
First-home buyers often struggle to demonstrate mortgage affordability despite having paid high rent, because banks require more extensive financial assessments. These assessments include additional costs like rates, insurance, and maintenance, and banks apply higher interest rates for stress testing to ensure borrowers can handle future fluctuations. This makes the transition from renting to owning more challenging than it might seem based on rent payments alone.
The Otago Times describes a Dunedin woman with $90,000 in KiwiSaver still can't buy a home in part due to strict asset caps. Key Mortgages explains when KiwiSaver can help second-chance buyers.
RNZ asked Jeremy Andrews of Key Mortgages whether first home buyers are better off making extra regular repayments or saving up a lump sum. Getting it right could save years off your total mortgage.
Key Mortgages advise 1news how homeowners could significantly reduce long-term mortgage interest by making simple repayment adjustments and reviewing loan structure regularly.
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?
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.
Key Mortgages recently joined Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB, to discuss the recent jump in mortgage rates and what it means for Kiwi borrowers.