CFML Home Loan Review.

Commercial & Residential First Mortgage Loans (CFML) — NZ Mortgage Review (2026)

Commercial & Residential First Mortgage Loans (CFML) is an established NZ mortgage fund manager and non-bank lender providing tailored property loans. For New Zealand borrowers, the lender's specialties include first mortgages, residential property loans, commercial and development finance, flexible equity solutions. Finch is an independent NZ mortgage broker with a panel of 23 lenders: registered banks, specialist non-bank lenders and a credit union. We only recommend CFML when its lending rules and pricing beat the alternatives for your situation. See all 23 lenders.

Who CFML Suits Best

CFML suits borrowers and investors needing flexible non-bank first mortgages tailored to non-standard property or income profiles. It works best when your income, deposit and property type fit CFML's current lending rules. If they don't, another lender on our panel may be cheaper or faster, so we compare options before recommending one.

CFML — Strengths

• Human underwriting with common-sense credit assessments
• Flexible loan terms and interest-only options tailored to borrower cashflows
• Experienced property finance team with deep knowledge of the NZ property market
• Accommodates unique residential securities and development equity needs

CFML — Considerations

• Higher interest rates than prime main banks
• Establishment and legal documentation fees apply
• Selective geographical security criteria outside primary growth corridors

How CFML Compares Across Our 23 Approved Lenders

No lender is best for everyone. Banks usually offer their lowest rates to borrowers with steady salary or wage income and a good deposit. Non-bank lenders such as Avanti Finance, Basecorp Finance and Pepper Money often help when your situation is less straightforward. Check current NZ mortgage rates, then book a free call and we'll compare your options across the whole panel.

The Rules NZ Lenders Work Within

In New Zealand, the Reserve Bank's loan-to-value (LVR) and debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions apply to registered banks. Non-bank lenders aren't bound by them, but every lender must follow the responsible lending rules in the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA). Finch gives advice as an Authorised Body under the Financial Advice Provider licence held by Finsure New Zealand Limited (FSP1005389), and follows the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services, overseen by the Financial Markets Authority. That means we only recommend CFML when it suits your needs.

Documents CFML Typically Requires

• 3 months payslips (PAYE) or latest financial statements / bank cashflows (self-employed)
• 3 months bank statements across active accounts and credit facilities
• KiwiSaver statement and confirmation of first-home eligibility (if applicable)
• NZ photo ID and proof of address for AML / CFT compliance
• Evidence of deposit funds, gifted equity, or existing property equity

Service Coverage Across New Zealand

Finch arranges CFML lending for clients across New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Napier, Nelson and Queenstown. We handle the whole application, from first assessment to settlement.

Should You Go Direct, or Use an Independent Broker?

If you go to CFML directly, you only see its own products and lending rules. Through Finch, you get a comparison across our panel of 23 lenders. For residential home loans our advice is free, because the lender pays us a commission when your loan settles. Read our NZ client case studies to see how we structure approvals.