Leverage can enhance returns, but it also introduces additional risk—particularly in commercial property where lending is typically short-term and highly sensitive to interest rate changes.

At Mates Invest, we take a different approach. By investing without bank debt, we remove the cost of financial intermediaries and reduce exposure to refinancing risk, interest rate volatility, and forced asset sales. This allows more of the underlying property income to flow directly to investors, rather than being absorbed by interest expenses.

In New Zealand, commercial property loans are commonly structured on short review cycles of around 2–3 years, with interest rates that can reset frequently. As a result, increases in the Official Cash Rate can quickly impact borrowing costs, cash flow, and ultimately property values. Investors who rely heavily on debt are therefore more exposed to market cycles and may be forced to sell assets at unfavourable times.

By remaining debt-free, we retain full control over our investment horizon and are not subject to lender constraints. This positions us to take advantage of opportunities when leveraged investors are under pressure, while continuing to provide stable and sustainable income to our investors.

There is a natural balance between deposit rates, mortgage rates, and commercial property yields. Our model is designed to sit within that range, capturing the benefits of property income without the risks associated with leverage. In simple terms, removing debt allows for greater stability, stronger control, and a more direct return to investors.

Majority of New Zealand’s debt is held by off-shore banks and financial institutions which all represent a loss of GDP to the New Zealand economy.

The traditional investment model for most investors is to expense all of their income for negative gearing and sit in the market for long-term capital appreciation. Rather than waste all of our cash flow to the banking system, we will be recycling that to the New Zealand economy and value-adding opportunities for our property investments.

We offer three different rates of return to provide flexibility for investors with different time horizons and income needs.

Each rate reflects the length of time an investor chooses to commit their capital. Shorter-term options provide greater access and flexibility, while longer-term commitments allow us to deploy capital more efficiently into stable, income-producing assets. In return for that longer commitment, investors receive a higher rate.

This structure aligns both the investor and the underlying property strategy. Commercial property is inherently a long-term asset class, and having committed capital allows us to secure better opportunities, negotiate more effectively as a cash buyer, and manage assets without short-term pressure.

In simple terms, the difference in rates reflects the trade-off between flexibility and return. The longer the commitment, the more certainty it provides to the investment strategy, and the higher the return we are able to offer.

We have over 25 years’ experience in commercial property, valuing over $1.5 billion of assets annually that owners and major banks rely upon. Our analysis extends to all of the input values of the property equation including finance cycles, economic cycles, supply and demand, and the appreciable and depreciable qualities of property investment.

Working for the largest listed property companies and many high net-worth portfolio investors, we have observed best practices in the market and understand the variables that increase value over time.

Ryan has experience in banking after the GFC, managing $180 million of commercial property loans which exhibits a high degree of responsibility and gives him intimate first-hand knowledge of how the banking sector works, how risk is managed, and how the bank plays out a downturn in the market.

Commercial properties, predominantly across the Auckland area, however, we would be considering opportunities throughout New Zealand.

Properties we consider to have the greatest potential are low management, industrial, and bulk retail properties with asset values of $10-$25 million. Based on our long-term data and analysis, these asset types are less subject to market volatility and provide strong returns and tenant profiles over time.

Properties with higher land content have the strongest long-term capital appreciation potential based on our market research.

Mates Invest is built on a simple but powerful idea: commercial property investment without debt.

Our core point of difference is our 100% equity, debt-free model, which removes reliance on banks and eliminates exposure to interest rate cycles, refinancing risk, and lender constraints. This allows us to focus purely on the performance of the underlying property and the income it generates.

By operating as a cash buyer, we are able to move quickly, negotiate strongly, and access opportunities that are often unavailable to leveraged investors. At the same time, the absence of interest costs means more of the property’s income can be returned directly to investors.

We are also focused on making commercial property more accessible. Traditionally, this asset class has been limited to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Mates Invest provides a structured, transparent platform that allows everyday New Zealanders to participate in high-quality, income-producing assets.

Importantly, Mates Invest is built with a community-first mindset. Our goal is not just to generate returns, but to keep capital working within New Zealand—supporting local businesses, strengthening our property sector, and creating long-term value for everyday Kiwis. We believe in investing in real assets that benefit both investors and the wider economy.

Ultimately, our difference lies in combining simplicity, discipline, and long-term thinking, with a focus on being better for New Zealand. We prioritise stable income, capital preservation, and alignment with investors, rather than chasing leveraged returns or short-term gains.

At this stage, Mates Invest is only taking expressions of interest from wholesale investors to facilitate the investment.

We are looking for 300-600 wholesale investors to be part of our first tranche. This will enable the fund to establish a strong asset base, creating future opportunities for further funds.

In the future we intend to create a retail fund for a wider community, if this is something you are interested in, subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to hear with this option becomes available.

There are no direct fees on investors return. All costs are incurred by the investment vehicle. No hidden fees.

Visit our ‘Investment Criteria’ page to see if you qualify, alternatively, speak with your trusted financial advisor to discuss your eligibility.

Mates Invest intends to facilitate a secondary market, allowing investors the ability to sell their investment to other participants over time. As interest rates and bank deposit returns fluctuate, there may be potential for investors to achieve a premium on their investment, depending on prevailing market conditions and demand.

Alternatively, investors may transfer their interest to another party, with Mates Invest assisting where possible to identify a suitable replacement investor.  All transfers will need to be authorised by Mates Invest with all necessary compliance and onboarding carried out.

Where an investor exits prior to their agreed term, a break fee (or reduced return) may apply to reflect the early withdrawal and maintain fairness across the investor base.

Traditional property syndicates are typically structured around a single asset, with investors committing capital to one property for a fixed period. These investments are often leveraged, rely on bank debt, and provide limited flexibility once capital is committed.

Mates Invest takes a different approach. Rather than investing in one asset at a time, we operate a broader platform that allows capital to be deployed across multiple opportunities over time. This creates diversification and reduces reliance on the performance of any single property.

Our model is also 100% equity-funded, meaning we do not use bank debt. This removes exposure to interest rate movements, refinancing risk, and lender-driven decisions, which are common in traditional syndicates.

In addition, Mates Invest is designed to provide greater accessibility and flexibility for investors. Instead of being locked into a long-term, single-asset structure, investors can choose between different investment timeframes that align with their goals.

Listed property trusts are publicly traded on the share market, meaning their value is influenced not only by the underlying property assets, but also by daily market sentiment, fund flows, and broader equity market movements.

Mates Invest takes a different approach. Our investments are unlisted and based on the underlying property performance, not share price volatility. This means investors are not exposed to short-term market fluctuations or pricing disconnects that can occur in listed markets.

Listed property trusts are also typically leveraged, using bank debt to enhance returns. While this can amplify gains, it also increases exposure to interest rate movements and refinancing risk. Mates Invest is 100% equity-funded, removing these risks and allowing income to flow directly from the property to investors.

In addition, listed vehicles can experience misalignment between investors and assets, where units may trade at a premium or discount to underlying value. Our model is designed to maintain a closer link between investor returns and the actual performance of the properties.

Finally, Mates Invest has a strong community focus, aiming to keep capital working within New Zealand, supporting local businesses, and delivering long-term value for everyday investors, rather than being driven by short-term market pressures.

In simple terms, listed property trusts are market-traded and leveraged, whereas Mates Invest is unlisted, debt-free, and focused on stable, long-term income grounded in real assets.

Mates Invest is primarily designed to deliver consistent income from commercial property, rather than relying on capital gains.

Any increase in property value over time may contribute to the overall performance of the investment, however capital gains are not guaranteed and are not the primary focus of the strategy. Returns are intended to be generated through rental income derived from tenants occupying the properties.

Where properties are sold, any realised gains may be distributed to investors or reinvested, depending on the structure and strategy at the time.

In simple terms, the focus is on income first, with capital gains as a potential additional benefit over the long term.

Mates Invest is designed as a long-term, income-focused investment rather than a short-term trading vehicle. Our primary strategy is to acquire and hold quality commercial property that generates stable cash flow over time.

Investor exits are managed through the structure of the investment itself. By offering different investment terms, investors have defined timeframes at which they can exit or roll their investment, providing a level of flexibility without forcing the sale of underlying assets.

At the asset level, we retain the ability to sell properties where it is in the best interests of investors, such as when value has been maximised, market conditions are favourable, or capital can be better redeployed into higher-performing opportunities.

Importantly, because we are not reliant on bank debt, we are not forced into selling assets due to loan maturities or refinancing pressure. This allows us to make disciplined, timing-based decisions rather than reactive ones.

Over time, as the platform grows, additional exit options may be introduced, such as secondary market mechanisms or structured liquidity events, further enhancing flexibility for investors.

In simple terms, our exit strategy focuses on providing investor liquidity through defined investment terms, while maintaining long-term ownership and control of high-quality property assets.

Bank deposits are designed for capital security and short-term access, but they typically offer lower returns that generally do not keep pace with inflation over time.

Mates Invest is designed to provide higher, income-generating returns by investing in real commercial property assets. Rather than earning interest from a bank, investors receive income derived from rental cash flow secured by tenants occupying physical buildings.

While bank deposits are low risk, they are also limited in their ability to grow wealth. Our model aims to sit in the space between term deposit rates and traditional property investment returns, offering a more attractive income stream without the added risk of leverage.

Importantly, Mates Invest is backed by real assets and operates on a debt-free basis, which supports stability and reduces exposure to interest rate volatility. This allows us to focus on consistent income rather than being impacted by changes in borrowing costs.

There is a trade-off. Bank deposits offer immediate access to funds and government-backed protections, whereas our investment requires a defined commitment period. In return, investors have the opportunity to achieve stronger, more sustainable returns over the medium to long term.

In simple terms, bank deposits prioritise security and liquidity, while Mates Invest is designed to deliver higher income and long-term value through real, debt-free property investment.