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The Kāinga Ora Maintenance Clause (for First Home Loans)
If you intend to buy your first home using the Kāinga Ora low deposit First Home Loan scheme then you need to be aware of the eligibility and the maintenance clause that they have – Kāinga Ora require that any maintenance on the property cost less than $10,000 to repair and you need to both…
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Can You Buy an Auckland Investment Property With Less Than a 20% Deposit?
Wondering if you can buy an Auckland investment property with under 20% deposit? Here’s what the LVR rules, new-build exemptions and lenders actually allow.
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First Home Buyers Rejoice: ASB’s New 5% Deposit Home Loan Option
ASB now offers home loans with just a 5% deposit for eligible first home buyers. Here’s how it works, who qualifies, and what to watch for. Subject to lender assessment and approval criteria.
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Bank Turned You Down? Discover Non-Bank Home Loans in NZ.
Turned down by the bank? Non-bank lenders in NZ can offer options for self-employed borrowers, those with credit issues, or complex income. Here’s how they work and what they cost. Lender approval criteria apply.
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How First Home Buyers Can Navigate the New Zealand Loan Market
A practical guide for first home buyers navigating the NZ mortgage market — deposits, pre-approval, lender criteria and what to expect at each step. Indicative only; subject to lender assessment.
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Building a Granny Flat in NZ (2026): A Smarter, Simpler Way to Add Income and Space
If you’ve ever thought about building a granny flat but felt overwhelmed by council consents, delays, or costs, you’re not alone. For years, the idea made sense on paper but felt hard to act on. That’s changed. With new rules now in place in 2026, many New Zealand homeowners can build a granny flat up…
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Is Now the Right Time to Buy Property in NZ? What 2026 Might Mean for Home Buyers
There’s been a lot of quiet discussion lately about where NZ interest rates and the New Zealand property market may be heading in 2026. While nothing is certain, many people are starting to wonder whether the current conditions might be offering a window of opportunity one that may not look the same a few months…
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Thinking of Building Your Own Home in New Zealand?
Building your own home is a dream for many Kiwi families. Designing a property that perfectly fits your lifestyle, needs, and future plans can be exciting but knowing where to start is often the hardest part. From finding the right section to securing finance with competitive home loan interest rates, there are a few key…
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Do Credit Cards Affect Your Home Loan Approval? Here’s What You Need to Know
When applying for a home loan, most people focus on income, savings, and property prices — but one thing that often catches borrowers off guard is how credit cards affect your borrowing power. Even if you don’t owe anything on your credit card, the limit itself can impact how much you’re able to borrow. But…
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Unlocking Home Equity: A Guide to Reverse Mortgages
Many retirees find themselves in a common situation: owning a valuable, mortgage-free home but needing extra funds to supplement their retirement income or achieve a change in lifestyle. Reverse mortgages, also known as retirement equity release loans, are a financial product designed specifically for older homeowners to convert a portion of their equity into cash…
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Big News: Banks Can Now Offer More Low-Deposit Home Loans
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is changing the rules around how much deposit you need to buy a house. Effective December 1, 2025, the RBNZ is easing its Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions. For new buyers, particularly first-home buyers (FHBs), this policy shift is a big deal. It makes getting a mortgage easier, but…
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Understanding How Your Credit Score Works
Your credit score has become more important than ever. In recent years, banks and lenders have placed greater emphasis on assessing your creditworthiness before approving any kind of finance, whether it’s a credit card, personal loan, or home loan. When you apply for credit, the lender will access your credit report, which shows your score…
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Shared Home Ownership: A Smart Alternative to Traditional Buying for Young Kiwis
Are you one of many young Kiwis dreaming of owning a home but finding the traditional route just out of reach? You’re not alone. With rising property prices and hefty deposits, home ownership often feels like an impossible dream for first-time buyers in New Zealand. But here’s the good news: shared home ownership offers a…
