For most home loans in NZ, banks require a 20% deposit. However, first home buyers can access a low deposit home loan from just 5% via the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan or KiwiSaver first home withdrawal. Investment property home loans require 30–40% deposit due to stricter LVR rules NZ. Ask a trusted mortgage broker NZ for current eligibility in your region.

To get your home loan NZ approved,

• ID (passport or driver’s license)
• Proof of income (recent payslips, employment contract)
• Up-to-date bank statements
• Proof of deposit (savings record and, if using, KiwiSaver statement)
• IRD summary
• Self-employed borrowers need two years of business financials.

A local mortgage broker Rotorua / Tauranga can help streamline the process.

The DTI (Debt-to-Income) ratio limits most borrowing to six times your gross household income (seven times for investors). These latest DTI rules NZ are crucial for first home buyers and property investors alike and guide how much you can borrow.

As of 2025, LVR rules NZ require first home buyers and owner-occupiers to have a 20% deposit, with Kāinga Ora First Home Loan enabling 5–10% in some cases. Investment home loans typically need 30–40% deposit.

For most lenders, a credit score of 600 or higher is preferred for home loan approval NZ. Specialist lenders offer mortgages to buyers with lower scores, but often with higher mortgage rates or fees.

Yes, first home buyers NZ can use their KiwiSaver for a home deposit – if contributing at least three years and keeping $1,000 minimum. “KiwiSaver first home withdrawal” is commonly used to boost the deposit for many.

Getting pre-approval gives you a conditional green light from the bank based on your credit, income, deposit, and debts – showing sellers you’re a serious buyer. Mortgage brokers NZ recommend pre-approval for all first home buyers.

The “how much can I borrow” question depends on your income, debts, deposit, DTI cap, and bank policy. Most home buyers can borrow around 6x their annual income, but a mortgage broker NZ can help you maximize your lending limit with the best mortgage lender for your situation. Fill this FORM for our assessment.

A fixed rate mortgage NZ means steady payments and security for a set term. A floating mortgage can change as interest rates NZ move. Many Kiwi homeowners use a split loan with both types. Use our LOAN CALCULATOR or talk to a home loan advisor Rotorua for custom structuring.

Mortgage pre-approval via a mortgage broker Rotorua or bank usually takes 5–10 business days if documents are in order; unconditional approval may take a week or more, especially for low deposit home loan or first home grant NZ applicants.

Most mortgage broker NZ services are free to you—brokers are paid by banks. Some specialist or complex deals may have a direct fee; always check up front.

Besides your deposit, budget for legal fees, a registered property valuation, LIM/building reports, rates, new home insurance, and the First Home Loan insurance premium (only with 5% deposit, currently 1.2% of the loan amount). Ask your mortgage broker for an exact breakdown.

Yes—using a gift letter for your deposit, or by acting as a guarantor for your mortgage home loan NZ. Lenders have specific rules, so get broker guidance.

Options include the First Home Grant up to $10,000 (not available anymore), Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, and KiwiSaver withdrawal. These boost your deposit and help secure a low deposit home loan NZ.

Yes. Self-employed home buyers NZ should provide two years’ business financials, tax summaries, and IRD statements. Some lenders offer low deposit home loan options for contractors.

Some lenders and mortgage brokers NZ help clients with bad credit—typically at higher mortgage rates. Paying down debt and saving a larger deposit helps.

Conditional approval (pre-approval) means your bank supports your home loan pending factors like a satisfactory valuation, building report, or deposit confirmation.

Yes, property investors in NZ commonly use equity in existing homes as a deposit for new investment property loans NZ, subject to current LVR rules and DTI requirements.

Bridging finance NZ covers you when buying a new home before your old one sells. It’s a short-term home loan with stricter lending and higher interest rates.

Increase your chances by paying off existing debts, saving a larger deposit, maintaining steady employment, and getting advice from a top mortgage broker NZ.

Mortgage insurance NZ (e.g., Lenders Mortgage Insurance) may be required if your deposit is under 20%. First Home Loan borrowers pay a 1.2% premium in 2025.

New builds can qualify for lower deposit (10%) and may not be subject to full LVR caps. Some also get preferential mortgage rates NZ 2025—ask your home loan advisor for details.

You usually need NZ citizenship, residence, or a long-term work/partner visa for standard home loans NZ. Non-bank lenders may have solutions for recent arrivals.

Your fixed mortgage rate NZ stays unchanged until your term ends. At expiry, you can fix again, float, or refinance with another mortgage broker NZ for a better rate.

Most NZ lenders let you make extra repayments on floating rates with no penalty; breaking a fixed term may incur a fee.

Banks look for total home loan repayments to be under 30–35% of gross income. DTI rules NZ and affordability calculators help set realistic lending limits.

A LIM (Land Information Memorandum) details local council consent and property issues—most mortgage lenders NZ require this before settlement.

Yes, joint home loans NZ are common. All co-buyers’ incomes, credit, and debts are assessed.

Refinance mortgage NZ if your rate is above the market, your financial situation changes, or you want new features (e.g., offset, revolving credit).