Mortgages KiwiSaver Insurance About Resources Book a chat 021 274 7384
Mortgages KiwiSaver Insurance
Company
About Seth Resources Mortgage Calculator KiwiSaver Calculator Book a free chat 021 274 7384
🏠 Mortgage Advice

Mortgages made
straightforward.

Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing an existing loan or investing in property, I'll find the right solution and do the legwork for you.

Book a free consultation
What I help with

Every type of mortgage,
sorted properly.

From first home buyers to seasoned investors, I work across all lending situations, including the ones banks make complicated.

🏡

First Home Buyers

Getting into your first home is exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. I'll guide you through pre-approval, KiwiSaver withdrawals, First Home Grant eligibility and finding the right loan structure for you.

🔄

Refinancing

Your mortgage structure should change as your life does. If your rate hasn't been reviewed in a while, there's a good chance you're overpaying. I'll compare across lenders and find you a better deal.

📐

Construction Loans

Building a home requires a different loan structure to buying one. I'll help you understand progress payments, fixed-price contracts and how to protect yourself when the unexpected happens.

📦

Investment Property

Growing a property portfolio requires careful structuring. I'll help you understand lending limits, interest deductibility, and how to use equity from your existing home to take the next step.

🏦

Non-Bank Lending

Not everyone fits neatly into a bank's lending criteria. If you're self-employed, have a complex income structure or past credit issues, I have access to non-bank lenders who can help.

🔧

Refixing & Restructuring

When your fixed rate comes up for renewal, you have options. I'll help you decide whether to refix, float, split your loan, or switch lenders, and make sure your structure still suits your situation.

Understanding your options

Fixed vs floating:
what's the difference?

One of the most common questions I get is whether to fix or float a mortgage rate. There's no single right answer, it depends entirely on your situation, your risk tolerance, and where you think interest rates are heading.

Fixed rate: Your interest rate is locked in for a set period (usually 6 months to 5 years). Your repayments stay the same regardless of what happens to interest rates in the market. Good if you want certainty and predictability.

Floating rate: Your rate moves with the market. You have more flexibility, you can make extra repayments or pay off your loan early without penalty, but your repayments can change month to month.

Most people end up with a split structure, part fixed for certainty, part floating for flexibility. I'll help you figure out what proportion makes sense for you.

Read the full guide →
What to bring

What I'll need from you

To get you the best possible outcome, it helps to have a few things ready. Don't worry if you don't have everything, we can work through it together.

  • Recent payslips (last 2-3 months) or financial statements if self-employed
  • 2 years of tax returns if self-employed or contracting
  • Bank statements (last 3 months)
  • Details of any existing loans, credit cards or hire purchase
  • KiwiSaver balance (for first home buyers)
  • Proof of deposit or equity
  • A copy of any sale and purchase agreement (if you have one)

Not sure where to start? That's completely fine. Book a free 20-minute chat and I'll tell you exactly what we need based on your situation.

Common questions

Mortgage FAQs

How much deposit do I need to buy a house in NZ?
For most owner-occupiers, you need a minimum 20% deposit, though banks can lend up to 80% LVR (loan-to-value ratio). First home buyers may qualify for a 5% deposit through certain schemes, but these come with conditions. The higher your deposit, the better rate you'll generally get and the less you'll pay over time. I'll help you understand your specific position and what options are available.
How long does getting pre-approval take?
With the right documentation in place, pre-approval can be turned around in 2-5 business days through most lenders. It's valid for a set period (typically 60-90 days), giving you confidence to make offers when the right property comes up. I handle all the paperwork and communication with the lender, you just need to supply the documents.
Can I use my KiwiSaver for a first home?
Yes, if you've been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least 3 years, you can withdraw most of your balance to put towards your first home. You'll need to leave a minimum of $1,000 in your account. You may also qualify for a First Home Grant of up to $10,000 depending on your income and the property price. I'll help you understand exactly what you're entitled to.
How do you get paid, what does it cost me?
In most cases, my advice costs you nothing directly. I'm paid a commission by the lender once your mortgage settles. This is disclosed to you upfront as required under the Financial Markets Conduct Act. The commission doesn't affect the rate you get, in fact, because I compare across multiple lenders and negotiate on your behalf, you'll often end up with a better deal than going direct.
Can you help if I've been declined by my bank?
Absolutely. Banks have a narrow set of criteria and declining someone doesn't mean they're not creditworthy, it just means they don't fit that particular lender's box. I have access to a wide range of lenders including non-bank lenders who have more flexible criteria. In some cases, it's also about how the application is presented. If you've been declined, let's talk.
Is now a good time to refinance?
That depends entirely on your current rate, your remaining fixed term, and what's available in the market. There can be break fees if you leave a fixed rate early, but sometimes the savings outweigh them. I'll run the numbers for your specific situation and give you an honest answer. Sometimes it makes sense to wait; sometimes it's worth moving now. I'll tell you which.

Not sure if your current rate is competitive?

A free 20-minute review costs you nothing and could save you thousands. I'll compare your current deal against what's available in the market right now.

Book a free rate review
Important information: This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Mortgage lending is subject to each lender's credit criteria. Seth Rackham (FSP 1007555) is a Financial Adviser operating under the Financial Advice Provider licence of Real Savvy Financial Advice (FSP 709511). A copy of our disclosure statement is available on request.