Book Review: Buy and Hold - Simple steps to successful real estate investment in New Zealand

This book is written by a couple who have been successful in real estate investment and is aimed not at “hotshot property moguls” but the “Mums and Dads of the world”. So if you’re already a hugely successful property investor, you’re probably not going to learn much from this book. However, if you’re like me, and have never had an investment property before or perhaps just have one, then this book is for you.

It is written by Rahul and Alika Rai about their experiences with investment property and their ‘Buy and Hold’ strategy (as opposed to the Buy and Move-It-On-Quickly strategy of some investors). They are careful to point out that it is written based on their experiences only, not as a ‘this is the best and only way to do it’ type guide, which I really liked. There are so many shades of grey in the world and I dislike books that see things only as black and white.

This booked covered everything from why property is a good investment to how you actually get the money to do it, how to calculate returns that make it worthwhile and what sort of professionals you’ll need to help you along your journey. It gave really good insight into the highs and lows and potential risks and returns of property investment so that you go into it with your eyes wide open.

From my perspective (having never had an investment property), it gave what seems to be really sound advice like keeping your day job, looking for growth areas and spreading your investments throughout New Zealand. The also stressed the importance of good recording keeping and understanding all the financial side of things (even if you do use an accountant).

All in all I enjoyed reading this book. I was a relatively easy read, packed full of useful information and it has inspired me to consider property investment as a very real option in the near future, rather than just something I hope to do ‘some day’ when I (hopefully) have the money.

We have three copies of Buy and Hold – Simple steps to successful real estate investment in New Zealand to give away. If you’d like a copy just comment below with your name and where you're from and you're in the draw . Winners will be drawn on Friday 4th September and announced on this blog and our facebook page COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

We received a complimentary copy of this book to review however the opinions belong entirely to the author. Buy and Hold is available in all good bookshops or order online at www.pottonandburton.co.nz

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and should not be taken as advice. It reflects the opinions of the writer only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of New Zealand Home Loans.