Everything people ask me most often, from first home deposits and KiwiSaver through to refixing an existing loan. If your question is not here, ask it. There is no such thing as a silly mortgage question and I would rather you asked early than guessed.
Tap any question to open the answer.
I help you understand your borrowing position and explore suitable mortgage options. I can prepare your application, communicate with the lender, explain the proposed loan structure and guide you through the process.
Ideally, before you start seriously looking at properties. However, you are welcome to contact me at any stage, even if buying a home is only an idea at the moment.
No. We will start with a conversation. Once I understand your situation, I will give you a clear list of what is needed.
It depends on your income, deposit, expenses, debts, credit history and the lender criteria. I can provide an initial assessment, but the lender makes the final decision. We will also talk about what could feel comfortable rather than focusing only on the maximum available.
Yes, in lots of cases a 5% deposit may be enough. I specialise in low deposit lending and can explore First Home Loans, suitable lender options and shared ownership. Eligibility and lending criteria apply.
If you meet the requirements, you may be able to withdraw most of your KiwiSaver savings towards your first home. Your KiwiSaver provider can confirm your eligibility and the amount available. I provide mortgage advice rather than KiwiSaver investment advice. If you need KiwiSaver advice, I can introduce you to an appropriately qualified Isbister Partners specialist.
No. The First Home Grant closed on 30 May 2024 and has not been replaced. The support that remains for first home buyers is the First Home Loan, which allows a 5% deposit for those who qualify, and the KiwiSaver first home withdrawal.
Conditional pre-approval gives you an indication of how much a lender may be prepared to lend, subject to its conditions. It can help you understand your price range, but it is not a guarantee of final finance. The lender will still need to approve the property and confirm that all conditions have been met.
It is an extra amount added to your interest rate when you borrow more than 80% of a property value, because a smaller deposit carries more risk for the lender. It usually comes off once you reach 20% equity. A First Home Loan does not carry one.
Yes. Self-employed applications often require some extra financial information. I will explain what is needed and look at lenders whose criteria may suit your position.
A no from one lender does not mean no everywhere. Lenders assess income, credit history and deposits differently, and a decline often comes down to one thing that can be explained or tidied up. It is worth a conversation before you assume the answer is no.
YouOwn is a privately funded shared ownership provider. YouOwn may invest up to 15% to help take an eligible buyer deposit to 20%. A participating lender then provides the 80% home loan, subject to approval. You remain the majority owner and live in the home.
The current YouOwn deposit requirement is 5%. The deposit can come from eligible KiwiSaver savings or your own savings. You must also meet the YouOwn eligibility requirements and the lender credit criteria.
Yes. After five years, you have the right to buy the YouOwn share when you are able to. The amount you pay will be based on the property independently assessed market value at that time. There is no set deadline for becoming the full owner. YouOwn remains a co-owner until you buy its share or sell the property. You will continue paying the equity charge until its share is bought out.
Yes. I can review your current lending and help you consider whether restructuring your mortgage or changing lenders may be worthwhile. We will also consider the possible costs before you decide.
We can review your current mortgage, plans and repayment preferences before choosing a new fixed term. Interest rate matters, but flexibility and your future plans are important too. The end of a fixed term is also the one moment you can change things without a break fee.
It varies. Once your documents are in, most lenders take a few working days to a couple of weeks to come back on an application. KiwiSaver withdrawals need their own lead time, usually 10 to 15 working days. Starting earlier is always easier than starting late.
No. I specialise in mortgages. If you need investment or KiwiSaver advice, I can introduce you to an appropriately qualified member of the Isbister Partners team.
No. I help clients throughout Pāpāmoa, Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, as well as clients elsewhere in New Zealand by phone and video meeting.
In most cases the lender pays me a commission once your loan settles, so there is no cost to you. You will receive clear information about fees, remuneration and any possible conflicts of interest before you proceed, so nothing about how I am paid should ever be a surprise.
No mortgage adviser can guarantee approval. The lender or shared ownership provider makes the final decision. What I can do is understand your position, explore suitable options, prepare your application carefully and keep you informed.
A lot of people talk themselves out of buying before they ever speak to anyone. These are the assumptions I hear most, and none of them is reliably true:
