There are many reasons why home buyers choose to build new instead of buying an existing property. For some, being able to tailor-make a home that exactly fits requirements, built to specific design and layout preferences is important. While for others, a low maintenance home with the latest innovations in home ventilation, heating and eco-friendly features is a must. Whatever your reasons for building new, it’s important you’re clear on how construction finance will impact your lending ability.

In an effort to put the brakes on a runaway property market, from 1 May 2021, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has implemented Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions that impact the way property investors access mortgage finance. Going forward, a maximum of just 5 per cent of banks’ lending can be done at above 60 per cent LVR. For property investors, that means having at least a 30 – 40 per cent deposit. Here are 3 tips that could help property investors navigate high LVRs.

If you’re looking to invest your money right now, you can’t beat the returns on property. With the OCR expected to remain at 0.25 per cent, at least for the foreseeable future, historically low interest rates, and no restrictions on the amount of money banks can lend to high-LVR borrowers, many economists believe real estate is the *best investment option in the current climate. Follow these handy tips to secure your financial future by investing in property.

Renovating a rental property can be a costly exercise but making improvements to the property can yield a healthy return. To ensure you’re maximizing your investment, it’s important not to overcapitalize, to stick to your budget, and to use durable products and materials. If you are considering renovating your rental property, ask yourself these 3 questions first.

Renovating a rental property can be a costly exercise but making improvements to the property can yield a healthy return. To ensure you’re maximizing your investment, it’s important not to overcapitalize, to stick to your budget, and to use durable products and materials. If you are considering renovating your rental property, ask yourself these 3 questions first.

It’s no surprise that more and more astute investors are turning to property as a way to grow capital. Like all investments though, buying an investment property takes careful research so you know what you’re getting into and what the pitfalls are to avoid. To help you stay on top of the property investment game, here are 3 common mistakes to avoid.

Owning an investment property has long been a part of the Kiwi dream. For many first-home buyers, buying a smaller rental property in a cheaper area can be just what they need to get a foot onto the property ladder. For savvy investors, it’s an opportunity to generate wealth. But before you jump in head first into property investment, take a look at these 3 simple steps to get you started.

New Zealand's property market appears to be in a holding pattern as investors and home-buyers wait to see what will happen next following changes to the LVR. The property market is changing compared to how it was a year ago. And Property Institute of New Zealand chief executive Ashley Church says Reserve Bank LVR restrictions are a devastating failure for first home buyers. All this in our October property article.

If you’re looking to secure your financial future, you can’t go wrong with a residential property investment. When you buy an investment property you're buying a physical asset, and for many people that means having a lot more control over where their money goes. To help you decide whether property investment is for you, here are some of the things you need to think about.