Some homeowners don’t give much thought to their mortgage once it’s been approved. Aside from making regular repayments and checking the bank statement every month, they simply adopt a “set and forget” attitude when it comes to their home loan. However, a regular review of the home loan and financial situation could uncover opportunities to pay back the mortgage much sooner. And knowing when to refinance or refix is an important part of that process.

With New Zealand’s borders open once again to Kiwis from all over the world without the need for MIQ, it’s likely many will be returning to our shores to buy a home or investment property. Over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on New Zealand’s property market, with rising house prices, stricter lending requirements, and LVR’s (loan to value restrictions) just a few of the challenges facing returning Kiwis. Here are two things to think about when applying for a mortgage as a returning Kiwi.

Many first home buyers are left feeling mystified and confused by the amount of home loan jargon they’re expected to understand when buying a first home. The sheer amount of information can feel overwhelming, and many are left wondering what it all means. To help simplify things for first home buyers, we’ve unpacked some of the more common – and often most confusing – home loan terms and provided a basic explanation of each.

When it comes to credit scores, the general rule is the better your credit score, the better your chances of success with credit applications. That’s why it’s so important to regularly track your credit score and fix anything that could negatively impact it – such as late payments, defaults, or errors on your credit report. And if you do find yourself with a poor credit score, there are ways to fix it. Here are five simple steps to follow.

Following an announcement by Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark earlier in March 2022, lending restrictions, which were introduced in December 2021 under the CCCFA, will be changing. In response to feedback from the sector, consumers and mortgage advisers, a number of changes will be introduced to ease the controversial lending rules that have impacted creditworthy borrowers and first home buyers in particular. The announcement has received support from lenders and advisers.

Saving a deposit is just one of the many hoops that first home buyers need to jump through when buying a first home. With recent changes to lending regulations, requiring borrowers provide more detail and evidence around income and expenses when applying for a home loan, it’s more important than ever to ensure your personal finances are in good order. So to help you get started, here are our tips for preparing your finances to buy a first home.

Investing in property is a smart financial decision that can help you grow wealth and generate a passive income. But just like all investments, property investment can be risky too, which is why it’s so important to do detailed research before diving in. Whether you're just starting out investing in property or adding to an already significant property portfolio, here are some things to look for when buying an investment property.

Whether you’re married, in a civil union partnership, or a de facto relationship, when your relationship ends by divorce, separation, or death you are affected by the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (the PRA). This act aims to provide a just division of the relationship property, including the family home and other jointly-owned property. Find out how the property of married couples, civil union couples and couples who have lived in a de-facto relationship is divided up in the case of divorce, separation or death.

Recent changes to lending laws and tighter loan-to-value restrictions (LVR) have required banks to take a more conservative approach to approving finance. These changes are impacting borrowers who no longer meet banks’ lending criteria, with many now turning to non-bank lenders as a financing option. Unlike traditional banks, non-bank lenders are not subject to LVR and tend to offer greater flexibility around low deposit lending. For borrowers struggling to get bank finance approval, non-bank lending could provide a solution.

The start of a new year is a good opportunity to look at our finances with fresh eyes, and set goals for improving our financial wellbeing during the year ahead. Being financially fit means taking control of monthly financial obligations and day to day spending. Ensuring we have enough saved up to cover any unexpected financial emergencies. And making financial plans that enable us to do the things we enjoy. Here are 5 tips to help you get financially fit in 2022.