Home Loans - June 21st Squirrel: What Do the new DTI Limits Mean for Borrowers? Almost nine years after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) first tossed around the idea of implementing DTI (or debt-to income) lending restrictions in New Zealand, DTIs are finally happening. The new DTI rules will …
Home Loans - June 5th Low Deposit Home Loan: What are Low Equity Premiums? Recent rule changes around mortgage lending to borrowers with small deposits means it's easier to secure a low deposit loan. However, if you've only got a small deposit, it's likely you'll have to pay more …
First Home Buyers - June 4th What is a Loan-to-value Ratio (LVR)? Loan-t0-value ratios (LVRs) were first introduced in 2013 in an attempt to cool the overheated property market. Over the years, they've been amended a few times. They were removed entirely in response to the economic impact …
First Home Buyers - June 4th What Are Debt-to-income (DTI) Ratios? In an attempt to further strengthen financial stability in New Zealand, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has introduced new debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions on banks' mortgage lending. But what are DTI ratios and how will …
First Home Buyers - May 24th How to Buy a House with a Small Deposit It’s been a tough few years for first home buyers (FHBs). First, house prices soared, due to pandemic-induced low interest rates. Then, as a consequence of rising inflation, mortgage rates more than doubled. In August 2021, …
First Home Buyers - May 23rd What was the Kāinga Ora First Home Grant? As of May 22, 2024, Kāinga Ora stopped accepting applications for its First Home Grant. However, while the cash grant is no longer available, Kāinga Ora is still running its First Home Loan scheme, which …
First Home Buyers - May 23rd What is the First Home Loan? It's always been tough to save a deposit to buy a first home. However, there is some assistance available for first home buyers. And one option is the First Home Loan from Kāinga Ora. So …
First Home Buyers - May 23rd What is a Mortgagee Sale? What is a mortgagee sale? People often use the terms "home loans" and "mortgages" interchangeably, but there's a subtle difference. A mortgage is essentially a guarantee on a property. When a bank lends money, it requires …
First Home Buyers - May 23rd Help for First Home Buyers: What’s on Offer? First home buyers (FHBs) have got it tough. House prices remain sky-high, but all is not lost. There is some assistance available to FHBs. Canstar explores the First Home Loan and incentives on offer in NZ. Help …
Home & Contents Insurance - May 6th Best Home Insurance for Units & Apartments: What to Consider House hunting is so emotionally fraught and expensive, arranging home insurance can become a secondary consideration. However, without insurance, no lender is going to agree to a mortgage. And if you’re looking for a unit …
