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Not every property fits neatly within standard lending criteria. A home may look suitable to a buyer, but its construction, location, title, condition, or intended use can affect how a lender assesses it. This does not necessarily mean lending is unavailable. It may simply mean the application needs more information, a different approach, or consideration …

When a property does not fit standard lending criteria Read More »

June brought some welcome relief for New Zealand motorists, with petrol and diesel prices falling during the month. At the same time, annual inflation reached 4.1% in the June 2026 quarter, showing that wider cost pressures remain present across the economy. Why lower fuel prices matter Fuel is a regular and highly visible household expense. …

Fuel prices eased in June, but uncertainty remains Read More »

Saving a deposit is one of the biggest steps toward buying a home. For many buyers, the focus is understandably on reaching the required amount. However, lenders usually also want to understand where that deposit has come from. This can be especially relevant for first-home buyers, where a deposit may come from several sources, such …

Where your home deposit comes from can affect the lending process Read More »

When people think about investing, they often focus on performance. It is natural to ask whether investment values are going up or down, especially when markets are in the news. But one of the most important parts of investing is not just what is happening today. It is how long the money is intended to …

Why your investment timeframe matters Read More »

When people think about investing, it’s common to hear talk of forecasted returns or what markets “might do next.” While it’s natural to wonder about the future, relying on predictions alone isn’t a reliable way to make long-term investment decisions. Good investment advice focuses less on forecasts and more on establishing a clear, structured process …

Why good investment advice focuses on process, not predictions Read More »

After a couple of very challenging years for borrowers, 2025 has finally brought some relief. The Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 2.25% following its November update. So what might 2026 look like for home loan customers, and what conversations might they be having with their advisers? Where things stand now …

What could 2026 bring for borrowers? Read More »

2025 has been another unpredictable year for investors. Global and New Zealand markets navigated a mix of economic recovery, renewed trade tensions, and geopolitical uncertainty, all of which tested confidence at times. Yet despite the turbulence, many diversified investors appear to have finished the year in positive territory, showing that uncertainty and opportunity often go …

What shaped financial markets in 2025, and what’s next? Read More »

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 2.25%, continuing the gradual easing cycle that began in 2024. This latest decision reflects growing confidence that inflation is easing, while the wider economy is still in the early stages of recovery. At the same time, the …

Latest Reserve Bank decision: OCR cut to 2.25% Read More »

Your insurance is like a safety net, that can provide financial protection for you and your loved ones when life’s unexpected events occur. However, your life doesn’t stand still – your needs, goals, and circumstances can change over time. That’s why it’s essential to regularly review and ensure your insurance is up to date, so …

Four ways to check your insurance is up to date Read More »

When you’re in the market for a home, having a pre-approval can be a great advantage. It means you know how much you can borrow and gives you a sense of what properties to look at. While some people see pre-approval as just a box to tick, used strategically it can be a genuine advantage …

Turning pre-approval into property-buying power Read More »