Blog

Is 2026 the Year to Buy Your First Home in NZ?

Lower interest rates, more homes to choose from, and banks saying yes more often - here's why 2026 could be your moment to get on the property ladder.

KiwiSaver & First Home Loan: Your 2026 Guide

The First Home Grant is gone, but there's still plenty of help available. Here's what first home buyers in NZ can actually use in 2026.

Fixed vs Floating Mortgage Rates: How to Choose the Right One for You

Fixed or floating mortgage rate — which is right for you? A plain-language guide to help NZ homeowners decide based on their situation and the current rate environment.

What Are DTI Rules and How Do They Affect How Much You Can Borrow?

If you've been doing your homework on home loans, you've probably come across the term "DTI." It sounds technical — and it is — but understanding it could save you a lot of confusion when you apply for a mortgage. Here's what DTI rules are, how they work in New Zealand, and what they mean for your borrowing power.

What Happens to Your Mortgage If You Can't Work? Here's What Actually Covers You

Most of us don't spend much time thinking about what would happen if we got sick and couldn't work. It feels unlikely — until it isn't. In New Zealand we have ACC, which is genuinely useful, but there's a significant gap in what it covers. Here's a straight-talking guide to what actually protects you if you can't work — and what leaves you exposed.

First Home Buyer in New Zealand? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones of your life. It can also feel a little overwhelming — especially when you're trying to understand deposits, KiwiSaver, mortgage pre-approval, and the whole house-hunting process all at once. We put this guide together because we work with first home buyers every day, and we see the same questions come up again and again. Think of it as a friendly walkthrough from your mates in mortgages.

Refinancing Your Mortgage in NZ: When Does It Actually Make Sense?

With interest rates shifting and the cost of living squeezing household budgets, refinancing your mortgage is a topic many New Zealanders are thinking about right now. But refinancing isn't always the right move — and it's not always as simple as just jumping to the lowest rate you can find. Here's a plain-English guide to help you decide whether refinancing makes sense for you.

How Much Can I Borrow for a Home Loan in New Zealand? (2026 Guide)

Whether you're dreaming of your first home in Rangiora or eyeing an investment property in Christchurch, one of the very first questions you'll ask is: how much can I actually borrow? It's a great question — and the honest answer is: it depends on a few key things. Let's walk through them together

ANZ 1.5% cashback offer

If you’re in the market for a new home loan and ANZ’s 1.5% cashback offer is accessible to you, it’s definitely worth serious consideration. But as with all things mortgage-related: it’s not just the cash upfront, it’s the total cost, the fit for you, and the commitment.

OCR cut November 2024

What the November OCR Cut Means for You and What’s Next in February?

Arguments about Money

One of the most common sources of conflict in marriage is money, how to spend it, and how to save for things that really matter.

Our Top 5 things to think about before the 31st of March

End Of Financial Year (EOFY) is just around the corner, so start reassessing where you are financially and where you want to be. Here’s five things you can do.

Bank or Mortgage Advisor?

Bank or Mortgage Advisor? Who should help you with your loan?

6 Tips to Help You Save

These 6 tips apply to first time buyers and anyone wanting to buy additional property 🏡🏡🏡

The Loan Process Explained - How an Advisor can help

The role of a mortgage adviser is to make the home loan process as smooth as possible for someone wanting to buy a property.

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