Your questions, answered before you need to ask

We'll send you a link to an online application. In it you'll add your personal details, income, expenses, savings, assets and any debts, then upload your documents. Usually that's ID, recent payslips, bank statements and statements for any loans or cards.

Send documents as PDFs rather than links. Banks often can't open shared links.

Yes. Include anything you own that has value, even if you're not using it for your deposit. It gives the bank the full picture. If something is listed that no longer exists, like a closed business or a sold car, let us know and we'll remove it.

No problem. Download your statements as PDFs from your internet banking and upload them directly, or email them to us.

Sometimes. Banks may verify your employment directly, or ask for an employer letter confirming your role and salary. It's worth giving your employer a heads-up.

Banks review your statements closely. They'll ask about regular payments they can't identify, transfers between people, boarder or child support income, and any contracting income. It's normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.

If you know of anything unusual on your statements, tell us up front. We can explain it in the application and save a round of questions later.

Banks assess credit cards on the full limit, not the balance. A $10,000 limit counts against you even if you owe nothing, because you could spend it tomorrow. Buy now pay later accounts like Afterpay, Gem and Q Card count too.

• Closing an account usually takes about a week.
• The bank will want a closure or limit-reduction letter as proof.

Talk to us before you apply about which cards to keep. Sorting this early stops it turning into a last-minute condition.

We include repayment examples in your pre-approval email. As a rough guide, every $100,000 borrowed over 30 years costs around $257 a fortnight at current fixed rates. Try the repayment calculator in step 4 for your own numbers. Your actual repayments depend on the rates we lock in and how the loan is structured.

Usually, yes. A 30 year term keeps your minimum repayment lower, which gives you a buffer if life changes. You can still pay more each fortnight and clear the loan faster. We'll set it up so extra repayments work for you.

Yes, most last around three to six months. The expiry date is in your approval letter and our email. It isn't tied to one property, so you can use it for any home that fits the numbers.

We'll check in a couple of weeks before it expires. To extend, we usually just need you to confirm nothing has changed with your income, debts or deposit. The bank may ask for a recent payslip or statement. If your situation has changed, or the approval lapses, we may need a fresh application.

No need to decide yet. We'll compare the offers side by side, including rates, cashback and conditions, once you're close to buying. We'll talk it through with you and pick what works best.

We recommend at least 15 working days. That gives the bank time to sign off the property and for you to meet any conditions.

Send us the auction pack, LIM and agreement as early as you can. The bank needs to sign off the specific property before you bid, since an auction is unconditional.

Banks generally sign off one property at a time. If you have two auctions close together, tell us early so we can plan around it.

Usually not. Building reports are for you, to help you decide on the property. We'll let you know if the bank asks for one.

It's common, but it can affect both lending and insurance. Some insurers won't cover the unconsented parts, and banks may ask questions. Flag it to us as soon as you see it so we can check with the bank before you commit.

Get a quote while you're doing your due diligence, not after finance is approved. Banks need insurance in place before settlement, and quotes can take a few days, especially for older homes or properties with issues.

These are things the bank needs before it confirms your loan. Common ones include:

• Signed Sale & Purchase Agreement
• Registered valuation (we order it, approx. $1,000 to $1,200)
• KiwiSaver first home eligibility letter
• Gift certificate, if family is helping with your deposit
• Closing or reducing a credit card
• Updated payslips or statements

We'll list each one in plain English, along with who handles it.

• Savings: a recent statement in your name showing the funds.
• Gifts: a signed gift certificate. We'll send the template.
• KiwiSaver: an eligibility letter from your provider. Start this early as it can take a while.
• Overseas funds: evidence of the balance, and ideally move them to NZ before going unconditional.
• Term deposits: these need to mature before settlement.

Yes, but the bank needs to re-approve the new numbers and see evidence of any extra funds. Tell us before you tell your lawyer, so we can update everything in time.

Once your purchase is unconditional. Rate quotes are only valid for a short time, so any rate before that is a guide. Ignore the floating rates in your loan offer. We'll negotiate fixed rates for you at the right time.

It varies by bank, but is often around 60 days. If your settlement is further out, talk to us about timing so you don't miss the window.

Most people split their loan across two or more fixed terms. It spreads your risk if rates move and gives you flexibility to make extra repayments. Offset or revolving credit can also help if you keep savings on hand. We'll recommend a structure that suits you before you sign.

We confirm your loan structure and rates, then the bank sends loan documents to your lawyer. You'll sign them with your lawyer, the bank verifies your ID, and the funds are paid on settlement day.

Lawyers usually need about a week after receiving loan documents to settle a refinance. Engage your lawyer early. The loan amount is set when you apply, so we work to your balance at that time.

Yes. Floating loans can be repaid any time. Most fixed loans also let you pay a bit extra each year without a break fee. The allowance varies by bank, so ask us for yours.

If rates have dropped since you fixed, the bank may charge a break fee. Talk to us first. Sometimes there's a better option.

Progress payments go through your bank's construction team. We'll give you the contact and explain what each payment needs. The final payment usually needs the Code Compliance Certificate.