Your Next Home
Already Exists.

For an existing property, most lenders require a 20% deposit. However, through the First Home Loan scheme (backed by Kāinga Ora), eligible buyers can purchase an existing home with as little as 5% deposit. If you have a 10–15% deposit, some lenders may still consider you depending on your income and overall financial position. We'll assess your situation and find the best path forward.

Absolutely. If you've been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least 3 years, you can withdraw most of your balance to put towards your deposit. You may also qualify for the First Home Grant — up to $5,000 per eligible buyer for an existing home (or up to $10,000 for a new build). If you're buying with a partner, that amount doubles. We'll confirm your eligibility and handle the paperwork for both.

Pre-approval typically takes 3–7 business days once we have all your documents. Full approval on a specific property usually takes another 5–10 working days after your offer is accepted. Settlement then follows within 4–6 weeks. When timelines are tight, we can fast-track your application by preparing a complete file upfront.

Yes — and this is where we add the most value. A decline from one bank is not a decline from every lender. We work with non-bank lenders and specialist credit providers who look beyond a simple credit score. They consider your full financial picture — income, stability, and repayment history. We'll review why you were declined, address any issues, and approach lenders who are a better fit for your situation.

Yes — beyond the deposit, budget for: a registered valuation ($600–$900), a builder's report ($500–$800), a LIM report from your local council, legal fees ($1,500–$3,000), and moving costs. If your deposit is under 20%, you'll also need to pay lender's mortgage insurance (LMI). We'll give you a full cost breakdown so there are no surprises on settlement day.

Strongly recommended. A builder's report identifies hidden issues like weathertightness problems, faulty plumbing, or structural concerns. A LIM (Land Information Memorandum) reveals council records — consents, drainage, zoning restrictions, and any outstanding code compliance issues. Both reports give you leverage to renegotiate or walk away if major problems are uncovered.

Yes, but auction purchases are unconditional — there's no finance clause to fall back on. You must have full approval (not just pre-approval) before bidding. We'll work with you to get your finance 100% confirmed ahead of time so you can bid with confidence. We'll also help you understand the settlement timeline so it aligns with your loan structure.

Pre-approval means a lender has conditionally agreed to lend you a certain amount based on your financial situation. Full approval (or 'unconditional approval') happens when a specific property meets the lender's criteria — valuation, title, and any conditions are satisfied. For existing properties, full approval typically takes 5–10 working days after we submit the property details.

Absolutely. Self-employed buyers often face extra scrutiny from banks, but many lenders accept alternative income verification such as GST returns, tax summaries, or accountant letters. We know which lenders are self-employed-friendly and how to present your income in the strongest light — often without needing two full years of financials.

If the valuation comes in lower than the purchase price, or the property type doesn't meet the lender's standards (e.g., leasehold land, units under 50m², or properties with compliance issues), your approval may be affected. We prepare for this upfront by checking the lender's property criteria before you make an offer, and we can pivot to another lender if issues arise.