THINKING OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

A  “party house” in the rural fringes of Rotorua was the start of one man’s property journey. It’s a journey that’s seen him live in vans and travel the world (while rocking waist-length dreadlocks) as he steadily built a portfolio.

Sam Barnett bought his first investment property when he was 19. But while his appearance was far from stereotypical, his strong DIY work ethic and excellent money management skills have led to a successful life in property.

But it’s not been without challenges. An early adopter of the Airbnb model in Rotorua, he had to “pivot” back to longterm rentals post-Covid. A renovate-and-hold investor from the outset, he’s stayed true to this ethos. And it’s served him well, be it in the long-term or short-term rental market.

Born and bred in Rotorua, Barnett was living with his mum when he left school at 16. He started to work as an apprentice mechanic, and money was scarce.

“My mum didn’t have a high income, and she said that if I left school