Mortgage Link

The deposit is just one part of the picture, and it won’t always get you a bigger mortgage. Here’s why.

Since July 2024, NZ banks are also factoring in your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: that’s the total of your debts (including your new mortgage) compared to your gross annual income.

For most owner-occupiers, that cap sits at 6 times your gross income. For investors, it's 7 times.

💡 Banks do have a little flexibility above these thresholds, but it's limited.

💬 Not sure how DTI applies to your situation? Get in touch. We’re always happy to help you understand your borrowing capacity and plan ahead.

So the house hunt is over and you’ve found the one. Now it’s time to make your offer. 🏡

Conditional or unconditional? Here’s the difference:

🔹 A conditional offer gives you time to tie up loose ends – confirm your finance, get a building inspection done and more. If conditions aren’t met within the agreed timeframe, you may be able to walk away.

🔹 An unconditional offer is a much bigger commitment. Everything needs to be in order beforehand, including your mortgage.

💡 In a competitive market, some buyers may choose this route to make their offer more attractive to vendors. At an auction, on the other hand, you have no choice: if your bid wins, you go unconditional on the spot.

Either way, a sale-and-purchase agreement is a legally binding document. Always speak with your lawyer before you sign anything.

💬 Need help getting your finance sorted before you make your move? Get in touch — we're here to help.

Moving from your first home to your next one?

If you’re ready to make your next property move, here’s what you need to know about deposit rules, KiwiSaver and lending criteria.

💬 Get in touch with a Mortgage Link adviser to talk through your options.

False - you don’t always need a 20% deposit to buy your first home.

🏡 A 20% deposit can position you as a lower-risk borrower, unlocking more competitive rates and helping you avoid low-equity fees.

💡 But buying with less can still be possible. From low-deposit lending products (around 10%) to Kāinga Ora First Home Loans (from 5% deposit), you may have options.

💬 Get in touch for a chat - we’ll help you figure out what’s available.