Uma Kumar - Mortgage Adviser

02/09/2026

The Reserve Bank announced a 25 basis points increase to the Official Cash Rate this afternoon, now lifting it to 2.75%.

Click the link below 👇🏻 to see what the latest OCR increase means for your mortgage rates and house prices

https://www.oneroof.co.nz/news/tony-alexander-what-the-latest-ocr-hike-means-for-mortgage-rates-and-house-prices-50146?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=nzh_fb&utm_source=Facebook&utm_id=tony-alexander-what&fbclid=IwY2xjawUEk0ZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTVsbDRXR3BkZDdvc25yZzNzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEew2GfsUoDW0lijz1WMvqUnRTaU7VvfgWuvRxa5A_F2X4Lsh-dPupfCG39HRo_aem_kScB8HkbJtetETXsnrdxGw =1788324808

01/09/2026

The Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate (OCR) announcement is dropping this afternoon 🚨

Watch this space to see what today's news means for interest rates and home loans.

30/08/2026

Making home loans simple, clear, and stress-free is always my goal, and feedback like this lets me know I’m on the right track 💛

27/08/2026

Going straight to the bank for a mortgage is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

When you are looking at buying a home or refinancing, dealing with individual banks can feel like a massive headache. They only show you their own products, and honestly, who has the time to shop around to six different lenders while managing real life?

This quick read from Mortgage Express highlights why around two-thirds of new mortgages in New Zealand are now arranged through advisers. Here are a few key takeaways from the article:

➡️ Access to multiple lenders: Instead of fitting into one bank's rigid box, you get options across the entire market.

➡️ Saving time and stress: Someone else does the heavy lifting, negotiating, and paperwork for you.

➡️ Expert guidance from start to finish: Having an insider translate the bank speak helps you secure structure and terms tailored to your actual goals.

If you are planning your next move or just curious about what your options look like right now, it is well worth a read - link below 👇🏻

Around two-thirds of new mortgages in New Zealand are now arranged through mortgage advisers, as more Kiwis discover the benefits of having expert sup

20/08/2026

Why do banks turn down mortgage applicants who can easily afford the payments 🤔

When applying for a home loan, it often feels like banks are looking at a completely different picture than you are. You know your budget inside out, but then you get a sudden declination. What gives 🤷‍♀️

This is a great breakdown that walks through what is actually going on behind the scenes when a bank says no. Spoiler: it is usually not just about your income 💰

If you've ever had an application knocked back, or if you're planning to apply soon and want to dodge the common tripwires, it's well worth a quick read.

Got questions about your own situation or wondering where you stand? Drop me a message anytime, I'm always happy to have a chat 💛

Has your mortgage application ever been declined by one lender, only to be approved by another? It happens a lot, and it usually comes down to service

18/08/2026

So grateful for kind words like these and for the opportunity to help make property goals happen! 🥰

02/08/2026

How much can I borrow?

It’s usually the very first question first home buyers and movers ask, but the answer isn't just about your income 💰

Banks look at a whole range of factors to figure out your true borrowing power, including:

➡ Your income & job stability: Salary, bonuses, or self-employed earnings
➡ Living expenses & debt: Credit cards, buy-now-pay-later schemes, and everyday spending
➡ Deposit size: How much skin you have in the game
➡ Stress testing: How you’d manage if interest rates go up

Understanding these details early can save you a lot of time and hassle when you start house hunting.

Read the full Mortgage Express guide here to see how banks calculate your budget: 👇

One of the first questions almost every first home buyer asks is, "How much can I borrow?" And while there isn’t a simple answer, it generally comes d

30/07/2026

Feedback like this makes my day 💛

Thank you so much for trusting me with your journey - and for taking the time to leave such kind words!

16/07/2026

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13/07/2026

Want to help your kids buy their first home but not sure where to start? The property market has changed a lot since most of us bought our first place, and more Kiwi families are stepping in to help bridge the gap.

The latest article from Mortgage Express outlines the three most common ways parents are doing it:

👉 Gifting a deposit: Giving a lump sum to lower their borrowing amount
👉 Acting as a guarantor: Using your own home equity as extra security
👉 Co-buying together: Jointly owning the property to pool your resources

Before you jump in, it’s crucial to make sure your own financial security is protected first!

Read the full breakdown here to see which option might work for your family 👇

Property affordability in New Zealand has changed significantly over the past couple of decades. While incomes have risen gradually, house prices in m