Ben Goldsmith - Financial Adviser ‑ Mortgages & KiwiSaver

07/04/2026

Happy to help with purchasing a new home, building one or if you're looking to understand how to structure your existing loans better (to get debt free), don't hesitate to reach out.

027 2121 286
[email protected]
www.colab.kiwi/about-us

07/04/2026

After almost 5 years with Tella as a broker/adviser, it's time to start a new chapter and it's so great to join with Sam at Colab. The timing feels right, and Sam and I have worked together for years, going back to BNZ days (10 years ago?).

My phone number hasn't changed, just a new email address and I'll put the details up.

It's not all about buying new homes, or building. We're in uncertain times and we don't know whether % rates are going up or down, if you want to just chat, I'm here.

Flick me a FB message with your number and I'll call you back. That works to.

Thanks - Ben

03/09/2024

I have always been fortunate enough to have the nicest clients, and such a thoughtful gift to receive.

"Our case was not easy but he got us there!

He guided us through the whole process. He followed up with emails and phone calls and was always there to answer any of my questions.

We definitely recommend Tella and if you're lucky enough you will also get Ben Goldsmith as your adviser" - N & N

22/08/2024

I have to say - Kiwibank has really upped their game. They are competitive with the NZ's Big 4 Aus banks with Interest rates and Cash Contributions.

They have eased up with first home buyers, helping them to get into homes. Goodbye bank statement judgement on buying a coffee or breakfast out when you 'should be saving'.

For those that have chosen Australia. They also offer a free refinance service to transfer back to NZ owned. There's no legal costs for a straight refinance in the same names. But loan break fee's with the previous bank may apply.

And all organised basically from your home or work, as they are so digital focused. For refinances - even signing the documents is by txt/email and takes less than 5 mins.

NZ Interest rates are high currently, but as of today (22 Aug 24). KB is offering 6 months 6.85% or 1 year 6.45%. And if rates are lower on the day of refinance, you will get the lower rate instead.

The final sweetener is, they are also paying 0.90% cash contribution to make the move to them. It's based on loan amount, so for example, a $500,000 home loan would be a $4500 cash contribution on settlement. Up to $15,000.

T&C's apply as they usually do.

If you want to chat about comparing your current bank to Kiwibank - Give me a call/txt 027 212 1286

Thank you - Ben

08/07/2024

Consumer NZ has announced their best and worst KiwiSaver results. This is worth a 2 min read:

https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/consumer-nz-reveals-the-best-and-worst-kiwisaver-providers

The big four banks have not done well, which is great news for our NZ Owned KiwiSaver providers, Milford, Generate and Simplicity.

For the seventh year in a row Milford Funds has received the People's Choice award!

Coincidental - But I am a registered adviser with Milford Funds. If you don't know where your KiwiSaver is, how it is performing, or what fee's you are being charged, then we should have a chat.

24/03/2024

ANZ - Over 80% LVR pre-approvals reintroduced

FIRST HOME BUYERS WITH LESS THAN 20% DEPOSIT - THIS IS FOR YOU!

ANZ have reintroduced 60-day pre-approvals for 10% to 20% deposit borrowers.
( For 80.01% to 90.00% Loan to Value)
At least one borrower has been an existing ANZ main bank customer for a minimum of three months (must have either salary/wages direct credited to ANZ, or an active credit card, or a KiwiSaver account for minimum three months), and
The pre-approval is not for construction lending.

This is massive news, to add context: First home buyers (and their brokers) have had to 'estimate' what the bank will lend them. Then put in an offer, have it accepted subject to finance and then approach the bank for approval.

The banks have only been working with 'live' deals. Meaning if no offer it accepted, they won't assess.

Times have changed, now first home buyers can get that sought after peice of paper to confirm their maximum.

Full registered valuations are required for less than 20% deposit, so subject to finance will continue to be a requirement so as to get the valuation done to confirm value matches purchase price and the property has no substantial maintenance issues.

ANZ is huge, and have so many NZer's banking with them - so if your in the market for your first home with a 10%+ deposit. Now is that time to find out what's the maximum ANZ will offer.

04/03/2024

INTEREST RATE UPDATE - 4th MARCH 2024 SPECIFIC

Given the most common question I get is - "What are interest rates doing?" I thought I'd do an update on what's the lowest rates I'm seeing.
ANZ and ASB dropped their advertised rates today BUT there is still quite a difference between the online/advertised rates compared to what banks are offering on their app's to Refix loans. You can't see those rates unless you are within 60 days of refixing (or 35 with ASB) however I get to see the ranges.

The below are the lowest fixed rates that I'm seeing this week with the Top 4 main banks. Based on 20% deposit or equity in the home.
They are the negotiated rates for clients and each circumstance is different as banks are checking loan amount vs house value.

6 Months 7.05%
1 year 6.89%
18 Months 6.79% - 6.89%
2 years 6.75%
3 years 6.59%
4 years 6.49%
5 years 6.39% -6.49%

Rates are still changing almost daily. More so in the 3-5 year space this last week.

OTHER INCENTIVES:
For cash contributions for new lending, over $200,000. This ranges from $3,000 to $5000+ for first home buyers and 0.80% of loan amount for new, or next home buyers or those refinancing. Maximum amounts apply for each bank and T&C's.

OTHER NEWS:
ASB has advised will look at two boarders now for servicing even for low deposit requests. They take boarder income at up to $240 p/week. So a single person or couple buying a 3 or 4 bed home can add almost $25k a year more income with their home loan request.
ASB have eased up on lending policy with building new homes also. But that's a novel to explain.

You can PM me if you would like info on a specific bank - I'll do my best. I still don't have a Crystal ball though..

03/03/2024

5% Deposits are back - With BNZ

First Home buyers – this is for you (or your adult children if they're in the market) – feel free to pass it along!

BNZ has reintroduced the option for first home buyers to secure a home with just a 5% deposit for existing customers. While this offering doesn’t extend to other banks, it's a promising opportunity to kickstart your homeownership journey.

Not a BNZ customer yet? No worries! Remember the old adage – the best time to start was yesterday, the second best is now! You can easily open an account today and get the ball rolling on the 3-month minimum timeframe. It will also give you a clear timeframe to tidy up your bank statements if needed.

Why BNZ?

BNZ's move signals a positive shift in the market, and while we’re not sure other banks will follow suit, why wait? By grabbing the opportunity now, you’re being proactive towards your homeownership goals. Plus, with BNZ, you have the chance to explore homeownership with a 5% deposit, setting a clear path towards your dream home.

I've crunched some numbers based on current criteria to see what's possible:

Imagine Jack and Jemima looking at an $800,000 home in Auckland. With a $40,000 deposit (possibly sourced from KiwiSaver), they'd need a loan of $760,000. To meet BNZ's income criteria, each partner would ideally earn around $80,000 per year.

Or consider the affordability outside main city centres. With a $500,000 home, requiring a $25,000 deposit, and a loan of $475,000, the income threshold becomes more accessible, around $60,000 each annually.

In both scenarios, if they have a young child, add another $5,000 or $10,000 to their income to ensure sufficient cover for the extra expenses of daycare, school, etc.

These 'scenarios' are factored on being completely debt free. Student Loans, car loans, Credit Card make a huge difference.

If you're intrigued and want to see if this could work for you, let’s chat! An informal 15 minutes chat can help put you on the right path.

The fine print...

This offer applies to owner-occupied properties, ready-built homes, and excludes lifestyle blocks or bare land - so can't buy and put a tiny home on it.
When making an offer, allow for a longer finance due diligence period to accommodate the necessary steps, including a registered valuation. I’d suggest 10 working days plus any other clauses required, such as building inspection, solicitor approval.
Must have an income into BNZ for 3 months +

Whether you're ready to dive in or just need more information, feel free to reach out.

10/05/2023

It seems all everyone see's in the media is "bank declined due to netflix, smashed avocado on toast or to many coffee's that week..."

Reality is, it's not one thing, it's the total living costs being to high, not just a one off tv subscription payment, but having every option possible, add up netflix, disney, neon, prime, skytv, and more.

The banks have an average cost or budget per month for a single person or couple and cost per child. If costs are within this (and it's quite a generous amount), it's all fine.

But if you have your morning coffee delivered on a moped, or dinner delivered by a driver on an app most nights, that isn't going to meet the standard expectations. Your chosen 'lifestyle' costs will reduce down what you can then borrow.

If you want a home, you should dial back your expenses and start putting aside some extra savings to show you have the cash to be able to cover the new repayments.

Most people I see are to hard on themselves due to the media coverage, and they are actually all fine on the spending. But they don't ask, becuase they hear banks are saying No. It's not all true, the banks want new business - and now's a good time to start asking if you want a new home.

02/05/2023

For first home buyers, as low as 5% Deposit opens are available...

The Reserve Bank has just proposed to ease LVR restrictions on banks from the 1st June also.

So, what does this mean? And is it good news for first-home buyers?

YES INDEED 🎉🍾🥳

LVR stands for loan-to-value ratios. It’s the amount owed versus the total value of the property.

So, if you wanted to buy your first home for $800k, and your deposit was $80k (because you’d saved enough, used Kiwisaver and applied for the First Home Grant to get there) then your homeloan amount would be $720k. THEN you’d have a 90% LVR.

Stick with me cos here’s where things get a little more complicated.

LVR restrictions occur at a bank level.

Last year, The Reserve Bank said banks could only give a small proportion of the total amount of money they’ve got for home loans to owner occupiers with an LVR over 80%.

That meant the flow of money available to lend people with a low deposit was restricted. This had a big impact on first-home buyers who … you guessed it … typically have a low deposit.

So, what’s changed? And why is it good news?

The Reserve Bank has just proposed to decrease LVR restrictions from 1 June this year. This means it’s allowing banks to give a greater proportion of lending to low-deposit lending.

It's about a third more, yes, 33% more first home buyers with low deposits that could be approved.

That’ll turn the funding tap on and make home ownership a reality for more Kiwis.

Want to know if now’s a great time for you to get into your first time? Give me a call, or send me a message and I'll contact you..

07/04/2020

Still available to help anyone with questions by phone - from my 'Bubble' to yours!

In this ever-changing crazy quagmire of a world, there has never been a greater need for seamless online services. Fortunately, Squirrel is well set up to provide the same service for all our clients, whether you're stuck at home, or at the beach.