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Are you among the many Kiwis who have faced a disappointing "No" from banks when applying for a home loan? It's frustrating, especially when you have stable employment and a good credit history. Banks, however, must adhere to strict regulatory guidelines, sometimes...

Special Mortgage Rates : 6.99% for 1 year | 6.85% for 2 years * Interest rates are subject to change. * Minimum 20% deposit or equity required. * Bank's discretion & lending criteria apply. The average fixed interest rate now sits at 7.03% — the highest in fifteen...

Thinking about buying a property but not sure if it’s the right time? With the current state of the economy, high interest rates and low house prices, it’s easy to feel hesitant. But here’s the good news — it may be a great time to buy. If you’re in the right...

How rising interest rates have affected property investment in New Zealand After spending the last three years taking advantage of relatively low risk, New Zealand property investors are beginning to take a step back. Interest rates and inflation are up, property...

New Zealanders are covered by the public healthcare system and ACC. We have safety nets in place for acute surgery and ACC covers us for accidents at work and home. You get the immediate care you need without a huge bill at the end. But would you be able to pay for...

If you’re bracing yourself for an upcoming mortgage rate increase, you’re not alone. Only two years ago, the average one-year fixed rate was 2.58%. Now, it’s more than double. For an average-size home loan in New Zealand, this means a significant increase in what...

Your new business idea is ready to go. You’ve seen the business you want to buy. You’ve done your research, crunched the numbers and you feel ready to move forward. But acquiring a business is a big decision. Taking out a loan to buy a new business can be a complex,...

Just gone unconditional? Here’s what you need to do Congratulations, you did it! You worked hard to get pre-approved for a mortgage, spent countless Sundays at open homes, negotiated a great home and finally went unconditional. It’s relief, excitement and nerves all...

As a first-home buyer or an existing mortgage holder, staying informed about your mortgage repayments, especially the factors that can impact interest rates, is important. You've probably heard various opinions on whether rates have peaked or if there's a possibility...

Learn how to prepare for success After years of hard savings, you’re ready to apply for a mortgage. Banks will require lots of personal information as they look for red flags about your ability to cover your mortgage each month. Many people find this the most daunting...

What kind of property would suit you best? It’s officially a buyer’s market. Existing homes look like bargains compared to peak prices last year, and building a brand new home could also be in the budget. If you’re looking to purchase a house, you will have a much...

Choosing the right mortgage structure is always tricky. But with interest rates high, a well-tailored home loan is the best way to save money. Whether you want the certainty of locking down your repayments or the flexibility of paying lump sums, there’s an option to...

Severe rain, storms and floods have battered parts of the Auckland, Northland and Coromandel in the last week making hundreds of homes uninhabitable and lot more requiring moderate to large repairs. If your house has been affected by the flood or have a new build or...

Good news – it may not be 20% As house prices continue to fall, many New Zealanders previously locked out of the market could now afford to buy. So why aren’t more people taking advantage? Short answer: bad information. With rising interest rates and stricter lending...

The pros and cons of re-structuring your mortgage Most of us need a financial safety net for emergencies or big-ticket items. Credit cards and hire purchases can be good options, but traditionally they come with high interest rates. On the other hand, if you own a...

When you apply for a loan, your prospective lender will weigh up your likelihood of repaying what they’re lending to you. They’ll run checks on your creditworthiness and spending patterns to gauge your financial character and thereby determine whether you’re likely to...

The impact of the latest official cash rate announcement by the Reserve Bank to increase the OCR by 75 basis points (0.75%) to 4.25% is starting to be felt in the market. Two major banks – ANZ and Westpac – have raised their fixed and floating home loan rates, along...

Four ways to save money in the face of crippling home loan rates With inflation at an all-time high, New Zealanders are starting to feel the pinch in every area of their lives. From groceries to Christmas presents, many items cost double (even triple) what they were a...