Thinking about upsizing but unsure whether now is the right time? In a flat or softly declining property market, the maths can actually work in an upsizer’s favour – because the dollar saving on a more expensive purchase is typically larger than the reduction in your sale price. Threefold breaks down how the numbers work in New Zealand’s current market, what buyers need to know about negotiating power and mortgage readiness, and why being financially prepared matters more than timing the market perfectly.
“How much can I borrow?” is often the first question people ask when they start thinking about buying or upgrading their home, or investing in property. It sounds simple, but the answer is rarely just a number on a calculator. In reality, your borrowing capacity is shaped by a mix of income, expenses, your credit […]
Unsure whether to refix or refinance your mortgage? Learn the difference, when to act, and how timing can save thousands. Understanding Refixing vs Refinancing Many homeowners use refix and refinance interchangeably, but they mean very different things and the choice can make a big difference to your long-term costs. Refixing means locking in a new […]
Over the past year, interest rates in New Zealand have eased, creating a valuable opportunity for homeowners to get ahead. While the headlines often focus on what this means for first home buyers, the real potential lies with existing homeowners who can use lower rates to shorten their loan term and save tens or even […]
How to make cashbacks and cash retention payments work for you! Banks in New Zealand often offer thousands of dollars in cashback payments to win your mortgage business. The marketing hook is obvious: instant money in your account, just for taking out a home loan. With the right approach, refinancing and securing a mortgage cashback […]
Why The Lowest Rate Doesn’t Always Equal The Biggest Savings Over the past 12 months, the Official Cash Rate (OCR) in New Zealand has been steadily dropping. That’s good news for borrowers, because it’s flowed through to lower interest rates across most fixed terms. It means many households now have the opportunity to lock in […]
How a little extra can cut years off your loan and save you thousands in interest With interest rates having eased over the last 12-months, it’s understandable that many of us are wondering whether now’s the time to enjoy a bit of breathing room on repayments. But there’s a smarter opportunity worth considering. When your […]
Updated: October 23, 2024 Following the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s announcement that it had dropped the OCR by 50-basis points to 4.75 percent on October 9, we have seen all the main banks drop their rates. ANZ led the way by dropping it’s one-year rate to 5.59 percent, with ASB and BNZ following suit. […]
