The Mortgage Guy

The first home loan specialist
Kiwis turn to for straight answers.


Getting your first home used to be straightforward.

Save a deposit, get pre-approved, buy a home.

Now?

Pre-approvals get pulled mid-process.
Lending criteria change monthly.
You’re asked to predict your coffee spending for
the next 30 years.

Meanwhile, house prices keep climbing while you’re stuck in analysis paralysis, wondering if you’re financially ready or if the banks will ever say yes.

That’s where we come in.

We can help you get into into your first home with as little as a 5% deposit.

OUR FEES ARE

Most of the time, our advice comes at no cost to you.

Here’s how it works:

We’re paid a standard commission by the lender once your loan settles. This doesn’t affect your interest rate or loan structure, and you’ll receive the same offer you would get by going directly to the bank.

If a fee ever applies, you’ll know upfront. We’ll explain it clearly and confirm it in writing before you proceed.

Our job is to make the process easier, faster, and fully transparent from the start.

What you get is:

  • Expert guidance through the entire process
  • Access to multiple lenders, not just one
  • Someone advocating for your best rate – often better than advertised rates
  • Personal service from start to settlement

Professional mortgage guidance that’s clear, fair and always in your best interest.

Why Customers Leave Reviews

Based in Christchurch, proudly helping Kiwis become homeowners across New Zealand.

What Our Homeowners Have To Say

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I borrow for my first home in New Zealand?

Short answer: How much you can borrow depends on your income, deposit, and existing financial commitments. Most New Zealand lenders work within a range of four to six times household income.

Detailed explanation:

Lenders in New Zealand use two key tools to decide borrowing power: the loan-to-value ratio (LVR) and the debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

LVR: Most banks require a 20 percent deposit, which means you can borrow up to 80 percent of the property’s value. However, Kāinga Ora’s First Home Loan allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 5 percent.

DTI: The Reserve Bank limits lending to about six times gross annual income. So, a household earning $100,000 can expect borrowing of roughly $500,000 to $600,000, depending on debts and living costs.

Banks also “stress test” repayments at higher interest rates to check that you could still afford the loan if rates increase.

For a more accurate figure, a quick Reality Check with our team can show you what different banks would lend based on your own numbers.

Do I pay extra to use a mortgage adviser?

Short answer: No. Our service is free for most borrowers because lenders pay us when your loan settles.

Detailed explanation:

Mortgage advisers in New Zealand are paid by the lender through a standard commission structure. You receive the same or better interest rate as going direct.

The only time a fee may apply is in complex or non-standard situations, for example, if your opportunity sits with a non-bank lender, or the application is withdrawn before settlement. Any potential cost is discussed upfront so there are no surprises.

In short, you get professional advice, multiple lender options, and a streamlined process, all at no additional cost to you.

What’s the minimum deposit needed for first-home buyers?

Short answer: Preferred deposit is 20 percent. Some lenders offer a 10 percent deposit, and eligible first-home buyers can purchase with 5 percent under Kāinga Ora.

Detailed explanation:

Standard bank loans: 20 percent deposit lets you borrow up to 80 percent of a property’s value.

Low deposit loans: Some banks will lend up to 90 percent (10 percent deposit) for strong applications with stable income and low debt.

Kāinga Ora First Home Loan: Available through selected lenders for eligible buyers with a 5 percent deposit. You must meet income caps and live in the property for at least six months.

Example: a single buyer earning under $95,000 or a couple earning under $150,000 may qualify for this scheme.

We help you check eligibility, calculate what you can afford, and match you with lenders offering the right product for your situation.

How long does the mortgage process take?

Short answer: Most home loans take between two and six weeks from start to settlement.

Detailed explanation:

Pre-approval (1 to 10 days): You submit verifying documents: payslips, bank statements, and ID. Straightforward applications can be approved within three days, while self-employed or complex cases can take longer.

House hunting and offer: Once pre-approved, you can make offers with confidence, subject to final bank approval.

Final approval and settlement (2 to 4 weeks): After your offer is accepted, the bank confirms valuation, checks legal details, and prepares loan documents. Settlement, when the title transfers and keys are handed over, typically follows two to four weeks later.

We coordinate each step and keep you updated so there are no surprises.

Can I use my Kiwisaver for my first home purchase?

Short answer: Yes, you can use your KiwiSaver to help fund your first home if you have been contributing to your KiwiSaver for at least three years and the home will be your main residence.

Detailed explanation:

You can withdraw nearly all your KiwiSaver balance: your contributions, your employer’s contributions, and any investment growth, as long as you leave at least $1,000 in your fund.

To qualify, you must not have owned property before, although Kāinga Ora’s “second-chance” rule may apply if you are in a similar position to a first-home buyer.

We guide you through the application forms and timing so your funds are ready by settlement day.

Can I use a family gift for my deposit?

Short answer: Yes. A gifted deposit is common and accepted by most lenders as long as it is from a family member.

Detailed explanation:

The lender will need a signed “gift certificate” from the person providing the funds, confirming the money is non-interest bearing and repayments are not immediately required.

Sometimes families choose to document a ‘deed of acknowledgment of debt’, meaning the gift is repayable in the future, and this is done through your solicitor.

We provide templates and help ensure the paperwork meets the bank’s legal requirements.

Ready to Turn your Dream into Reality?

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Stop wondering “what if” and start planning “when.”
Get the straight answers you need to move forward with confidence.

Book Your Complimentary 15-Minute Assessment.

Find out what you can actually borrow.
No paperwork, no pressure, just clarity.

Book Your Free 15-Minute Assessment

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