When people talk about mortgage insurance, they are often referring to different products that do very different jobs. That is where confusion starts. Some policies protect you and your household if income stops or if someone dies. Others protect the lender, not the borrower. In New Zealand, that distinction matters.
If you own your home outright but find that NZ Super doesn’t stretch far enough, you’re not alone. Around two thirds of New Zealanders aged over 65 own their home, yet many have little to no savings beyond superannuation. The result is a common retirement challenge: plenty of wealth tied
Retirement often brings a challenge that catches people off guard. You may own your home outright, but find that NZ Superannuation alone doesn’t cover the lifestyle you expected. A reverse mortgage is one way to bridge that gap, allowing you to access the value tied up in your property without
If you run your own business, work as a contractor, or freelance for a living, you’ve probably heard that getting a mortgage is harder when you’re self-employed. There’s some truth in that. Banks do ask for more paperwork, and the way they calculate your income can come as a real
If you’re buying your first home, refixing your mortgage, or thinking about refinancing, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a fixed or floating interest rate. It’s a question we get asked almost every day. And the honest answer is that there’s no single right choice.
Last updated: January 2026 | Reviewed by Matt Willoughby, Registered Financial Adviser (FSP702911) If you’re looking to buy a home in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard about debt to income ratios. Since 1 July 2024, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has enforced DTI restrictions that limit how much
What is a Non-Bank Lender? Your Complete Guide to Alternative Lending in New Zealand When seeking finance in NZ, whether for property, business working capital, or addressing unexpected cash flow challenges, most people immediately think of traditional banks. However, there’s an entire ecosystem of non-bank lenders that plays a vital
Kiwis are resourceful, but when a traditional bank turns down a loan or imposes rigid criteria, even the most diligent borrower can feel stuck. Non-bank lenders promise faster approvals, flexible credit assessment requirements, and loan options that suit first-home buyers, small business owners, and individuals with less-than-perfect credit histories. Yet
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Matt Willoughby is a registered financial adviser (FSP702911). Please seek professional advice before making decisions about reverse mortgages or equity release products.
Can a Mortgage Broker Help with Bad Credit Home Loans? Yes! As a seasoned mortgage broker in New Zealand, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for Kiwis with less-than-perfect credit to secure a home loan. But here’s the good news: it’s not impossible! Whether you’re a first-time buyer
