Mortgage FAQ
New Zealand.
Transparency is our core principle. If you don't find the clarity you seek here, our adviser is available 8amβ6pm, 7 days a week β and responds within 1 hour.
Direct Inquiry
For complex financial structures or urgent rate locks, please connect with our Priority Desk directly.
Deposits & First Home Buying
Most NZ banks want a 20% deposit for their best rates, but plenty of our clients buy with 10% or even 5% through low-deposit lenders and the First Home Grant. The exact figure depends on the lender, the property, and your overall application β try our borrowing power calculator for a quick estimate, or read our first home buyer guide for the full breakdown.
Yes. Most first home buyers can withdraw their KiwiSaver savings (keeping a $1,000 minimum balance) and may also qualify for the First Home Grant, subject to KΔinga Ora's income and house-price caps. Our KiwiSaver first home withdrawal guide walks through eligibility and the application steps.
Working With Finch
Yes β Finch Mortgages charges a $0 broker fee to clients. We're paid by the lender once your loan settles, so there's no cost difference between coming to us and going direct to a bank, except you get advice compared across 20+ lenders instead of just one. Read more about our approach and experience.
Our standard is a 28-day close from application to settlement, and conditional pre-approval is typically granted within 48-72 hours of us receiving your full financial documentation. Timeframes vary by lender and how complete your paperwork is β our step-by-step buying guide covers the full process.