When it comes to money, sticking with what you know feels good. Many of us have banked with the same institution since we were teenagers.
It’s familiar, convenient, and feels like the simplest path forward.
So when it’s time to get a mortgage - often the biggest financial commitment you’ll make - heading straight to your bank can
feel like the natural next step.
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A mortgage. A car loan. A credit card balance. Juggling multiple high-interest debts alongside your home loan is stressful and expensive.
Many homeowners don't realise they are sitting on the most powerful tool to fix this: their mortgage.
Consolidating your debt into your home loan isn't just a "life hack" for those in trouble; it's a smart, proactive financial strategy. It’s
about taking a messy pile of bills and reshaping it into one simple, manageable payment at a much lower interest rate.
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With energy bills and transport costs remaining a top concern, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes warmer and cheaper
to run.
The good news is that banks are making this easier and more affordable than ever.
Buying bare land to build on is a fantastic goal, but it's a very different financial journey than buying an existing house.
The deposit rules are stricter, the loan types are different, and the process is far more complex. In this article, I'll walk you through
the essentials so you can start your building journey with confidence.
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When it comes to getting a mortgage - the default option is to walk straight into your main bank. It feels safe, familiar, and easy.
But the most important question is: are you actually getting the best deal, or just the most convenient one?
For the past few years, anyone trying to buy their first home could be forgiven for feeling hopeless. We've seen a frantic seller's market,
sky-high prices, and then a rapid spike in interest rates that crushed affordability.
But the market has shifted.
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After a period of rising costs, seeing interest rates begin to fall is a welcome relief for homeowners across New Zealand. While it’s
tempting to simply enjoy the extra cash in your account, this moment presents a powerful strategic opportunity to either improve your cash
flow or significantly accelerate your journey to being mortgage-free.
But what's the right move for you? It generally comes down to two common scenarios.
It’s the most common question I get from aspiring homeowners: "Do I really need a 20% deposit to buy a property?"
The short answer is no, but it certainly helps. While a 20% deposit is the traditional "gold standard," it's important to
understand why it's so beneficial, and what your options are if you're not quite there yet.
More first home buyers are getting into the market by choosing 'do-up' properties and building value through their own work - often called
'sweat equity'. With first-timers now making up around 26% of all buyers, it's clear this hands-on approach is working.
Buying a home that needs work isn't just a cheaper option; it's a smart financial strategy. However, before you start planning any
renovations, it's vital to understand the costs, the risks, and the overall game plan.
Buying your first home in today's market comes with a unique set of challenges and, understandably, a lot of questions. As Mortgage Adviser’s, we see the same concerns come up time and again.
Figuring out which home loan product to choose can be confusing, especially with so many options available.
Deciding between a Revolving Credit or an Offset Facility is an important decision that can significantly influence your financial strategy.
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Being self-employed often comes with the freedom to build your business on your terms - but when it comes to getting a mortgage, it can
sometimes feel like you’re speaking a different language to lenders.
The good news? More and more banks and lenders are starting to understand how self-employed income works. And with the right advice and
preparation, you can absolutely make your homeownership goals a reality.