Capital Advice News
Stay informed of industry updates with the latest news on New Zealand interest rates, mortgages and insurance.
February 16, 2026
Offset Mortgages vs Revolving Credit: Which Option Is Right for You?
If you are looking for ways to reduce the interest you pay on your mortgage or pay it off faster, you have probably heard about offset loans and revolving credit facilities. Both are popular tools in New Zealand and, when used correctly, can make a meaningful difference to how quickly you build equity in your home.
February 9, 2026
How to Finance Your Home Renovation: A Practical Guide for New Zealand Homeowners
Renovating your home improves your living and usually adds value to your property. If you are updating kitchens and bathrooms or planning a more extensive makeover, one of the first questions is the same for many homeowners: How can I fund this renovation?
February 5, 2026
Loan-to-Value Ratio Explained: What LVR Means for Your First-Home Deposit
If you are buying your first home in New Zealand, you wil quickly come across the term Loan-to-Value Ratio, shortened to LVR. It’s one of the key rules banks use when deciding how much they are willing to lend, and it directly affects how large your deposit needs to be.
January 5, 2026
How Much Can I Borrow for My First Home?
One of the first things Kiwi first home buyers ask is a simple one: how much will they lend me? Knowing your borrowing power helps you set a realistic price range and avoid wasting time on homes that will not fit your budget.
December 18, 2025
New Build vs Existing Properties: Pros and Cons for First Home Buyers in New Zealand
For first-home buyers, one big question is whether to buy a brand-new build or an existing property.
December 8, 2025
New Builds: Construction Loan vs Turnkey Loan?
Buying a brand-new home is exciting. However, as a first-home buyer in New Zealand, you’ll likely face a big question of construction loan or turnkey contract?
November 13, 2025
What Is Mortgage Pre-Approval and Why Should You Get One?
Buying a home is a big decision, and mortgage pre-approval can give you a valuable head start in the process.
October 14, 2025
Top Tips for First-Time Property Investors: What You Need to Know
Stepping Into the World of Property Investment Investing in property is one of the most popular ways Kiwis grow wealth, but the first step can feel daunting.
October 3, 2025
Tips to Help First‑Time Buyers Get on the Property Ladder
Buying your first home should be exciting, not overwhelming. As Wellington‑based mortgage advisers who work with clients across New Zealand, we help first‑home buyers organise smart finance, and avoid costly pitfalls.
September 30, 2025
How much deposit do you need for an investment property in NZ?
The most common question we hear is: “How much deposit do I actually need?”. When it comes to investment properties in New Zealand, deposit requirements are typically higher than for owner-occupied homes.
August 25, 2025
How Long Does Mortgage Approval Typically Take in New Zealand?
House hunting runs on deadlines. This guide sets clear expectations for timeframes, from first conversation to final approval, so you can plan viewings and negotiations with confidence.
April 11, 2025
Downsizing Your Home for a Changing Lifestyle
A shift in housing needs often accompanies life changes such as retirement, children moving out, or a desire for greater flexibility. Moving to a smaller space can be both liberating and practical. Lower utility bills, simpler upkeep, and the potential to unlock equity are just a few benefits. Outlined below are steps to approach downsizing with less stress and more clarity.
April 4, 2025
Understanding Reverse Mortgages: How They Work and Who They Are For
Many homeowners in retirement find that everyday costs can become difficult to manage on a fixed income.
March 28, 2025
Understanding Property Valuations: A Homeowner’s Guide to Maximising Value
Property valuations play a vital role in managing the most significant asset many people own, which is their home.
March 21, 2025
How to Use Your Home’s Equity For Buying a Rental Property
Property ownership in New Zealand provides a powerful opportunity for wealth and generating long-term financial security.
March 18, 2025
What Can Stop You from Getting a Mortgage
Many lenders have tight restrictions on whom they lend money to. Even a minor mistake can lead to your mortgage application being rejected.
February 9, 2025
The Different Types of Home Loans on Offer in NZ
A home loan is a gateway to owning your dream home. With various types of home loans available in New Zealand, it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your financial situation and goals.
January 21, 2025
What Does A Mortgage Broker Do? How A Mortgage Broker Can Streamline The Process
Are you going to purchase a new home? If so, then you’re most likely wondering about mortgages and home loans.A Mortgage Broker can help you secure the finances you need to buy the home of your dreams. So, it’s essential that you take the proper steps to avoid mistakes and potential rejection.
November 6, 2024
When You Should See A Mortgage Broker
Securing a mortgage can feel daunting at times, especially when you consider how many options, lenders and rates are available. When you’re struggling to determine the right choice for you, a broker can provide you with clarity and much-needed assistance.
November 5, 2024
Is It Worth Getting A Mortgage Broker
Buying a new home in Wellington is an exciting yet complex process. Having enough money to purchase a home can be a challenge for the average person, so many choose to work with professional mortgage brokers to guide them through the mortgage process.
November 4, 2024
What Are Pros and Cons of Using a Mortgage Broker?
When navigating the world of home loans in NZ, having a knowledgeable mortgage broker on your side can make a significant difference. However, understanding if using a mortgage broker is the right choice for you and loan involves considering both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
September 27, 2024
How Can A Mortgage Broker Help You?
Understanding New Zealand’s home loan and mortgage market can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially if you’re a first-home buyer or new to the world of mortgages. So, we at Capital Advice are here to assist you. Our team of experienced NZ mortgage brokers can make a difference by helping you understand your opportunities.
June 8, 2016
Financial stability reason for unchanged OCR
The Reserve Bank may have left the OCR unchanged – due to a more upbeat economic assessment – this morning, but economists continue to expect a further cut to come.
June 8, 2016
Property values continue to grow, and not just in Auckland according to QV
The latest QV House Price Index is out and confirms a continuation of previous trends. Auckland values have continued to rebound after their short and shallow drop, while much of the rest of the country is also rising.
March 16, 2016
New Zealanders lack insurance on their most important asset
Ask the average person what their most valuable asset is, and it is likely they will reply that it is their home. In general, this is not true. The most valuable asset of any person under the age of about 50 is their future income.
March 16, 2016
House prices on the up across NZ!
House prices are on the up in most parts of the country according to Trade Me stats. This is certainly true in Wellington with most properties selling well above rateable values.
June 8, 2016
Welcome to May’s Capital Comment…
Well we seemed to have skipped Autumn and marched straight into Winter! It has been pretty grim out there! We have been amazingly lucky with the weather but it was always going to end sooner rather than later! Not so the low interest rates though with strong suggestion that the OCR will be cut again on the 9th June. In reality I still think it is unlikely that we’ll see much change to the fixed rates even if the OCR is cut with possibly just the odd rate dropping below 4% in the form of a special…special for who though…?!