Anne Miel 4/11/25 Anne Miel 4/11/25

Pocket money into KiwiSaver – how to maximise compound interest

Could pocket money be more than just coins for snacks? By funnelling part of your child’s allowance into KiwiSaver, you can harness the power of compound interest to give them a serious head start for retirement. Here's how one family is doing it—and why starting early makes all the difference.

Anne Miel 4/10/25 Anne Miel 4/10/25

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.

Anne Miel 4/10/25 Anne Miel 4/10/25

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.

Rupert Gough 4/9/25 Rupert Gough 4/9/25

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.

Anne Miel 4/8/25 Anne Miel 4/8/25

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.

Anne Miel 4/7/25 Anne Miel 4/7/25

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.

Anne Miel 4/6/25 Anne Miel 4/6/25

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.

Anne Miel 4/4/25 Anne Miel 4/4/25

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.

Anne Miel 4/3/25 Anne Miel 4/3/25

What to Look for When Buying an Investment Property

A successful investment property starts with smart due diligence. Learn how to assess a property's full potential—beyond just location and yield—using a proven, step-by-step evaluation approach.

Anne Miel 4/1/25 Anne Miel 4/1/25

Is It Worth Getting a Flatmate to Help Pay My Mortgage?

Thinking about getting a flatmate to help with the mortgage? That spare room could be the smartest financial decision you make. Here's how shared living can shave years off your home loan, boost your equity, and ease financial pressure—without sacrificing your sanity.

Anne Miel 4/1/25 Anne Miel 4/1/25

Everything you need to know about debt

Not all debt is created equal. Some can build your future—others can derail it. Learn the difference between good, bad, and grey-area debt, how it affects your mortgage application, and the steps you can take to improve your credit score and borrowing potential.

Anne Miel 4/1/25 Anne Miel 4/1/25

How to Calculate Yield on an Investment Property (And Why It Matters)

Want to know if your investment property is going to pay off? Learn how to calculate gross and net rental yield, and how this affects your mortgage approval.

Rupert Gough 3/31/25 Rupert Gough 3/31/25

15 Smart Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value and Unlock Equity for Investment

Looking to build a property portfolio? These smart, low-cost home upgrades can boost your home’s value—unlocking equity you can use for your next investment property.

Anne Miel 3/31/25 Anne Miel 3/31/25

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.

Rupert Gough 3/30/25 Rupert Gough 3/30/25

Top Mistakes First-Time Property Investors Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Jumping into property investment without the right knowledge can be costly. From chasing cashflow without strategy to underestimating maintenance costs, we explore the most common mistakes new investors make—and how to avoid them.

Rupert Gough 3/30/25 Rupert Gough 3/30/25

Should You Buy a New Build or Existing Property for Investment? A Landlord’s Guide

Deciding between a new build or existing property as your next investment can significantly affect your returns, tenant appeal, and maintenance costs. Here’s how to weigh up the pros and cons of each option and make the right choice for your investment goals.

Anne Miel 3/30/25 Anne Miel 3/30/25

The Official Cash Rate (OCR) Explained

The Official Cash Rate (OCR) is one of the most powerful levers the Reserve Bank has to steer New Zealand’s economy. It influences mortgage rates, inflation, spending, and even the exchange rate. Whether you're a homeowner, investor or saver, understanding how the OCR works is essential to making smarter financial decisions.

Anne Miel 3/30/25 Anne Miel 3/30/25

Should You Break Your Fixed Mortgage? Here’s How to Calculate If It’s Worth It

Thinking about breaking your fixed mortgage rate to get a better deal? Here's how to calculate the break cost, assess whether it’s worth it, and avoid common pitfalls. With the right strategy, breaking your rate could save you thousands.

Anne Miel 3/30/25 Anne Miel 3/30/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/30/25 Anne Miel 3/30/25

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.