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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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How credit cards, Afterpay and car loans affect what you can borrow
Banks do not assess your debts on what you pay each month. They assess them on what you could be forced to pay. Here is how New Zealand lenders treat credit card limits, buy now pay later, car loans and student loans, and which ones are actually worth clearing before you apply.
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Using KiwiSaver for your first home
You can withdraw almost all of your KiwiSaver towards a first home if you have been a member for three years and will live in the property. You must leave 1,000 dollars behind. Here is what the money can pay for, when it arrives, and the ownership situations that quietly disqualify people.
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Home loan declined in NZ? Here is what actually blocked your application
Declined for a mortgage in New Zealand? A decline usually comes down to one part of the assessment rather than the whole application. What the common blockers are, how to work out which one applied to you, and what tends to move each.
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Self-employed home loans in New Zealand: what lenders are actually looking at
In this article How New Zealand banks assess self-employed income Add-backs explained: the expenses lenders will add to your income Documents you need for a self-employed mortgage in NZ When one year of financials is enough What actually caps your borrowing Frequently asked questions How New Zealand banks assess self-employed income A salaried applicant hands…
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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…
