Angela Wanoa - Mortgage Adviser at Squirrel NZ

Home
New Zealand
Rolleston
Angela Wanoa - Mortgage Adviser at Squirrel NZ

Mortgage Adviser at Squirrel, NZ
With over 30 years’ experience, I’m passionate about helping Kiwis achieve their home ownership dreams.

Get in touch!
📞 029 988 7766

09/09/2026

5% deposit or 20%? 🏡

If you’re saving for your first home, it can be tempting to think you need to reach that 20% mark before you can even start looking.

But there can be a trade-off between waiting to save a larger deposit and buying sooner with a smaller one.

A 20% deposit may mean more lending options and potentially lower costs associated with low-deposit lending.

A 5% deposit could mean getting into the market sooner, but there may be additional lending requirements and costs to consider.

The right approach depends on your circumstances, your goals and what you can comfortably afford.

It’s not simply about asking, “Can I buy with 5%?”, it’s about understanding what each option could mean for you.

If you’re working towards buying your first home and aren't sure which approach makes sense, I’m always happy to chat.

01/09/2026

Supporting first home buyers through such an important milestone is something I never take for granted.

Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to know you felt supported throughout the process and that we could help make what can be a stressful experience feel relaxed and manageable.

It was a pleasure to be part of your journey from that first conversation through to settlement, and I’m so grateful you trusted us to help you along the way.

Congratulations on your first home! 🏡🔑

26/08/2026

Whats happening in the property market in July 2026?

There are some early signs that New Zealand’s economy is beginning to turn a corner, although the recovery is expected to be gradual.

The Reserve Bank increased the Official Cash Rate to 2.50% in July, while inflation remains above the target range. Mortgage rates, however, have remained relatively stable, and Squirrel expects them to settle around 4.80%–5.30% as the OCR moves towards a more neutral level.

The housing market also remains subdued, with house prices still well below previous peaks. At the same time, housing affordability has improved, creating opportunities for buyers, particularly first home buyers.

Looking ahead, confidence is expected to remain fairly muted through the rest of 2026, with a broader economic recovery expected to build through 2027.

For buyers, this means there may be opportunities to focus on finding the right property and making decisions based on your own circumstances, rather than trying to predict exactly when the market will turn.

Whether you're considering your first home, your next home, or reviewing your current mortgage, understanding what's happening in the market can help you make informed decisions.

If you'd like to discuss your options or understand what the current market means for your situation, I'm always happy to chat.

Based on insights from Squirrel's NZ Property Market Update – July 2026.

18/08/2026

Can you buy a house in New Zealand with less than a 20% deposit?

The short answer is, yes – in some cases, you can.

While a 20% deposit is often considered the standard, it's not the only pathway to home ownership. Some lenders may consider applications with a smaller deposit, provided you meet their lending criteria.

Your income, financial position, credit history, and the type of property you're buying can all influence your lending options.

If you've been waiting until you've saved a 20% deposit, it may be worth finding out what's possible for your situation before putting your plans on hold.

Every buyer's circumstances are different, and understanding your options is the first step.

If you'd like to discuss your deposit or borrowing options, I'm always happy to chat.

12/08/2026

Fixed vs Floating Rates

When choosing a home loan, one of the decisions you'll make is whether to fix your interest rate or choose a floating rate.

A fixed rate stays the same for an agreed period, which means your repayments are generally more predictable during that time.

A floating rate can move up or down as interest rates change. It often offers greater flexibility, including the ability to make additional repayments without the same restrictions that may apply to fixed-rate lending.

Some borrowers choose to split their loan between fixed and floating to combine the features of both, depending on the lender's policies and their individual circumstances.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all option. The most suitable loan structure will depend on your financial situation, goals, and the lending options available to you.

If you'd like to understand how fixed and floating rates work, or discuss your lending options, I'm always happy to chat.

04/08/2026

How much deposit do you actually need to buy a home? 🏡

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that you need a 20% deposit before you can buy a home.

While a 20% deposit can provide more lending options, it's not the only path into home ownership.

Depending on your circumstances, some buyers may be able to purchase with a smaller deposit.

That's why it's important not to rule yourself out before you've had a conversation.

Every situation is different, and understanding your options early can help you make a plan and know what steps to take next.

If you're wondering how much deposit you might need, I'm always happy to chat.

29/07/2026

There's nothing more rewarding than helping someone achieve their first home dream. 🏡

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when everything is new and there are so many decisions to make along the way.

Thank you so much for your kind words Hereora. It was a privilege to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help make what can feel like a stressful experience a little more manageable.

From understanding your options and navigating the lending process to working alongside your lawyer and supporting you after settlement, our goal is always to make sure you feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way.

Congratulations again on reaching such an exciting milestone. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your home ownership journey.

If you're thinking about buying your first home, refinancing, or simply want to understand your options, I'm always happy to chat.

21/07/2026

What’s the biggest change I’ve seen in 30 years as a mortgage adviser?

Technology, without a doubt.

From paper applications, faxed documents and manual calculations to online portals, digital signatures and faster communication, the way we apply for home loans has changed dramatically.

Technology has made the process more efficient in many ways, but one thing has stayed the same: people still need clear advice, reassurance and someone in their corner when making big financial decisions.

That personal support is just as important now as it was 30 years ago.

15/07/2026

What’s happening in the property market right now? 🏡

The market continues to settle into a more balanced position, which is creating opportunities for both buyers and homeowners.

While we're not seeing the rapid price growth that characterised previous property cycles, we're also seeing more confidence return to the market. Buyers generally have more choice available and more time to make informed decisions.

The picture varies across the country. Some regions are experiencing stronger activity than others, with parts of the South Island continuing to show resilience and steady demand.

For buyers, a stable market can be a positive thing. It allows you to focus on finding the right property and making decisions that align with your long-term goals, rather than feeling pressured by fast-moving conditions.

Whether you're considering your first home, your next home, or reviewing your current mortgage, understanding the market is an important part of making confident decisions.

If you'd like to discuss your options or understand what the current market means for your situation, I'm always happy to chat.

Based on insights from Squirrel's NZ Property Market Update - June 2026.

07/07/2026

Selwyn: Here's your reminder, we're local! 🏡🎉

Address

46 Falcon Road
Rolleston
7614

Telephone

+64299887766

Website

https://www.squirrel.co.nz/our-team/advisers/angela-wanoa

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Angela Wanoa - Mortgage Adviser at Squirrel NZ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Angela Wanoa - Mortgage Adviser at Squirrel NZ:

Want your business to be the top-listed Finance Company in Rolleston?