Buying a house with friends or family? Watch out

As featured in Stuff, buying property with friends or family can improve affordability, but clear agreements and proper structure are essential.
February 13, 2026

Mortgage adviser Jeremy Andrews, from Key Mortgages, said he dealt with people wanting to buy in partnership several times a year.

"There are some advantages such as being able to combine everybody's deposit together to get the best possible interest rates, and combining everybody's incomes together to get the highest approval figure based on income servicing."

He said the case highlighted the main downside - what would happen when one of the parties wanted to get out of the joint ownership, such as to buy a different property.

"If they are jointly and severally liable for the loan, which is typically higher than a single or couple's income alone could have allowed, this could be a dealbreaker without selling the property.

"There needs to be a clear understanding of the future implications at that point, before entering into such [an] agreement, and we always recommend each party seeks independent legal advice on this."

He said sometimes people would own a house as tenants in common, which gave them an agreed and specified percentage of the ownership.

"If the property increases in value over time, then each party receives their respective percentage increase in value each when the time comes to sell - hopefully for an overall profit.

"There are also downsides to this type of arrangement, such as if one or more of the co-borrowers wish to retain ownership of the property, and then based on the income they have at the time, can they buy out the other exiting parties share of existing mortgage - plus typically accumulated equity on top of that."

Read the full article here:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/home-property/360937845/buying-house-friends-or-family-watch-out

Latest News

April 13, 2026
Mortgage enquiries ease as buyers adjust to rates and global uncertainty
This is some text inside of a div block.

Key Mortgages comments with Tony Alexander and TMM Online the prospect of whether rising interest rates and global tensions are prompting a more cautious approach from buyers. Is mortgage demand softening as households take time to reassess affordability and market conditions?

Read Article
March 24, 2026
NZ banks are paying customers to stay
This is some text inside of a div block.

NZ Banks are offering cash incentives to retain existing home loan clients. Jeremy of Key Mortgages summarizes with NZ Herald, whether to switch or stay depends on factors like break fees, equity, and overall costs. We can help and negotiate with your current bank to find which is the smarter move.

Read Article
March 19, 2026
The Middle East crisis vs your mortgage: Brokers warning of swap rises | Ryan Bridge
This is some text inside of a div block.

Key Mortgages recently joined Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB, to discuss the recent jump in mortgage rates and what it means for Kiwi borrowers.

Read Article
February 19, 2026
ASB joins low deposit Kāinga Ora scheme with big benefits
This is some text inside of a div block.

Key Mortgages shares details with Good Returns how expanded low-deposit lending options may help eligible first home buyers enter the market sooner and with better pricing

Read Article
February 13, 2026
Buying a house with friends or family? Watch out
This is some text inside of a div block.

As featured in Stuff, buying property with friends or family can improve affordability, but clear agreements and proper structure are essential.

Read Article
December 23, 2025
Why home loan applicants might face an extra wait
This is some text inside of a div block.

Banks and Mortgages advisers discuss with New Zealand Herald, why home loan approvals may take longer as lenders apply more detailed affordability checks and tighter financial assessments.

Read Article