Squirrel - Mortgages, Saving & Investing

23/07/2026

Third time lucky for Josh and Hannah 🏡

With a baby on the way and a tight settlement deadline, buying their first home could have been overwhelming.

After two unsuccessful offers, their third was the one. With Squirrel in their corner, they navigated the process and got the keys to a home they're proud to call their own.

Thinking about buying your first home? Reach out to the team today.

23/07/2026

Brad's pick for the best interest rate right now? The 12-month fixed rate at 4.59%

Here's this week's snapshot:
* 6 months: 4.49%
* 12 months: 4.59% ⭐ Brad's pick
* 2 years: 4.99%
* 3–5 years: 5.29%–5.49%

Compare the latest rates at squirrel.co.nz/rates

23/07/2026

The OCR has increased to 2.5%... but what does that actually mean for the economy and the housing market?

In this month’s update, JB shares why he expects the rest of 2026 to remain relatively subdued, why next year could look very different, and why today’s market could present a real opportunity for buyers.

Watch the full market update https://www.squirrel.co.nz/blog/housing-market/nz-property-market-update-july-2026

16/07/2026

Floating rates have started moving after last week's OCR increase, while fixed rates have stayed put for now.

Carley shares the latest interest rate update:'
- Most floating, revolving credit, offset and construction loan rates have increased by 0.25%
- Leading fixed term rates remain
- 1 year at 4.59%
- 18 months at 4.79%
- 2 years at 4.99%
- 3 years at 5.29%

Compare the latest rates at squirrel.co.nz/rates

15/07/2026

Meet our South Island team 👋 From first homes to investment properties, builds and renovations, they're here to help make the process easier 🐿️

If you're in the South Island, get in touch.

🔗 squirrel.co.nz/south

14/07/2026

Bernie loves a finance metaphor 🥜💸

14/07/2026

In the latest episode of Live at the Nut Bar, DC and JB discuss why the Reserve Bank made the call to increase the OCR to 2.5%, whether more OCR hikes are likely, and why they're not convinced the recovery is as strong as policymakers expect.

Listen to Episode 17 wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on our YT channel.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand lifted the Official Cash Rate (OCR)...

09/07/2026

📈 The OCR is now 2.5% after the first increase in three years.

Floating rates are expected to rise, but fixed rates may not change much as this move was already expected by the market.

Watch Adam's interest rate update for the latest or compare rates at Squirrel.co.nz/rates

09/07/2026

Wondering what the latest OCR decision means for you?

DC and JB have the quick version, and why they don't expect much movement in mortgage rates.

Read the latest update https://www.squirrel.co.nz/blog/housing-market/ocr-interest-rates-update-july-2026

08/07/2026

How do I start saving and investing with Squirrel?

Sign up in 5 mins at Squirrel.co.nz/invest