Mortgage stories
Industry groups say Labor’s policies could ease affordability pressures after its weekend win made housing reforms more likely.
Mortgage repayments now absorb nearly half of household income, as record house prices and weaker wages push affordability to fresh lows.
First-home buyers are being refused finance after going unconditional, as tougher bank rules and lending checks squeeze borrowing.
Property values have already slipped nationwide, with tourism-dependent centres like Queenstown hardest hit as the recession starts to bite.
Transaction volumes are expected to fall sharply after lockdown, with weaker demand and limited listings likely to push prices lower.
New Zealand property owners are being urged to avoid panic decisions, as low rates and support measures may help cushion the lockdown fallout.
Tenants face a temporary freeze on rent rises and evictions as New Zealand's four-week COVID-19 lockdown halts viewings and house moves.
Lower borrowing costs are expected to bolster New Zealand property demand, with record-low interest rates giving buyers greater certainty and confidence.
Tight housing supply and surging demand are pushing Dunedin values up 17% a year, with buyers still outpacing new listings.
Robert Jesudason, an executive at Commonwealth Bank Australia, has resigned from the board of the Australian bank's New Zealand arm, ASB Bank.
Leeds Building Society collaborates with Mortgage Brain to enhance mortgage search for intermediaries, simplifying access to comprehensive residential and buy-to-let mortgage information.
Joust Marketplace, an online home loan marketplace, has unveiled its new feature, Joust Connect, one of several features to be released this year.
