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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Should You Refinance to Another Bank for a Lower Interest Rate?
Tempted to switch banks for a slightly better mortgage rate? Here's how to weigh the potential savings against the hidden costs and effort involved in refinancing.
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.
Can I Buy an Investment Property?
Thinking about buying an investment property? With deposit rules, equity usage, rental yields, and income testing all in play, it can feel more complex than a game of Monopoly. Here’s a breakdown of how to know if you’re in a position to invest—and what you’ll need to get across the line.
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.
Quit Smoking? You Could Be Paying Too Much for Life Insurance
Quit smoking for 12 months? You could qualify for lower life insurance premiums. Here’s how to claim this often-overlooked financial benefit.
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.