How can we help?

A mortgage adviser helps you find the right home loan for your situation. We research options from multiple lenders, handle the application process, and provide guidance throughout your mortgage journey. Our service is free to you as we are paid by the lenders.

Yes, our service is completely free for you. We are paid a commission by the lender when your loan settles. This means our advice costs you nothing, yet we have access to the same rates as going directly to the bank.

Generally, you need a 20% deposit for owner-occupied properties and 35-40% for investment properties. However, there are options for lower deposits including the First Home Loan (as low as 5% with Kainga Ora), family guarantees, and some banks offering 10-15% deposit options for owner-occupiers.

Pre-approval is a conditional commitment from a bank stating how much they are willing to lend you. While not mandatory, we strongly recommend getting pre-approval before house hunting. It gives you confidence about your budget and shows vendors you are a serious buyer.

Yes, if you have been a KiwiSaver member for at least 3 years, you can withdraw your entire balance (minus $1,000) to put towards buying your first home or a similar purchase.

Your deposit can come from multiple sources: personal savings, KiwiSaver withdrawal, family gifts (Bank of Mum and Dad), equity from another property, or a combination of these. Each source has different requirements and implications for your application.

Genuine savings are funds you have saved yourself over time, typically at least 3 months. This includes regular deposits to a savings account, KiwiSaver contributions, and money set aside from income. Large one-off deposits or borrowed funds generally do not count.

LVR stands for Loan-to-Value Ratio. It is the percentage of the property value that you are borrowing. For example, if you are buying a $600,000 home with a $480,000 loan, your LVR is 80%. Banks have restrictions on high-LVR lending, which is why deposit size matters.

DTI stands for Debt-to-Income ratio. It measures your total debt against your gross income. The Reserve Bank limits owner-occupiers to 6x income and investors to 7x income. High existing debts (including credit card limits) can reduce how much you can borrow.

This depends on your circumstances and outlook on interest rates. Fixed rates provide certainty and are often lower than floating rates. However, floating rates offer flexibility to make unlimited extra payments. Many people choose to split their loan between fixed and floating.

From initial application to formal approval typically takes 5-10 working days, though this can vary depending on your situation and the lender. Complex applications may take longer. We recommend starting the process early, especially in a competitive market.

The Official Cash Rate (OCR) is set by the Reserve Bank and influences what banks pay for money. When the OCR rises, mortgage rates typically follow. The Reserve Bank reviews the OCR 7 times per year, and changes usually flow through to retail rates within days.

When your fixed rate term ends, you have the option to refix for a new term, go floating, or refinance to another bank. We contact all our clients before their fixed rate expires to discuss options and help them make the best decision.

There can be some costs involved in refinancing, including legal fees and potentially a break fee if you are in a fixed term. However, many banks offer cash contributions or cashback that can offset these costs. We can help you calculate whether refinancing makes financial sense.

Yes, if you have built up equity in your home (the property is worth more than you owe), you may be able to use this as a deposit for an investment property. We can calculate your usable equity and advise on structuring.

Most banks require a 35-40% deposit for investment properties. However, if you are buying a new build, some banks will accept a 20% deposit. Using equity from an existing property can help you reach the required deposit.