House prices are slowly rising but the national price index is still behind on the same time last year. Across all regions in New Zealand, new property listings are up to levels not seen since 2015. And Government policy changes impacting landlords, including the reinstatement of tax deductibility and changes to tenancy laws, could spur the market. As always, staying informed, adapting strategies, and getting professional mortgage advice are essential for navigating New Zealand’s dynamic property market.

In the busyness of daily life, it's easy to adopt a "set and forget" mentality when it comes to finances. And that includes the mortgage, often fading into the background once it’s in place, ignored for the duration of the loan term. But did you know that regularly reviewing your home loan can unlock a wealth of benefits? From saving money to shortening your loan term to accessing your equity, a mortgage review is an essential part of home ownership.

Maintaining your home may seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Keeping on top of the smaller tasks helps ensure your home is well-prepared to handle the changing weather and prevent expensive repairs in the future. From safeguarding against chilly drafts to preventing potential hazards, prioritising these autumn home maintenance tips will ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and cosy throughout the cooler months.

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.

Kiwis considering buying a home or investing in property in New Zealand will be closely monitoring the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) proposal to introduce debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions. If introduced, DTIs would limit the amount of debt households can take on and cap mortgage lending against a borrower’s income. With the high cost of New Zealand housing, DTIs could effectively slow down the property market and make it harder for average earners to secure a mortgage.

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.

Do you ever feel like you're paying more than you should for everyday expenses? You're not alone. Many Kiwis are unknowingly shelling out extra cash in the form of “lazy tax”, a sneaky surcharge that’s the result of sticking with the same service provider without exploring better deals. But there is help! With proactive effort, it’s possible to break free from the lazy tax trap and keep more money in your pocket. Here are 3 tips that may help.

When it comes to managing your mortgage, there are some home loan features that have a significant impact. From reducing interest charges to accessing extra repayments, offset accounts and redraw facilities are two home loan features that can save you money and provide greater flexibility. Understanding how each of these works – as well as their benefits and drawbacks – can help you make an informed decision about which home loan features are right for you.

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.

Property values may be falling across New Zealand’s main centres*, with demand largely being restrained by the Reserve Bank’s interest rate hikes, but, not surprisingly, first home buyers are feeling positive about more opportunities to get into the property market. For existing homeowners, the outlook for property remains positive too, as factors such as interest rate, a thriving labour market, strong migration, and a downturn in supply continue to drive demand, ensuring property remains a safe bet.