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

The Top Fears Landlords Have About Tenants – And How to Manage Them

Every landlord has tenant-related fears, from unpaid rent to property damage. But with the right strategies and mindset, these challenges can be reduced or even avoided altogether. Here's how to turn landlord anxiety into confidence.

Anne Miel 3/24/25 Anne Miel 3/24/25

Getting a Divorce and a Mortgage – What You Need to Know

Dividing the spoons is one thing, but sorting your mortgage post-divorce is quite another. Whether you're buying out your ex, purchasing a new home, or simply trying to understand how separation impacts your ability to borrow, here’s what you need to know.

Anne Miel 3/24/25 Anne Miel 3/24/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/24/25 Anne Miel 3/24/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/23/25 Anne Miel 3/23/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/21/25 Anne Miel 3/21/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/21/25 Anne Miel 3/21/25

What is a Reverse Mortgage?

Reverse mortgages let retirees unlock equity in their homes without selling or making repayments. Learn how they work, how much you can borrow, and whether they’re the right solution for your retirement.

Anne Miel 3/20/25 Anne Miel 3/20/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/20/25 Anne Miel 3/20/25

Fixed Price vs Cost Reimbursement: How to Navigate Cost Fluctuations in Build Contracts

Fixed-price building contracts have long been a go-to option for homeowners wanting price certainty—but in today’s construction climate, “fixed” doesn’t always mean what it used to. With inflation, supply chain issues and labour shortages still affecting the market, homeowners need to understand the mechanics (and risks) of cost fluctuation clauses and their alternatives.

Anne Miel 3/20/25 Anne Miel 3/20/25

Revolving Credit vs Floating Mortgage Account: What’s the difference?

Fixed-term mortgages may be the norm, but savvy borrowers often turn to floating and revolving credit accounts for flexibility and interest savings. So, what’s the difference—and when should you use each?

Rupert Gough 3/19/25 Rupert Gough 3/19/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/19/25 Anne Miel 3/19/25

Calculating The Interest On Your Progress-Payment Construction

Building with a progress-payment contract? Unlike turn-key builds, you’ll pay interest as the project progresses. This article breaks down how to estimate total interest costs, account for construction delays, and determine whether you can borrow to cover these expenses.

Anne Miel 3/19/25 Anne Miel 3/19/25

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.

Anne Miel 3/17/25 Anne Miel 3/17/25

Buying a House with Bitcoin – Can It Be Done in NZ?

With cryptocurrency rising in popularity, it’s natural to wonder: can you buy property in New Zealand using Bitcoin? While the idea is tempting, the reality is more complicated than it may seem.

Rupert Gough 3/12/25 Rupert Gough 3/12/25

Small Steps: Review Your Insurance

Insurance is one of those “set and forget” expenses—until life changes and you realise your cover no longer fits. This month’s Small Steps blog is about reviewing your insurance policies to make sure they still suit your lifestyle and needs.

Rupert Gough 3/11/25 Rupert Gough 3/11/25

What Is an Easement? Understanding Property Rights in New Zealand

Easements are a common and often misunderstood part of property ownership in New Zealand. Whether you're buying a brand-new townhouse or an existing home, understanding easements—what they are, how they work, and when to worry about them—can help you avoid costly surprises.