Many people think that property investing for the mum and dad investor is about buying and selling residential houses.

Experienced landlords often consider 100 or more properties before deciding on the perfect place. Many are looking for houses that offer opportunities for improvements, or converting existing space into more rooms. But renovations don't always pay for themselves with increased rent or property value, so it is important to think carefully before spending.

New Zealand residential property prices hit an all-time high in January, but if you're looking to buy investment property, that may not be good news.

Will your next four years in property be as prosperous as the last four? For those who are willing to move with the markets and make their purchases based on research and logic, it could even be better, according to Investment Property Research, a Christchurch-based property investment consultancy. Property has always been the safest and most powerful investment vehicle over the long term, but factors like timing, location and structure can rapidly accelerate growth and returns.

If you are thinking of investing in property, it could prove beneficial to consider holding it in a trust or a Loss Attributing Qualifying Company (LAQC).

New Zealanders' well-known love affair with property investing is taking a twist. More and more investors who have done well in residential investment during the recent boom are moving into commercial real estate, attracted by higher rental returns and less intensive management.

The economy regularly goes through economic cycles from so-called boom times to bust or low times. These can vary in length and average around five to seven years. The cycle is sometimes referred to as the economic clock where the high is 12 o'clock and the low 6 o'clock.

As home ownership becomes less affordable, the private-sector rental market is expanding. About one third of Kiwis now rent and the number of landlords grows almost every day.

Northplan director and senior investment advisor Simon Purvis believes New Zealanders should be investing in the elderly.

The non-payment of rent is the biggest single cause of landlord applications to the Tenancy Tribunal, according to Scotney Williams of the Tenancy Practice Consultancy. Given the risk this problem presents, insurance is vital.

According to Investors Forum director Daniel McEwan, it is critical to understand the rules that make property investment work.

The millionaire behind the controversial Ferrymead tower development says he is doing his best to meet public concerns, but cannot rule out his original 14-storey high rise office plan.

Orchardists and landowners were among 30 people who turned up to the first public meeting to discuss potential soil contamination in the Hastings district.

The owners of 26 leaky terraced houses in Grey Lynn have been paid just under $2 million by the Auckland City Council in a repairs settlement.

The Real Estate Institute’s national median sale price rose $5000 from December to hit a new record of $265,000 in January.

You could be in for a big rates rise this year. The Waitakere City Council is facing increased costs associated with a number of major projects, including the planned new "baby Britomart" transport centre in Henderson, which could blowthe budget by more $5 million.