Getting onto the property ladder with a low deposit can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. For first home buyers in New Zealand, it’s helpful to know there are options available for low deposit home loans. If you’re considering buying now with a smaller deposit rather than waiting until you’ve saved up enough and potentially facing higher property prices, here are 3 options to consider to get you into the property market sooner.

If you own or are considering investing in residential property in New Zealand, you may be wondering how recent changes to the Government's bright-line test, effective 1 July 2024, could impact you. The bright-line test determines whether tax is payable on any profit made from the sale of a residential property within a specified period. Recent changes could impact your investment strategies, particularly regarding the sale and purchase of investment properties. Read on to find out more.

For New Zealanders living overseas, the dream of returning home often includes buying a property, whether it’s a family home or an investment. However, navigating the mortgage process as an expat can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the specific lending requirements for buying property in New Zealand. Read on to get an overview of what expat Kiwis need to know, from income verification and deposit requirements to currency risks and eligibility criteria.

Are you dreaming of a mortgage-free future, but not sure where to start or what you should do to get there? Being mortgage-free may seem like a distant dream, but paying off your mortgage early is not only achievable, it’s also a smart financial move that could save you thousands of dollars in interest. Read on as we explore five practical strategies to help you accelerate your mortgage repayment journey and achieve your mortgage-free dreams.

Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty have left many homeowners feeling the pinch, with some struggling to keep up with their mortgage repayments. While mortgage stress levels remain relatively low, according to Reserve Bank data, the number of overdue mortgages is on the rise. If you’re concerned about servicing your mortgage, it’s important to know that you have options. Here are three strategies that could help ease mortgage pressure.

From July 1, 2024, Debt-to-Income (DTI) restrictions will come into effect, setting limits on the amount of high-DTI lending banks can do. At the same time, Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions will loosen slightly, allowing banks to do more low-deposit lending. Find out what these changes mean for you as we make sense of Debt-to-Income (DTI) restrictions and Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR).

Insurance is designed to provide peace of mind, ensuring you’re protected when things go wrong. But even with comprehensive and up-to-date insurance cover, there are some things you could inadvertently be doing that break the terms of your insurance policy. From leaving a key under the doormat to not taking reasonable care, here are five common mistakes that could invalidate your insurance, leave you without cover, and potentially out of pocket.

Inflation is tracking downwards and is expected to return to the RBNZ’s target range of between 1 and 3 per cent in the second half of the year. The Official Cash Rate (OCR) remains unchanged at 5.50 per cent however, and for homeowners who recently moved off much lower fixed rate terms, higher mortgage repayments and the ongoing high cost of living are straining already tight budgets. Despite these challenges however, paying down the mortgage should be a priority. Here are some helpful tips for doing just that.

Earlier this year, the National government announced a significant policy change that would reverse the previous government’s interest deductibility rules by April 2025. This change is likely to have a substantial impact on property investors in New Zealand, providing a more favourable tax environment and potentially making property investment more attractive. Here’s a closer look at the updated rules, how they work, and what you need to know to make the most of these changes.

Buying a home in New Zealand takes careful financial planning, especially when it comes to budgeting. A clear understanding of financial situation is crucial for first home buyers who face challenges such as high prices, tough competition, and strict lending rules. Whether you’re already preparing to enter the property market or just starting your journey to home ownership, here are 3 essential budgeting tips to help transform your financial goals into reality.