Blog

The pros and cons of rolling your debts into one Debt is not only a money issue, it can also affect your quality of life. It can very quickly snowball until the size and terms of debt can leave you feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about ever leading a debt-free life....

Getting a mortgage is a big deal, but once you’ve signed on the dotted line stress is quickly replaced by excitement. Come move-in day, you’ve got the paint, bought the furniture, and you’re ready to turn your house into a home. In the blink of an eye, it’s almost a...

The 6 factors you need to consider Back in the day, prospective home buyers often turned exclusively to their bank for their home loan needs. If you were a first-time home buyer, it was normal to use the same bank as Mum and Dad to get your mortgage requirements...

Paying too much interest? Checking in at the doctors for your annual check-up never usually goes amiss, but what about your finances? Most people each year don’t seem to have a problem checking in with their local GP when it comes to their health, but what about their...

Finance options for those looking to grow their portfolio You’ve made it onto the property ladder, and now you’re ready to sink your teeth into your next housing project. Property investment or development is a natural progression for homeowners looking to grow their...

There’s nothing quite like purchasing your first home. The wave of euphoria that hits you when you’re handed the keys for the first time is a real pinch-me moment for many New Zealanders. But one of the many questions first-home buyers ask is, “When is the right time...

What borrowers need to know You probably already know that there are different types of home loans, with varying terms, conditions and interest rates. However, the most important distinction, the one factor that will determine the affordability of your mortgage, is...

The process of subdivision explained These days, owning a large block of land in Auckland is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And if you’re not into farm animals and veggie gardening, then subdividing your property could be the way to go. While...

Here’s how the banks will assess your income It’s not surprising New Zealand is often referred to as a nation of small businesses. We’re an entrepreneurial bunch, with a reported 400,000+ self-employed small businesses in New Zealand. Leaping into self-employment can...

For the last decade, first-home buyers have worked under the assumption that they need a 20% deposit to get a mortgage. In a market where the average house price is over $500,000, this meant first-home buyers had to save for years to have a hope of getting into a...

Ways to become more financially attractive to lenders Buying your first home is meant to be an exciting process, but it can also be daunting – and sometimes downright scary. If you’re in the market to purchase property, you likely need to borrow money to buy it. A...

COVID-19 has caused disruption for almost everyone in some way – to put it mildly. For many self-employed people, that disruption will go on for a long time yet. During lockdown, income or contracts may have been lost, you may have applied for the wage subsidy or...

Top-up loans and other ways to survive the financial fallout The coronavirus crisis has affected every part of our lives – health, social interaction and personal freedom, travel and recreation, jobs and finances. Although New Zealand may now be on top of the health...

There are options even if you don’t fit the bank’s criteria If you’re a borrower with a full-time job, a substantial deposit, NZ residency, and a good credit rating, finding a home loan is pretty straightforward. You might need to talk to a mortgage broker or shop...

Why things are looking up for first home buyers First home buyers in New Zealand have had it tough for a while. Prices have been on the rise for years, and since 2013, LVR rules have meant that most buyers need a deposit of at least 10%. When the average house price...

Whether you are looking to get on the property ladder or purchase an additional investment property, a house and land package may be the way to go. Whether you are looking to purchase in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, or further down the line financing in...

What you need to know about post-COVID cashflow loans COVID-19 has hit business hard. During the lockdown, many businesses made little or no income, and even under the looser rules of level two, business owners are dealing with restrictions on customer numbers, the...

Will property investment pay off during a downturn? For years, investing in property has been a nearly fool-proof way to make money in New Zealand, thanks to rising prices, high rents, and high demand for property. As the country begins its COVID-19 recovery, that...