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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.
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.
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.
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.
Construction Mortgages – Turn-Key vs Progress Payment Contracts
Choosing between a turn-key or progress payment contract is one of the first major decisions in a construction project. Here's how they work, how banks view them, and what you should watch out for.
How to Improve Your Credit Report in NZ: Small Steps That Make a Big Difference
Your credit report can make or break your mortgage application. Here are five practical steps you can take today to strengthen it—no financial overhaul required.
The Rule of 72: A Simple yet Powerful Financial Tool to Estimate Investment Growth
The Rule of 72 is a quick and simple tool to estimate how long it will take your money to double, based on a fixed return rate. Learn how it works and how to use it for savings, investing, and property.
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.
What Does LVR Mean?
LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio) is one of the most important mortgage terms to understand. It tells you how much of your property is financed through lending—and can affect your approval, interest rate, and more.
The Mindset You Need to Get into Your First Home
Buying your first home can feel out of reach—but it isn’t. With the right mindset, practical tools, and a solid plan, home ownership is possible. Here's how to get ready, inside and out.