Home Loans

Q: How much deposit do I need for a home loan, and are there options with a lower deposit requirement?

Most banks need a deposit of at least 20% of the property's value for a home you will live in, and 30% for an existing investment property. Some buyers can borrow with less, for example through a bank's low-deposit lending, a Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, or when buying a new build. Talk to one of our advisers about the options that suit your circumstances.

Q: Can I get pre-approved for a home loan, and what are the benefits of doing so?

Yes, you can get pre-approved for a home loan. Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your borrowing capacity, strengthens your position when making an offer on a property, and speeds up the final approval process.

Unlock the door to your dream home or investment property with expert guidance and tailored home loan solutions from Real Savvy Financial Advice.

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Whether you are buying your first home, moving home or financing an investment property, we can help you choose the right home loan and apply for suitable lending.

Our advisers can assist you with:

Calculating what you can afford
Finding the right bank for you (or a non-bank lender if main bank criteria aren’t met)
Seeking pre-approval
Giving you step-by-step guidance (we can refer you to our network contacts too)
Doing as much of the ‘heavy lifting’ as we can with your application
Suggesting how to structure your lending in a way that may maximise tax deductibility*
Seeking lender approval for interest-only repayments, where suitable
Borrowing up to the maximum loan-to-value ratio (the share of the property’s value the bank will lend), if required, for new builds and existing investment properties
Negotiating competitive rates and packages
Explaining cross-securitisation in holding mortgages over different properties with the same bank, and the additional risks (that are sometimes little understood) associated with this structure

In short, we’ll advise you on what you can borrow, how to structure your mortgage, and the most competitive lending package we can recommend. We’ll manage the finance process with the lender and can work with your lawyer, accountant, real estate agent and any other professional you authorise, to achieve the result you’re after.

*We are not tax advisers. Please obtain advice from a qualified tax professional on any tax matters we identify.

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Additional finance

Refixing or Restructuring

Reverse Mortgages

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Get started with RSFA

With 24 years of industry experience, Rod and his team provide expert guidance and top-notch service to help you achieve your financial goals. Reach out to our team today.

Prefer to talk to us directly? Call 09 950 8800. We aim to reply within one working day.

+64 9 950 8800

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Understand your finances with our financial analysis tools

Our advisers use advanced cash flow modelling to map out your income, expenses and financial commitments. It helps you see how different choices could affect your finances before you decide.

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Illustrative cash flow model showing household income, expenses and projected net worth

Useful Calculators for Home Loans

Our website offers a variety of easy-to-use financial calculators designed to help you make informed decisions.

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Repayment Calculator

Estimate monthly loan repayments based on the loan amount, interest rate and term.

Borrowing Power Calculator

Find out how much you can borrow based on your income and expenses.

Loan Comparison Calculator

Compare different loan options to determine the best choice for your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I consider when choosing the right home loan?

When selecting a home loan, consider the interest rate, loan term, repayment flexibility, and any associated fees. It's important to evaluate how these factors align with your financial situation and long-term goals.

How much deposit do I need for a home loan, and are there options with a lower deposit requirement?

Can I get pre-approved for a home loan, and what are the benefits of doing so?

Contact our award-winning team and experience the difference

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 135 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Deane Trethewey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rod and Jet great to deal with - that’s why we always come back
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Liam Watson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great team, really helpful. I was able to get an insurance policy better suited to my needs and at a much better price than my previous policy. Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katrina Knapp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had a great experience working with Rod. He helped us with a mortgage re-fix as well as two new builds, and each time he secured us strong deals and clearly explained multiple options from different banks.

He’s knowledgeable, helpful, and takes the time to make sure you actually understand what you’re signing (which is underrated in this process).

We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable mortgage broker.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   louise anderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently worked with RSFA to set up my health insurance and move my KiwiSaver under their management, and the whole experience was excellent. Kathleen made the health insurance process incredibly easy, and Jet was great to deal with on the KiwiSaver side. Both were friendly, clear, and genuinely helpful. I’m really happy with the service and would definitely recommend RSFA to anyone looking for solid advice and support.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom Mackay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have worked with Rod and Kathleen at RSFA for a couple of years now. They did a great job of understanding my personal and business insurance requirements, and were able to provide me a solution that was more targeted and comprehensive than my existing policies. Not only that, it cost me less than I was already paying. More recently, Jet at RSFA has become my kiwisaver adviser. She is extremely proficient and a pleasure to work with. I have recommended RSFA to others and will continue to do so!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Molly Stokes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rod and Jet have been outstanding to work with. It’s clear the RSFA team genuinely prioritise their clients and consistently offer top quality advice. They made the whole process seamless and stress free for my husband and I, with excellent communication throughout. I would absolutely recommend RSFA any day. Thank you Rod and Jet!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Gladstone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such a great experience with both Rod & Jet. We moved banks and our KiwiSaver. Great advice, they were always happy to answer our questions. Fast turn around time from start to finish! Thank you both! Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lyss Abbott 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rod and Jet went out of their way to get me the best possible terms they could. And they blew my bank out of the water in every way. My bank was asking a million questions about my spending, going as far as wanting me to cancel my gym membership! Real Savvy assured me they weren't interesting in nitpicking my financial choices. They treated me like an adult who has autonomy over her own finances, whereas the bank acted like I was a child who didn't know how to run my own life. Not only did I appreciate being treated with respect and dignity, they also got the loan without heaps of conditions that the bank wanted to impose. And they were so easy to work with and so accommodating of my schedule as a shift worker. They also helped me switch to a more suitable Kiwisaver scheme for my stage of life and really listened to what I care about to ensure my investment was aligned with my values. I couldn't recommend them more! They made everything so effortless on my part, while getting the best possible lending outcome.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Adele Nairn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot rate Rod Schubert and the team at Real Savvy Financial Advice highly enough.
If you are looking top notch brokers (financial & insurance services) who are willing to think and work with you on the outcomes you are seeking then look no further!
Rod helped us with some complex re-financing recently against some very tight timelines, always remaining cool under pressure and retaining his sense of humour throughout.
On the insurance needs front, Jet Douglas, also of RSFA, walked on water to get us the best insurance cover tailored to our specific requirements.
Neither of these requests were easy nor straightforward, however, both Rod & Jet never lost sight of our end goals and acted with exceptional professionalism throughout.
We could not be happier with the outcomes and strongly recommend to anyone serious about reviewing where you are financially, including reviewing your insurance risk profiles, or simply looking for tailored mortgage advice - go talk to these two first.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Belinda S. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Rod Schubert and his team at RSFA.  Both Rod and Jet have been phenomenal to work with.

Before coming to them, I had no idea how mortgages really worked—despite having one. Rod and Jet made it easy to understand. Their patience and professionalism gave me complete confidence throughout the process.

What really stood out was how far they went above and beyond to achieve the best outcome. They took the stress out of what can be an overwhelming process, kept me informed at every step, and genuinely had my best interests at heart.

If you’re looking for a mortgage lending advisor who combines deep expertise with clear communication, trustworthiness, and outstanding personal service, Rod, Jet and their team are the ones to go to.

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