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Fixing or Refixing Your Mortgage: 3 Questions to Ask Before You Lock In
Whether you're fixing your mortgage for the first time or refixing an expiring loan, asking the right questions can save you thousands. Here’s what to consider before you commit to a new term.
Ready To Buy: 5 Things Investment Property Buyers Can Do To Get Ready
Getting ready to buy your first investment property? It’s not as overwhelming as it might seem. From choosing the right ownership structure to stress-testing your numbers, here are three smart steps to set yourself up for success.
Getting a Divorce and a Mortgage – What You Need to Know
Dividing the spoons is one thing, but sorting your mortgage post-divorce is quite another. Whether you're buying out your ex, purchasing a new home, or simply trying to understand how separation impacts your ability to borrow, here’s what you need to know.
2 Bank Account Tips The Banks Will Never Tell You
Where Am I Going To Find My Mortgage Deposit?
The One Bank Trap and The Several Bank Nightmare
Apartments: The Low-Down On High Rises
What Counts as Genuine Savings When Applying for a Mortgage?
Not all deposit money is created equal. When applying for a mortgage, banks often want to see that at least part of your deposit comes from genuine savings—money you’ve steadily put aside over time. But what counts as “genuine”? And how much do you actually need? In this article, we break down the types of savings banks love to see, which sources don’t qualify, and what to do if your deposit is mostly gifted or inherited. Understanding how genuine savings work can give you a stronger shot at mortgage approval—especially if you’ve got less than a 20% deposit.
What Is a Priority Amount in a Mortgage?
When you take out a mortgage in New Zealand, you might notice the phrase “priority amount” in your loan documentation. It’s often overlooked, but this little detail could raise eyebrows—especially if the amount listed is significantly more than you’re actually borrowing. So what is a priority amount, and should you be concerned?
Top 5 Most Useful Property Websites in New Zealand
Looking to research a property or better understand what your home—or future home—is really worth? These five websites are among the most trusted and useful tools in New Zealand for getting up-to-date valuations, sales histories, council rates, and market insights.
What Is Contract Works Insurance?
If you’re building or renovating a home in New Zealand, contract works insurance might be one of the most important policies you’ve never heard of. This specialised cover protects your home—while it's still under construction—from risks that ordinary house insurance doesn’t touch.
The Bank of Mum and Dad: Helping First Home Buyers the Right Way
As the dream of homeownership drifts further out of reach for many first-time buyers, the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ has become an increasingly common – and crucial – source of support. But how families structure that help can have long-term implications. Here's what you need to know before gifting or lending money for a home deposit.
4 Things You Can Do to Get Ready for Your Mortgage (No Matter When You’re Buying)
Thinking of buying a home now or even just “one day”? You don’t need to wait until you're house-hunting to start preparing. By taking a few simple steps now, you can put yourself in a far stronger position when the time comes to apply for a mortgage.
What’s the Minimum Deposit to Buy a House in NZ?
Wondering how much deposit you need to buy a house in New Zealand? Here's the 2025 guide to 5%, 10%, and 20% deposit options—and how to make yourself bank-ready.
Budgeting with PocketSmith
If there’s one budgeting app we rave about at Mortgage Lab, it’s PocketSmith. Proudly New Zealand-made and packed with powerful tools for tracking your income, expenses, and future goals, it’s our go-to recommendation for anyone looking to get their finances in order. Whether you’re saving for a home deposit or just want to understand your spending better, PocketSmith makes it easier—on desktop and mobile. Here's why we think it’s worth a look.
The Magic of Compound Interest When Paying Down Your Mortgage
Paying off your mortgage might feel like a long, slow journey—but thanks to the magic of compound interest, every extra dollar you put towards your loan can have a surprisingly powerful effect. By understanding how interest is calculated and why timing matters, you can make compound interest work in your favour and pay your mortgage off faster.
Purchasing at Auction – A Step by Step Guide
Bidding at auction can feel like a whirlwind of nerves and excitement—but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’re weeks out from auction day or already scouting open homes, understanding the mortgage and purchase process ahead of time can make all the difference. In this guide, we walk you through the steps to get auction-ready, explain the lingo you’ll hear on the day, and cover exactly what happens after the hammer falls.
Why Don’t We Have 30-Year Fixed Mortgages in New Zealand?
You’ve probably heard of 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in the US—home loans that lock in your interest rate for three decades. But in New Zealand, the longest fixed term you’re likely to see is just five years. Why? From our smaller financial markets to the way Kiwi borrowers prefer flexibility, this blog explores the key reasons why long-term fixed mortgages haven’t taken off in Aotearoa—and why they’re unlikely to anytime soon.
Who Pays for the Mortgage After a Separation?
Who pays the mortgage after a separation? It’s one of the most difficult financial questions facing separating couples—especially if you’re both still listed on the loan. This blog explores how ownership, liability, and credit risk work when a relationship ends, and what to do next.
5 Things To Know About Your Mortgage Pre-Approval Letter of Offer
You’ve got mortgage pre-approval—congrats! That all-important Letter of Offer (or LOO) is now sitting in your inbox. But what does it actually mean? In this blog, we walk you through the key parts of a typical letter of offer, from estimated interest rates to priority amounts and expiry dates. We explain what matters, what’s just standard wording, and what to do next to turn that pre-approval into a set of house keys.