Mortgage Traps: What to look out for

Sep 21, 2017 10:19:22 AM

Finding the right home loan isn’t as easy as it sounds. With so many mortgages on offer – each with its own conditions, terms, features and rates – it can start to feel like you’re navigating a mine field. To help you avoid a potentially costly mistake, here are some of the mortgage traps you need to look out for when choosing the right home loan.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home, house sales, mortgage ready, property sales, mortgage traps

Rentvesting: a property investment strategy

Sep 19, 2017 7:15:15 AM

It’s the latest buzzword in the property industry: Rentvesting. Renting where you want to live, buying where you can afford to. And it’s proving a popular option, particularly amongst younger first home buyers who are keen to invest in their future without foregoing their lifestyle. So, what are the benefits of rentvesting and is it for everyone? Read on to find out.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home, family trust, house sales, mortgage ready, property sales, rentvesting

How to get “Mortgage Ready”

Sep 11, 2017 11:07:55 AM

Buying a home today seems to be an insurmountable challenge. We’re constantly told that banks have cut lending, credit rules have tightened, and property prices have spiralled out of control. While these factors are indisputably true, there is still hope. If you’re a first home buyer looking to get into the property market, there are a few important steps you need to take in order to get mortgage ready.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home, family trust, house sales, mortgage ready, property sales

Property sales in a slowing New Zealand market

Sep 11, 2017 11:02:33 AM

Across New Zealand house price inflation appears to have slowed, as tighter lending conditions, loan-to-value restrictions, and the run up to elections continue to deter buyers. But economists predict a rebound post-election, and home owners are being told not to panic. If you are considering selling your property over the next few months, take a look at some of our helpful tips.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home, family trust, house sales, property sales

Buying property with a Family Trust

Aug 22, 2017 11:50:22 AM

Many people in both Australia and New Zealand choose to set up a Family Trust when buying property. Family Trusts can help protect your assets against creditors and manage unwanted claims on your estate, and currently provide a tax benefit for property buyers in Australia. Let’s take a look at what a Family Trust is and how setting one up could benefit you and your family.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home, family trust

Safeguard your home with mortgage protection insurance

Aug 18, 2017 9:07:30 AM

Buying a home is probably the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make, so it makes sense to protect your financial security and ensure you’re always able to meet your home loan repayments. Read on to find out if mortgage protection insurance is the right option for you.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home

Buying off the plan: what you need to know

Aug 11, 2017 3:18:00 PM

For many first home buyers, and even those looking to buy an investment property, buying off the plan can be an attractive proposition; it lets you buy a property at a set price before it’s even been built. While there are a number of benefits to this type of purchase, it’s not without its challenges. Take a look at some of the things you need to know before you buy off the plan.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home

Housing affordability worsens across New Zealand

Aug 9, 2017 3:17:41 PM

In June 2017, Massey University released its Home Affordability Report, which shows that most regions across New Zealand have become less affordable over the past 12 months. We take a closer look at what is arguably the country’s single most important policy issue: restoring housing affordability.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home

How to keep moving up the property ladder

Jul 21, 2017 7:00:00 AM

There’s a lot of focus on first home buyers, with Government incentives designed to help save a deposit and get a foot onto the property ladder. Second-steppers – those who already own a home and are looking to upsize or upgrade – are sometimes overlooked. If you’re one of the second-steppers trying to move up the property ladder, here are a few ways to do that.


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Topics: Buying, Mortgage, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, Second Home

House hunting tips

Jul 19, 2017 10:00:00 AM

It’s easy to get carried away in the hunt for the perfect home and end up overlooking important details – like how much it costs – while being blindsided by the amazing features – the size of that kitchen! And if you’re visiting several open homes each weekend, it can be challenging staying focused. To help you get organised in the hunt for your dream home, here are three house hunting tips.


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Topics: Properties for sale, private sale, new zealand real estate, First Home Buyer, saving tips