How much do you need to earn to get a home loan?

First-home buyers generally need to be earning at least $100,000 per year to get into the housing market.
July 13, 2024

CoreLogic data shows the median price for first-home buyers in April and May was $688,000. To borrow 80% of this, individuals need an income around $100,000, while couples need $124,000 to $140,000 depending on their expenses. For an $800,000 loan, an individual might need $150,000 and a couple with children $180,000. Borrowing capacity varies widely among lenders based on income type and expenses, with some banks allowing income from boarders. Debt-to-income ratios now cap debt at six times household income, including other debts. Despite these constraints, banks are eager to lend, particularly to first-home buyers, and options like the First Home Loan scheme are available for eligible incomes.

Latest News

October 30, 2025

Home loan rate drops below 4.5%

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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.

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September 2, 2025

More people get mortgages approved as another OCR cut expected

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Jeremy chats with Andrew from NewsTalk ZB about OCR drops affecting mortgage market, turnaround times, and increasing demand.

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June 26, 2025

Is 420 the magic credit score number for a home loan application?

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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

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May 28, 2025

Fee hike for First Home Loan Scheme kicks in from July 1

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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

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May 17, 2025

Can I get a home loan with bad credit?

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Jeremy Andrews shares some tips and examples with RNZ where bad credit borrowers may still get loans with good explanations, equity, recent history.

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April 29, 2025

Diminishing KiwiSaver balances tip up first home buyers

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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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