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Lending Criteria

Browse our articles about mortgage lending requirements in New Zealand. Topics include credit scores, affordability assessments, lender test rates and changes to lending rules. Each article explores a specific factor that may influence how lenders assess mortgage applications.

Lending Test Rate NZ Update: Impact on Borrowing Power

Update 2025: Banks and non-banks continue to adjust the lending test rates they use to calculate loan affordability. These changes...

Borrowing Just Got Easier: Changes to the Responsible Lending Code

As of 31 July 2024, the New Zealand Government has loosened the Responsible Lending Code rules. The changes mean a...

Credit Scores in New Zealand Explained

What You Need to Know About Credit Scores If you’re preparing to apply for a mortgage or simply reviewing your...

What are the Mortgage Lending Criteria in NZ?

This article explains the main mortgage lending criteria in NZ, what lenders usually assess, and what can affect your chances...

How much deposit do I need to buy a house in NZ?

If you are buying a home you intend to live in, a 20% deposit is generally the preferred target in...