Latest Report
This Week's
Market Update.
🟢 Latest · Week 20, 2026
1-Year Fixed Rates Dip Below 5.8%
This week, several major tier-one lenders dropped their 1-year fixed "special" rates below the 5.8% threshold, a move that surprised wholesale markets.
For borrowers rolling off peak rates from 2023, this provides immediate, substantial cash flow relief. Don't simply roll over—this is the moment to negotiate.
Key Numbers This Week
1-Yr Fixed Special5.75%
Refinance DemandSurging
Pre-Approvals+8.1% MoM
Rate TrendFalling
Average 2-yr Fixed5.64%
Finch Advisor View
"Rates are dropping quickly at the short end of the curve. Lenders are aggressively fighting for quality refinances and pre-approvals ahead of the winter slowdown."
Archive
Previous
Weekly Reports.
Market
Week 19 · 12 May 2026
Preparing for the Spring Market
Prepare your finances now for the upcoming spring property flush. Expert advice on pre-approvals and rate locks.
Rates
Week 18 · 5 May 2026
Winter Mortgage Strategies: Positioning for Pre-Approvals
As the colder months approach, the New Zealand property market historically experiences a cooling in listing volumes.
Rates
Week 17 · 28 April 2026
Autumn Market Update: Banks Hold Steady
As we move deeper into the autumn season, the New Zealand mortgage market is experiencing a period of cautious stability.
Rates
Week 16 · 21 April 2026
Major Banks Cut Rates Further
Major lenders drop 1-year and 2-year special fixed rates by a further 15 basis points.
Rates
Week 15 · 14 April 2026
OCR Holds at 3.25% — But June Cut Expected
The RBNZ held the OCR at 3.25%. We look at why banks are pricing in a June cut anyway.
Rates
Week 14 · 7 April 2026
ANZ Slashes 2-Year Fixed to 5.69%
ANZ's surprise rate cut caught the market off guard. We break down the 2-year sweet spot.
Regional
Week 13 · 31 March 2026
Canterbury Surges: +6.8% YoY Growth
Canterbury is outperforming every other region in NZ. We look at the South Island boom.
Investors
Week 12 · 24 March 2026
Rental Yields Rise: Portfolio Strategies
Wellington gross yields hit 5.2%. With rates falling, the investor case is strengthening.
First Home
Week 11 · 17 March 2026
First Home Grant Extended to 2027
Government extends First Home Grant eligibility. Price caps raised in major centres.
Rates
Week 10 · 10 March 2026
RBNZ March OCR Cut Breakdown
The March 25bps cut was anticipated. We track which lenders moved and what's next.
Regional
Week 9 · 3 March 2026
Bay of Plenty Leads North Island Growth
Tauranga volumes are up 22%. Lower rates and lifestyle demand attract buyers back.
Investors
Week 8 · 24 Feb 2026
Interest Deductibility at 100% — One Year In
A year since full deductibility was restored, we review the impact on investor demand.
First Home
Week 7 · 17 Feb 2026
KiwiSaver Strategies for 2026 Buyers
Contribution thresholds, withdrawal timing, and government matching broken down.
Rates
Week 6 · 10 Feb 2026
Floating vs Fixed: Which Strategy Wins?
With OCR cuts expected, many borrowers are torn. We model out four interest rate scenarios.
Specialist
Week 5 · 3 Feb 2026
New Build Exemptions Driving Construction
Why LVR exemptions on new builds are keeping the construction sector alive.
Regulations
Week 4 · 27 Jan 2026
DTI Caps Fully Active: Who Is Affected?
Debt-to-Income rules are now binding. We explain how this impacts your borrowing multiple.
Market
Week 3 · 20 Jan 2026
Summer Sales Slump: Opportunity or Warning?
Volumes dipped sharply over January. We analyze the traditional holiday slowdown.
Rates
Week 2 · 13 Jan 2026
Bank Stress Test Rates Fall Below 7.5%
Unadvertised policy shifts are suddenly increasing borrowing power by up to 15%.
Forecast
Week 1 · 6 Jan 2026
The Year Ahead: 2026 Mortgage Forecast
Our comprehensive outlook for the NZ property market and interest rate curve for 2026.