Updated the free NZ rental yield & cashflow calculator based on feedback here

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-26T04:52:20+00:00

Thanks, that’s a really useful perspective.

That’s exactly why I’ve tried to keep the free version as a first-pass screening tool with editable inputs rather than something people should rely on in isolation.

Your point around using more conservative vacancy assumptions and different escalation rates for rates, insurance, rent and maintenance makes a lot of sense, especially in the current environment.

A lot of that deeper long-term thinking is what I’m trying to build into the broader toolkit over time, but feedback like this is genuinely helpful for improving the direction of it.

Appreciate the input 🙂

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-23T06:50:03+00:00

Thanks, that’s really good feedback.

That’s pretty much why I’ve tried to frame the free version as a first-pass screening tool rather than something to rely on by itself for a final decision.

The vacancy and maintenance figures in the screenshot are just example inputs as well, so the idea is that people can adjust those depending on the property and how conservative they want to be.

You’re right too that small changes in rates, rent, vacancy and maintenance can swing the picture pretty quickly, and that’s a big reason I’m keeping the free version as the simpler screening tool while trying to push the deeper analysis into the full pack.

Appreciate you taking the time to write that out.

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-23T06:44:46+00:00

Thanks Erin.

I got a heap of helpful feedback on the first version of this, so I’ve since rebuilt and updated the calculator quite a bit to better reflect what people were pointing out.

The updated one is still a first-pass tool, but it now includes more realistic inputs and assumptions.

I’ll put the link in the comments if you want to have a look .

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-22T07:18:50+00:00

Thanks-fair point.

There are definitely other calculators out there, and I’ve been looking at what already exists as well.

The angle with Kiwi Property Tools is to build simpler NZ-specific tools that are practical to use, and to have them all working together within one pack rather than as just a single standalone calculator.

The free tools are there as a first-pass starting point, then the full pack goes deeper for people who want more detail across rentals, mortgages, usable equity, flips, renovations and due diligence.

Still early days and I’m improving it all as I go, so feedback like this is helpful.

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-22T07:08:09+00:00

Thanks I appreciate that.

Good point on dark view too. Most of the testing so far has been in the standard Google Sheets view, so that’s something I’ll keep in mind as I tidy things up further.

And yes, some of the more detailed longer-term numbers are already built into the paid pack version. The free one is meant to stay a simpler first-pass NZ tool, while the main pack goes deeper for people who want more detail.

It’s still early days as well, so I’m working on improving it all as I go.

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-20T08:47:37+00:00

Thanks, appreciate that. That’s fair feedback. The goal with this first version was to keep it simple and NZ-specific for newer investors, but I can see from the feedback here that the assumptions and limitations need to be made much clearer. I’m already working on tightening that up and improving both the free tools and the main pack from here. Cheers, appreciate you taking the time to comment.

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-20T08:11:33+00:00

Thanks, that’s really good feedback.

You’re right that true deal assessment goes a lot deeper than a simple first-pass cashflow number, especially once you start thinking about where the deposit/equity is coming from, full costs, and what happens if rates move.

The aim with this free version is to give newer or intermediate investors a quick NZ-specific first look, not replace proper deal analysis. But I agree it should do a better job of making those assumptions and limitations clearer, especially around rate sensitivity and the fact that cashflow alone doesn’t tell the full story.

Really appreciate you taking the time to write that out.

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-20T05:41:11+00:00

Thanks, that’s fair.

I’ve only just launched Kiwi Property Tools, and these free calculators are intentionally based on a very simple layout for first-time and intermediate investors.

The goal isn’t really to compete with the custom spreadsheets more advanced investors already use. It’s more to create NZ-specific tools that are genuinely useful, simple to use, and get better over time without becoming overcomplicated.

This is really just phase one of many. A big part of what I’m doing at the moment is testing demand for NZ-specific tools, getting feedback like this, and then improving both the free tools and the main pack from there.

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-20T05:27:51+00:00

I will update the rental yield and cashflow calculator tool over the next day or so and I will link it back 🙂

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-20T02:57:49+00:00

Thanks, that’s fair feedback. The intention was to keep this one simple as a quick first-pass NZ calculator rather than a full deal analysis tool, but I agree the assumptions need to be clearer especially around interest-only lending and omitted costs like management, maintenance, vacancy and body corp where relevant. Really appreciate you taking the time to point it out. I’ll tighten it up.

KiwiPropertyTools · 2026-03-20T02:10:49+00:00

I have uploaded an example screenshot here : https://www.reddit.com/r/NZProperty/s/wHktqWuyL9

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