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Mortgage Strategies for Self-Employed and Gig Economy Workers
Navigating the mortgage process as a self-employed or gig economy worker in New Zealand presents unique challenges. This blog explores practical strategies for proving income, improving creditworthiness, and strengthening your home loan application.

What Are Terraced Houses—and Are They a Good Buy?
Terraced housing is rapidly rising in popularity throughout New Zealand’s urban centres. But what exactly are terraced houses—and are they the right choice for first home buyers or investors? We explain how they work, what to look out for, and why they could (or might not) be a smart addition to your property plans.

What to Check Before Buying a Property in New Zealand
Doing your homework before buying a home is one of the most important ways to reduce risk and avoid future regret. From LIMs to valuations, we break down what to check, who to talk to, and how to be a confident buyer before you make an offer.

Understanding Leasehold Property Ownership in New Zealand
Leasehold property ownership is a unique form of tenure where you own the building but not the land beneath it. This guide covers the pros and cons of leasehold in New Zealand, key terms, common risks, and the crucial questions to ask before you buy.

What Is Price by Negotiation?
Buying a house listed as “Price by Negotiation” can feel a bit uncertain—but it also comes with flexibility and the opportunity to negotiate a deal that suits both you and the vendor. Here’s how to approach this style of sale with confidence.

Mortgagee Sales in NZ: Bargain or Big Risk?
Mortgagee sales can look like a steal—but they come with unique risks that every buyer must understand. From no guarantees on condition to potentially evicting the previous owner yourself, here’s what you need to know before signing anything.

What to Do if Your KiwiSaver Drops Before Buying Your First Home
You’ve found the perfect first home, but there’s a problem—your KiwiSaver has taken a hit due to a dip in the market. Suddenly, the deposit you were relying on isn’t quite enough. Don’t panic. Here’s what to do when your KiwiSaver drops in value just as you’re about to buy, and how to protect yourself with a smart strategy moving forward.

6 Tips for Bidding at Auction (and How to Prepare Like a Pro)
Buying at auction is fast, transparent, and often rewarding—but it’s also not for the faint-hearted. This guide covers everything from preparation to bidding tactics to help you win the auction without blowing your budget.

9 Tips for Making a Winning Offer by Tender
Thinking about making an offer by tender? Unlike auctions, tenders give you more flexibility, but success still hinges on preparation and strategy. In this guide, we share expert tips—beyond just price—to help you stand out and secure your dream property. From crafting a compelling offer to understanding the fine print, here’s what every buyer needs to know.

New Build vs Existing Home: Which Should You Buy?
Torn between building new or buying existing? This guide compares the financial, practical, and strategic pros and cons of each option for both first home buyers and investors.

Mortgage Deposit: Can I Take Out a Loan to Increase It?
Banks love to see savings discipline—but what if you’re just short of the deposit you need? Can you borrow the difference to hit your 10% or 20% mortgage deposit goal? We unpack whether loans, credit cards, or finance company top-ups are a smart (or even allowed) way to bridge the gap.

Property Experts You Need on Your Team
Buying a property isn’t a solo mission. Whether you’re a first home buyer, investor, or planning a refinance, surrounding yourself with the right property experts can make the process faster, smoother, and more successful—often without significant cost.

Preparing For Your Mortgage – Documentation
Getting a mortgage approved doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right documents prepared ahead of time, you can speed up the process and give the bank everything they need to say yes.

Mortgage Glossary: Common Terms Every Home Buyer Should Know
Understanding mortgage jargon can make your home-buying journey a whole lot easier. Here’s a glossary of the most common mortgage terms in New Zealand, explained in plain English.

How Do You Get a Mortgage on a Tiny Home?
Dreaming of downsizing into a tiny home but unsure how to finance it? You're not alone. Tiny homes offer an appealing lifestyle, but traditional mortgage lending hasn’t quite caught up. Here’s what you need to know about how to buy a tiny home—and the financing options available to make it happen.

2 Bank Account Tips the Banks Will Never Tell You
Two smart banking strategies to boost your mortgage options and protect your lending access—tips the banks won’t offer but mortgage advisers know well.

What Your Mortgage Application and Tinder Profile Have in Common (But Shouldn’t)
Your mortgage application isn’t the place for filters and flair—learn how to prep your finances so the bank says “yes,” and keep the Tinder content where it belongs.

How to Get a Mortgage in New Zealand: The 7-Step Process for First Home Buyers
Getting a mortgage can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first. This guide walks you through the 7 essential steps to secure your home loan in New Zealand.

Deposits: How much do you need to buy your first home?
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.

It’s OK If You Don’t Understand the KiwiSaver Member Tax Credit… Just Don’t Miss Out
The KiwiSaver Member Tax Credit is one of the simplest ways to boost your retirement or first home savings—yet many New Zealanders either don’t understand it or forget to take advantage. Here’s how it works, why it matters, and what to do before 30 June each year.