RNZ reports Kāinga Ora’s First Home Loan insurance premium will rise from 0.5% to 1.2% on applications from July 1, 2025, as the government ends its contribution under Budget 2025—saving $17.9 million annually. The scheme allows first-home buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit, bypassing standard LVR restrictions and often avoiding low-equity fees. The premium hike means a $550,000 loan’s cost could rise from $2,750 to $6,600, either paid upfront or added to the mortgage. Though the change was poorly communicated, Jeremy Andrews of Key Mortgages says the scheme remains valuable due to one-off fees and flexible approval options.
Key Mortgages suggests keeping up higher repayments following fixed mortgage rate to currently 4.49%. Repayments over a 20 year term are now similar to what peak market rates payments were over a 30-year loan term.
Jeremy chats with Andrew from NewsTalk ZB about OCR drops affecting mortgage market, turnaround times, and increasing demand.
Key Mortgages shares detail on how credit rating scores can impact your ability to borrow. Talk to us for more information on how to put your best foot forward with main banks
Kāinga Ora loan premium rises to 1.2% post July; Key Mortgages’ Jeremy Andrews says it’s still a good option for many first home buyers
Jeremy Andrews shares some tips and examples with RNZ where bad credit borrowers may still get loans with good explanations, equity, recent history.
Trump’s tariff war hit KiwiSaver balances, affecting first-home buyers' deposits, reports goodreturns.co.nz. Key Mortgages notes increased pressure on buyers and urges shifting to conservative funds and seeking advice to avoid further deposit setbacks amid Trump’s tariff war.
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