Buying a Home
Owning your own home is a huge achievement and a dream for many Kiwis. But with so many choices and steps involved, it can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a first home buyer. That’s where we come in. Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
How We Help:
Understanding Your Budget:
We’ll help you work out how much you can borrow based on your income, expenses, and deposit. We use the latest lending criteria from all the main banks and non-bank lenders, so you get a realistic picture of your options.KiwiSaver, First Home Grant, and First Home Loan:
If you’ve been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years, you may be able to use your savings for your deposit. You might also qualify for the First Home Grant (up to $10,000 for a new build or $5,000 for an existing home) and the First Home Loan, which allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit. We’ll guide you through the eligibility criteria and application process for these schemes.Loan Types and Features:
There are different types of home loans in New Zealand, including fixed, floating, and offset loans. Each has its pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your situation and goals. We’ll explain the differences in plain language and help you choose what’s best for you.Pre-Approval:
Getting pre-approved means you know exactly how much you can spend before you start house hunting. It also shows sellers you’re serious and ready to buy. We’ll help you gather the paperwork and submit your application, so you can shop with confidence.Support at Every Step:
From making an offer to settlement day, we’re here to answer your questions and keep things moving smoothly. We’ll also connect you with trusted professionals like lawyers, valuers, and building inspectors if you need them.
Current Market Insights:
The New Zealand property market can move quickly, and lending rules can change. As of 2024, banks are looking closely at borrowers’ expenses and overall financial health. Having an adviser on your side can make a real difference in getting your application across the line.
Refinancing and Restructuring
Even if you already have a home loan, it’s smart to review it regularly—especially with interest rates and lending rules changing as they have in recent years.
Why Consider Refinancing or Restructuring?
Refinancing:
This means moving your mortgage to a new bank or lender, often to get a better interest rate, lower fees, or more flexible features. Some lenders offer cash incentives to switch, which can help cover legal or break fees.Refixing:
If your fixed rate is about to expire, you’ll need to decide whether to lock in another fixed rate, switch to a floating rate, or split your loan. We’ll help you weigh up the options based on current rates and your future plans.Restructuring:
Life changes, maybe you’ve had a pay rise, started a family, or want to renovate. Restructuring your loan can help you pay it off faster, reduce your repayments, or free up cash for other goals. This might involve changing the loan term, switching between principal & interest or interest-only payments, or using an offset account.
How We Help:
We’ll review your current loan and compare it to what’s available in the market.
We’ll explain the pros and cons of each option, including any fees or costs involved.
We’ll handle the paperwork and negotiations with the bank, making the process as smooth as possible.
Our advice is always tailored to your needs—whether you want to save money, pay off your loan sooner, or just have more certainty about your repayments.
Why Review Your Home Loan?
With interest rates in New Zealand having risen over the past couple of years, many homeowners are facing higher repayments as their fixed terms end. Reviewing your loan now could save you thousands over the life of your mortgage.