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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.
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.
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.
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.
Quit Smoking? You Could Be Paying Too Much for Life Insurance
Quit smoking for 12 months? You could qualify for lower life insurance premiums. Here’s how to claim this often-overlooked financial benefit.
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.
Your mortgage rate is 8%
Your interest rate might be 6% or less—but planning as if it were 8% could save you thousands and cut your loan term in half.
How Offset Mortgages Work in New Zealand
Offset accounts are a smart tool for mortgage holders with savings—offering the ability to reduce interest without locking funds away. Here’s how offset mortgages work, who they’re good for, and when to consider one as part of your home loan structure.
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.
How much does a Credit Card affect your lending?
Your credit card limit—not your balance—can reduce how much a bank will lend you for a mortgage. Here’s how to fix it and borrow more.
Ready To Buy: 3 Things First Home Buyers Can Do Today
Buying your first home? Here are three practical things you can do today to prepare for your mortgage and improve your chances of approval.
10 Annual Home Maintenance Tasks Most Homeowners Forget
These 10 home maintenance tasks should be done annually—but most people forget. Tick them off to protect your home, avoid costly repairs, and feel smugly accomplished.
How Banks Decide If You Can Afford an Investment Property
Thinking of buying an investment property? Learn how banks assess whether you can afford it—including interest rate stress testing, rental income scaling, and credit limit assumptions—and what you can do to improve your approval odds.
How Does A Student Loan Affect A Mortgage Pre-Approval?
Got a student loan? Here’s how it really affects your mortgage application—and when paying it off could help you borrow more.