Unlocking Home Ownership Goals: 3 Essential Budgeting Tips for Kiwis

Feb 26, 2024 5:00:00 AM

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.


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Topics: Home Ownership, First Home Buyer, Mortgage Advice

Expert Tips and Real-Life Stories from MX Branded Advisers

Dec 7, 2023 11:00:00 AM

First home buyers navigating New Zealand’s fast-paced property market often face a myriad of questions and challenges that go along with this significant milestone. Drawing on insight and inspiration from experienced mortgage advisers can help empower first home buyers to make informed decisions about their own home ownership goals. Read on as we share essential tips and inspiring success stories from Mortgage Express branded mortgage advisers.


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Topics: Mortgage Advisers, First Home Buyer, Buying a home in NZ

Demystifying Loan-to-Value Ratios (LVR) in New Zealand

Dec 6, 2023 10:55:52 AM

Since October 2013, when the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) first introduced loan-to-value ratio restrictions (LVR), home buyers in New Zealand have been grappling with deposit requirements. LVRs play a vital role in home loan assessment and can determine how much home buyers may be able to borrow from a lender. In this comprehensive guide, find out what LVRs are and what exemptions may apply, how LVRs impact home buyers, and how to get around LVRs.


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Topics: Property Investment, First Home Buyer, loan to value ratio, Low Deposit

8 Home Buying Myths Busted

Nov 24, 2023 1:52:00 PM

First home buyers navigating the dynamic New Zealand property market often face a plethora of myths and misconception. In a property market where factors such as location, demand and economic conditions play a crucial role, it’s essential to debunk these myths and help home buyers make informed decisions about home ownership. Read on as we set the record straight, by busting these 8 common myths surrounding home buying in New Zealand.


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Topics: Home Loan, First Home Buyer, Buying and selling, Deposit Options

Looking to Move Home? Why Now Might Be the Right Time

Aug 10, 2023 12:50:00 PM

If you’re considering moving home, either to upsize or downsize, or you’re considering buying a second home, the current New Zealand housing market may present some opportunities. With house prices stabilising, changes to LVR (Loan to Value Ratio) for investors, steady unemployment rates, and an absence of foreign buyers in the market, now may be the right time for you to move home. Find out more and get our tips on preparing to sell your existing home to buy a new one.


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Topics: Home Ownership, First Home Buyer, Buying and selling

Building a Strong Financial Foundation Together

Jul 18, 2023 6:30:00 AM

Money issues are a common source of tension and stress amongst couples. Shared expenses, different income levels, diverse spending habits, and conflicting ideas about bill payments and savings can present a number of challenges. With open communication and careful planning, it is possible to build a strong financial foundation to support both your financial goals. Read on to find our tips for managing money as a couple.


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Topics: Financial Health, First Home Buyer, saving tips, Budgeting

Overcoming the Challenges of Finding Your Dream Home

Jul 17, 2023 10:48:27 AM

Finding the perfect home in New Zealand can be an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. In the current property market, home buyers face obstacles such as limited housing supply and soaring house prices and run a real risk of losing momentum or giving up. Whether you’re looking to buy a first home or a new home, here are some of the most common challenges home buyers in New Zealand face along with valuable tips to help you overcome them.


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Topics: First Home Buyer, Mortgage Advice, Buying and selling, Deposit Options

Co-ownership: Buying a First Home with Family or Friends

Jul 17, 2023 10:27:47 AM

In New Zealand's competitive housing market, pooling resources with family or friends could make home ownership a reality for some first home buyers. To ensure a smooth and successful home buying journey though, it's important to make well-informed decisions and establish clear guidelines. Get valuable tips for co-ownership in New Zealand: from choosing the right person to buy with, drafting a property sharing agreement, to deciding how the loan will be repaid and determining an exit strategy.


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Topics: First Home Buyer, Financial Advice, Buying and selling, Co-Ownership

First Home Buyers Are Heading Back to the Housing Market

Jun 24, 2023 2:46:03 PM

Early signs of first home buyers heading back to the housing market are evident in recent figures* from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which show a 6.6 per cent increase in the number of mortgages approved for first home buyers in April 2023. This is the second month in a row that first home buyer approvals have risen, with further increases likely following the RBNZ’s easing of LVRs and the continued lower-priced market. We’ve got some tips to help first home buyers prepare to buy property in 2023.


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Topics: First Home Buyer, Low Deposit, Buying and selling

Fresh Opportunities for First Home Buyers

Jun 23, 2023 2:45:15 PM

For aspiring homeowners, the path to home ownership is often a challenging one. Soaring property prices and stringent lending criteria have placed home ownership in New Zealand out of the reach of many. But the lending landscape in New Zealand is undergoing significant change, bringing fresh possibilities and new opportunities for those looking to take their first steps onto the property ladder. Here’s an outline of what the changes to LVR and CCCFA could mean for first home buyers and existing borrowers.


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Topics: First Home Buyer, Financial Advice, Buying and selling