Gavin Lendich - Mortgage Planners Ltd Auckland

11/08/2026

2026 started in a promising fashion for the property market. Everyone was upbeat after the previous few years and looking forward to a return to some normalcy.

Out of the blue the Iran conflict commenced, uncertainty returned, cost of living rose sharply off the back of petrol price hikes, and we all retreated into our shells it seems.

Fast forward to now, the Iran conflict is still a factor, and the cost of living remains a challenge. We have an election looming which brings its own form of uncertainty.

Why am I pointing out this rather doom and gloom introduction?

The silver lining is the property value adjustments have created realistic affordability.

For first home buyers it is the time to buy and hold. The banks are very willing to make home ownership for this group as attractive as possible, paying a cash contribution of $5,000 even if the deposit is lower than 20%. That normally covers all costs of buying, such as Solicitor, Valuation, and the like. If you have a 20% deposit that figure will increase substantially, depending on what amount you borrow.

If you need to sell to buy another home for changed circumstances, as you are buying and selling on the same market this will still work for you. One factor regarding the sale process and confirmed by successful Real Estate salespeople, is that the property you are selling needs to be presented in the best possible manner, with all consents, renovation projects completed, and move in ready. Properties presented in this manner are selling well.

The other most important factor is finance, and this is where I will help. I can test various scenarios on your behalf so you can clearly know what you can and cannot achieve, based on your individual circumstances. This is a cost-free exercise as my service is free, I am paid by the bank for successful outcomes only – you have nothing to lose!!

Please make contact to discuss your property future.

24/01/2026

I feel we have reached the bottom of the interest rate offers now. Banks have now set fixed rate choices between 4.49% and 5.49%, depending on the fixed rate term selected.

It is also apparent that potential sellers have decided that 2026 is the year to move on with delayed selling plans. Reports indicate that Real Estate Agencies have been remarkably busy with new listings arranged to kick off post Waitangi Day. This is a standard pattern to allow the holiday period to be over, school children back at school and most back into work mode. Real Estate specialist photographers, house dressers and others associated with getting a property ready for sale are extremely busy right now, which is a great sign for the market.

Any potential buyers need to be prepared to take advantage of the new stock that will hit the market in early February.

If this is you OR you have a friend, work colleague, family member or associate, please contact me and I will happily make direct contact to discuss their plans.
I have been a Mortgage Adviser for 29 years now. I still get a thrill out of helping navigate each person’s mortgage journey. My free service is way more than a rate chasing exercise, I ride the emotional roller coaster the house buying process entails with every client. If required, I can provide referrals to other trusted professionals to make sure everything happens as smoothly as possible.

After a few tough years, I look forward to sharing a prosperous 2026 with you all.

03/12/2025

It feels like the cost of living, property market jitters and mortgage interest rates have been conspiring against us all for a few years now! They are all interlinked, so are we at the end of it, are we there yet so to speak?

The cost of living is just a fact for the near future. Rates and Insurance feel like an ever-increasing upward trend, not to mention staples such as food, electricity, and the like.

The good news is that fixed mortgage interest rates have dropped away to settle in the mid 4% range. Once the drops bed into family budgets, household cashflow will improve, which in turn will improve our outlook on life. This should then transfer into the property market, where pent up demand must exist as we all stalled plans for selling/buying/renovating/downsizing/upsizing or whatever the case may have been.

I do feel 2026 has to be a better year than the last few years as traditionally low interest rates provide confidence, let’s hope so!!

On another matter, I have finally set up an Instagram page to better communicate mortgage news (always a late adopter) I would love you to follow me - mortgageplannersltd

Please make contact with your property plans. Currently the Banks are trying to attract new business with tremendous specials on offer.

19/05/2025

Just received this lovely review:
I had the pleasure of working with Gavin Lendich from Mortgage Planners Ltd as my mortgage advisor, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the experience. From start to finish, Gavin was knowledgeable, responsive, patient, and incredibly supportive throughout the entire mortgage process. He took the time to explain every detail clearly, answered all my questions promptly, and helped me secure a loan that was the right fit for my needs and financial situation.

Gavin was especially patient through multiple attempts and changes of mind along the way—his calm and steady approach made a big difference during what could have been a stressful time. I’ve since recommended him to family members, who have also been extremely pleased with his service and the outcomes he achieved for them.

What really stood out was Gavin’s attention to detail and his commitment to making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Whether it was navigating paperwork, communicating with the lender, or offering expert advice, he remained professional, reliable, and easy to work with throughout.

I highly recommend Gavin to anyone looking for a dedicated and trustworthy mortgage adviser. His guidance made a complex process feel manageable, and I’m truly grateful for his help. Thank you, Gavin!

16/12/2021

This affects each and every one of us in some shape or form, or will do in the future.

Rework Consumer Finance Law changes that make it too difficult to buy or finance a home.