks, and rewards.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happens when you burn everything down and start over in your late 30s?

In this episode of Making Cents, Frances Cook shares the raw reality of leaving a high-profile media job, building a business from scratch, and creating financial freedom on her own terms.

This episode dives into the money lessons, business mistakes, and mindset shifts that come with starting over later in life.

From learning how to begin imperfectly, to setting boundaries, to turning financial security into life freedom, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to survive a major life reset.

If you’ve ever thought about walking away from stability, changing your career, or creating something of your own, his will give you a real look at the struggles, the lessons, and the unexpected wins that come from starting again.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buying a house in New Zealand? Don’t get caught out by hidden costs.

In this episode of Ask the Experts, we reveal the true cost of buying a home, beyond the sale price.

From legal fees to building inspections or surprise repair bills, these are the extra expenses that can seriously derail your property plans if you’re not prepared.

We break down the most common hidden costs that first home buyers overlook, how much they typically add up to, and smart ways to avoid nasty financial surprises.

Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading to your next one, this is essential listening to help you protect your deposit, manage your budget, and avoid costly mistakes.

Tune in for a chat between Frances Cook and Vanessa Williams from realestate.co.nz, on:

• Legal fees and how to reduce them
• What building inspections actually cost
• Whether you need to test for meth or asbestos
• Red flags in older homes that could cost you thousands
• How much extra cash to have on hand before going unconditional

Buying property is stressful enough, so don’t let hidden costs make it worse.

Listen now so you can go into your next home purchase fully informed and confident.

Links

Follow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.