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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How Soon Can You Reapply for a Mortgage After Being Declined?
Getting declined for a mortgage can feel disheartening, but it's far from the end of the road. Whether it was due to income, deposit, or credit history, there are plenty of strategies to turn things around—and possibly reapply much sooner than you think.
Can I Buy a Home With Friends?
Buying a home with friends can help you onto the property ladder sooner—but it’s not without its challenges. From legal ownership structures to long-term financial planning, this guide unpacks the pros, cons, and practical steps involved in co-owning a property with mates in New Zealand.
Interest-Only Mortgages: When They Work—and When They Don’t
Interest-only mortgages can be a powerful financial tool—when used strategically. This guide breaks down who they’re right for, when banks will say yes, and why they’re not a long-term solution.
Can Flatmate Income Help You Get a Mortgage in NZ?
Having flatmates can be a smart way to reduce your mortgage faster—but when it comes to applying for the loan, banks have strict limits on how much flatmate income they’ll count. In this article, we explore how lenders view flatmates, how much income they’ll accept, and how to make that extra cash work for you once you’re in your new home.
What Happens When You Buy a House in New Zealand?
Buying your first home can feel like stepping into the unknown. From pre-approval to popping the champagne on settlement day, here’s a full breakdown of what actually happens when you buy a house—minus the jargon and surprises.