Mortgage Navigators

02/07/2026

First-home buyer myth-buster:

“You need a 20% deposit to buy.”

Not always.

A 20% deposit can help, but it is not the only pathway. Some buyers may have options with a smaller deposit depending on their income, lender criteria, KiwiSaver position, and overall application strength.

The biggest mistake? Ruling yourself out before getting proper advice.

If you or someone you know is thinking about buying a first home, start with a conversation.

29/06/2026

Know someone thinking about buying their first home?

The hardest part is often knowing where to start.

Before they jump straight into open homes or online calculators, it helps to get the basics clear first:

1. Deposit
How much have they saved, and what deposit options might be available?

2. KiwiSaver
Can they use a first-home withdrawal, and what steps are involved?

3. Pre-approval
Before making offers, it is worth understanding what a lender may be comfortable with.

4. The right order
A clear plan can save stress, time, and guesswork.

If you have a child, friend, or family member starting their first-home journey, send this to them.

A quick conversation early on can make the process feel much less overwhelming.

26/06/2026

Coming off a fixed rate in the next few months?

Don’t leave it until the week your loan rolls off.

Around 6–8 weeks before your fixed rate expires is a good time to start reviewing your options, because it gives you space to make a clear decision instead of rushing into whatever is offered first.

Here’s what to check:

Your expiry date
Know exactly when your current fixed term ends.
Your lender’s refix options
Your bank may offer several fixed-rate terms, but the lowest rate is not always the best fit.
Your current budget
Work out what repayment amount you can comfortably manage if rates or terms change.
Whether your loan structure still suits you
This could be a good time to look at splitting the loan, changing terms, or reviewing repayment settings.
Whether another lender may suit you better
Sometimes staying put makes sense. Sometimes it is worth comparing.

Before you click “refix,” get advice so you understand what you are locking in.

Want help reviewing your options? Let’s chat.

24/06/2026

Did you know a mortgage adviser is usually free to you?

A lot of people assume getting help with a home loan means paying extra fees — but in most cases, you don’t pay me directly. I’m paid by the lender if your loan settles.

So what do I actually do?

I help you compare options across multiple banks, handle the paperwork, negotiate with lenders, and keep the process moving from application through to approval.

14/04/2026

09/04/2026

📊 OCR Stays the Same… But That’s Not the Real Story

The Reserve Bank has kept the OCR at 2.25%. No surprises there.
What does matter is what they’re hinting at.

They’re clearly signalling that inflation is still a problem, and if rates move next, it’s more likely they’ll go up, not down.

At the same time, we’re seeing:

• Confidence dropping
• People cutting back on spending
• A lot more uncertainty about what’s ahead

So what does this mean for you?

💡 Interest rates probably won’t fall anytime soon
💡 Waiting could mean paying more later
💡 It’s worth focusing on how your loan is set up, not just the rate

Right now, we’re helping clients:

✔️ Lock in some certainty with smart fixed‑rate choices
✔️ Check how their budget would cope if rates rise
✔️ Make decisions that feel solid in a shaky market

If you’ve been unsure about your next move, this is a good time to get some clarity.

📩 Send us a message and we’ll talk through your options.

15/02/2026

We were incredibly proud to be a sponsor of the Andersons Bay School Family Fun Day & Tryathlon today!

It was fantastic to see so many families out supporting the kids as they ran, biked and gave it their absolute best. The energy, smiles and community spirit made it such a special event to be part of.

At Mortgage Navigators, supporting our local community is something we truly value, and days like today are a great reminder of how strong and connected our community is.

Well done to every participant — you should all be so proud of yourselves! 👏

16/01/2026

Great information here about the new rules for granny flats that came into effect this week. Get in touch with any questions if you’re looking to build!

Granny Flat Update (NZ)
You may have seen the recent Government changes around standalone granny flats up to 70m² being able to be built under a building consent exemption.

A quick heads up though, an exemption does not mean “no plans needed.”

The granny flat still has to meet the Building Code
• You still need a PIM from Council
• You still need full construction drawings and documentation
• LBPs still provide the required paperwork (Certificates/Records of Work + trade certs)

What does Council check in the PIM?
• eligibility (new, standalone, single-storey, ≤70m²)
• District Plan / RMA rules (is it permitted?)
• bylaws + natural hazards
• stormwater/wastewater services + approvals to connect

One important difference: under the exemption pathway, Council is not inspecting the build and does not issue a CCC at the end. This means there is less independent sign-off during construction, and the owner must rely on engaging the right LBPs and keeping a strong documentation trail (including updated plans for any variations and final record plans at completion).

Pros of the exemption: faster start, lower council fees, less inspection admin
Cons: no CCC, less independent checking, more responsibility sits with the owner and project team

For extra peace of mind, we often recommend independent inspections at key stages (for example slab, framing/pre-line, waterproofing junctions, and final completion).

We’re happy to help you work through the best pathway for your site and your goals

[email protected]

10/01/2026

The things home buyers Google during summer:
• “How much can I borrow?”
• “Should I fix or float?”
• “Can I buy a house with no deposit?”
If these are on your list too — you’re not alone! I can help with all of them.