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9 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Construction Loan
Thinking about building your dream home in New Zealand? Construction loans can be a great way to finance a new build—but they come with their own challenges. Learn how to avoid the most common mistakes and navigate the process with confidence.

When Should You Get Your Business Accounts Done for a Mortgage Application?
Self-employed and applying for a mortgage? Your financial accounts are key to proving your income. This guide explains when banks need your latest accounts and why getting them sorted early can make all the difference.

The Real Cost of Credit Cards on Your Mortgage Capacity
Credit cards are useful tools for everyday expenses, but they can seriously limit your ability to borrow for a home—regardless of how much you owe. Learn how lenders treat credit limits, how to optimise your financial position, and why trimming your plastic could be the key to unlocking your first (or next) mortgage.

Can I Get a Top-Up on My Mortgage?
Whether you're renovating your home, consolidating debt, or looking to make a large purchase, a mortgage top-up can give you access to your equity. But before you apply, it’s important to understand the rules, risks, and how banks assess your application.

What Is Split Banking?
Split banking is a strategic move for property investors that spreads your lending across multiple banks rather than relying on a single lender. It provides more control, better access to equity, and flexibility when expanding your portfolio or selling a property.

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.

When Should You Transfer Your Overseas Savings if You’re Buying a Home in NZ?
Returning to New Zealand with overseas savings? When to transfer your money can make a big difference to your deposit. Here’s what to consider before exchanging your funds into New Zealand dollars.

What Happens When You Go to Buy Your Next House?
Buying your second or third home can be more complex than your first. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing or relocating, this blog explores the different paths you can take—buying before selling, selling before buying—and how bridging loans, pre-approvals, and due diligence all play a role.

The Income Hurdle: Why Most Kiwi Investors Only Own One Investment Property
Most Kiwi investors stop at one rental property—but it’s not due to lack of interest. The real hurdle is income. In this article, we break down why the majority of investors struggle to grow their portfolio and what you can do to overcome the income barrier.

What happens if a Registered Valuation Report isn’t high enough?
A Registered Valuer’s Report is often a key part of getting a mortgage approved—especially when you’re borrowing more than 80%. But what happens if the report comes in lower than expected? In this blog, we explore the implications of a low valuation and how it affects your home-buying power.

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.

Should You Refinance to Another Bank for a Lower Interest Rate?
Tempted to switch banks for a slightly better mortgage rate? Here's how to weigh the potential savings against the hidden costs and effort involved in refinancing.

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.

Can I Buy an Investment Property?
Thinking about buying an investment property? With deposit rules, equity usage, rental yields, and income testing all in play, it can feel more complex than a game of Monopoly. Here’s a breakdown of how to know if you’re in a position to invest—and what you’ll need to get across the line.

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.