Resources

Mortgage know-how, minus the jargon

Short, practical guides to help you make confident decisions — written for New Zealand conditions.

Self-employed · 8 min read

Self-employed mortgages: how to package income so lenders say yes

Banks assess contractors, company directors and sole traders differently. Here's the document checklist and what usually blocks approval.

Read guide

First-home buyers · 7 min read

Helping the kids buy: gifts, loans and guarantor options explained

Family help is common in New Zealand — but gift, loan and guarantee are very different risks. Here's how to think about each before anyone signs.

Read guide

New builds · 7 min read

New-build and off-plan lending: progressive payments without the stress

Buying from plans or building with a progressive loan is different from purchasing an existing home. Here's what to line up before you sign the build contract.

Read guide

First-home buyers · 5 min read

The Kāinga Ora First Home Loan: buy with a 5% deposit

Saving a 20% deposit is the biggest hurdle for most first-home buyers. Here's how a government-backed First Home Loan can get you in with just 5%.

Read guide

Rates & strategy · 6 min read

Fix or float? How to think about your rate in 2026

There's no universally 'right' answer — only the right answer for your situation. Here's a simple framework for deciding.

Read guide

First-home buyers · 4 min read

Using your KiwiSaver for your first home

If you've been in KiwiSaver for three years or more, you could withdraw most of your balance towards your first home. Here's how it works.

Read guide

Refinancing · 5 min read

Refinancing: is it actually worth switching banks?

Cashbacks look tempting, but the best deal isn't always the biggest headline number. Here's what to weigh up.

Read guide

Getting approved · 6 min read

How much can I borrow? What lenders actually look at

Your borrowing power is about far more than your salary. Here's what moves the needle.

Read guide

Investors · 7 min read

Investing in property: how to structure your lending

The right structure can protect you, free up equity, and keep your options open for the next purchase.

Read guide