Exploring NZ Home Loans

Reviewed and Updated: June 15, 2023

Ready to say goodbye to throwing your hard-earned money away on rent and welcoming the joys of owning a home? There are five main types of home loans available in New Zealand, each with its own pros, cons, and considerations - the Table Home Loan, Reducing Balance Home Loans, Revolving Credit Mortgages, Offset Mortgages, and Interest-Only Mortgages. Before deciding on a loan it is important to consider your budget, current income and spending habits, future financial goals, anticipated changes in life and risk tolerance. Additionally, an experienced mortgage broker will be able to provide expert advice as you make your decision. So, set forth and equip yourself with the knowledge to make the best home loan decision in pursuit of financial harmony.

Do you want to indulge in the comforts of a home without the stressful mortgage jumble? Then, it’s time to jump on the home loan knowledge train and get acquainted with the five types of Kiwi mortgage rides. From table home loans to interest-only mortgages, every type has its own pros, cons and considerations – it’s up to you to select the one that is the perfect fit. Explore the debt-slaying features of each type, understand their different natures, check out their compatible interest rates, and seek expert advice to make the right choice for you. Finally, be rest assured that you are taking a step closer to ridding yourself of that costly rent, and basking in the joys
Subheadings for the article:

  1. Introduction to the Five Types of Home Loans
  2. Table Home Loans: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
  3. Reducing Balance Home Loans: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
  4. Revolving Credit Mortgages: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
  5. Offset Mortgages: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
  6. Interest-Only Mortgages: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
  7. Fixed vs Floating Interest Rates: Choosing the Right Option for Your Mortgage
  8. Mortgage Types: Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Early Repayments: What You Should Know
  10. Making the Right Decision: Factors to Consider and Seeking Expert Advice

For each subheading, the content provided in the original text should be rewritten and restructured in Drew Eric Whitman’s style, focusing on how the information can help the reader make an informed decision about the different loan types.

1. Introduction to the Five Types of Home Loans

Picture this: You’re finally ready to say goodbye to throwing your hard-earned money away on rent and hello to the joys of owning a home. But that’s where the excitement ends, and the confusion sets in – how do you choose the right home loan to fund your grand castle in the Kiwi countryside?

Stay cool, because I’m going to fill your noggin with all the juicy knowledge you need to make an informed, (dare I say) delightful decision about financing your sweet nest. In New Zealand, there are five boot-kicking types of home loans to consider:

  • Table Home Loans
  • Reducing Balance Home Loans
  • Revolving Credit Mortgages
  • Offset Mortgages
  • Interest-Only Mortgages

Let’s peel back the layers of these tantalizing loan types, to reveal the luscious pros, the ugly cons, and the do-or-die considerations.

2. Table Home Loans: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Table Home Loans is the top dog of NZ mortgages. In fact, over 80% of kiwi home buyers choose this option. So, what makes this mighty popular mortgage tick?

Pros

  • You’re in it for the long haul: Each of your repayments goes towards knocking down a chunk of your principal and tackling the ferocious interest.
  • Smooth as butter: You choose the repayment frequency that tickles your fancy – weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
  • Anxiety begone: Your repayments stay consistent, so you can budget like a boss.

Cons

  • Missing out ain’t fun: With a significant part of repayments going towards interest in the beginning, you might not see drastic reductions in the principal initially.

Considerations

  • Keep an eye on those interest rates: Opting for fixed, floating, or capped will influence your repayments.
  • Tuck your money away: Try setting aside a buffer amount to cover the future and unexpected mortgage rate changes.

3. Reducing Balance Home Loans: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Reducing Balance Home Loans: Pay off more principal upfront and shed the debt load faster!

Pros

  • Principal powerhouse: Knock off that principal right from the beginning, like a financial home run.
  • Interest iciness: As the principal drops, so will the interest charges.

Cons

  • Heavier payments: Your payments start larger, so your wallet might feel the financial squeeze.
  • Less wiggle room: Expect less repayment flexibility compared to Table Home Loans.

Considerations

  • Double down on your debts: Consider this option if you’re both able and keen to tackle your debts ferociously.

4. Revolving Credit Mortgages: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Revolving Credit Mortgages: Like an interest-slaying credit card, for your home loan.

Pros

  • Like an overdraft facility: Convenient as your daily account with oodles of repayment flexibility.
  • Interest assassin: Allows you to throw extra cash at the loan to reduce the interest charges.

Cons

  • Financial discipline: Laxness and overspending will leave you mired in the debt quagmire.

Considerations

  • For the disciplined savers: Ideal for those with a hands-on grip on their finances, and the ability to save and spend responsibly.

5. Offset Mortgages: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Offset Mortgages: The unsung hero of NZ mortgages, your everyday savings leap in to battle the interest beast.

Pros

  • Use your savings: The balance in your main account helps knock down the interest you need to pay on the mortgage.
  • Retaining control: Access and use your linked account with ease.

Cons

  • Not mainstream: Lesser-known than the Table Home Loans, it might require some research to find the right lender.

Considerations

  • For the thrifty folk: If you’ve got money in the bank and an eye for control, this might be your winning match.

6. Interest-Only Mortgages: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Interest-Only Mortgages: Reduce your repayment burden by paying only the interest for a certain period.

Pros

  • Buying time: Free up some money for other expenses or investments for the time being.
  • Lower repayments: You’ll only have to handle the interest in the set period.

Cons

  • Principal procrastination: Paying only the interest leaves the principal looming.

Considerations

  • Temporary temptation: Consider this as a short-term solution for managing your cash flow.

7. Fixed vs Floating Interest Rates: Choosing the Right Option for Your Mortgage

Locking horns about whether your mortgage should float or be fixed? As with everything, it’s about what makes your financial boat float:

  • Fixed: You like stability, and breaking unpredictable interest rate changes ain’t your game.
  • Floating: You fancy some flexibility with repaying early or making lump sum repayments, or believe interest rates are headed downwards.

Choose wisely, my friend.

8. Mortgage Types: Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got blazing hot answers:

  • Q: Can I switch mortgage types?

  • A: Yes indeed, but tread carefully – the cost of switching and the benefits should always be weighed.

  • Q: Can I switch my payment frequency?

  • A: Some lenders do allow for it, but once again – weigh the pros and cons based on your circumstances.

9. Early Repayments: What You Should Know

Want to break free from your mortgage shackles early? Here’s what you must know:

  • The type of loan and interest rate you’ve selected will be a major deciding factor in the early repayment costs.
  • Floating interest rates can be more forgiving when it comes to early repayments.
  • Expect some sort of early repayment fee from lenders when paying off fixed-rate loans.

10. Making the Right Decision: Factors to Consider and Seeking Expert Advice

Choosing your mortgage is like picking your lifetime partner – you want the best fit for your unique financial lifestyle. Consider the following:

  • Your current income and spending habits
  • Your future financial goals
  • Anticipated changes in your life
  • Factors like your risk tolerance and money management skills

Season all that with the savory advice from an experienced mortgage broker, and you, my friend, will be on the path to home loan harmony. So, bask in the knowledge you now possess and set forth to conquer the mortgage battlefield. Welcome to the world of informed decision-making – it’s a wild ride!

Conclusion: Sealing the Deal with Your Ideal Home Loan

There you have it, folks – five scintillating home loan flavours to chew on, and wisdom galore for making that crucial mortgage decision. So, to recap:

  • Table Home Loans for those who love steadiness
  • Reducing Balance Home Loans for the daredevils who want to see their principal plummet fast
  • Revolving Credit Mortgages for the disciplined, interest-slaying ninjas
  • Offset Mortgages for the savings-savvy superstars
  • Interest-Only Mortgages for the folks who need a lil’ breathing space

But don’t rush off to tie the home loan knot just yet! Your next steps are crucial to ensuring your dream home doesn’t transform into a debt dungeon:

  1. Revisit your own financial profile – the joys, the challenges, and the niggling quirks.
  2. Mull over the compatibility between those loan types and your mortgage safety demands, flexibility cravings, and all-around financial flavours.
  3. Don’t discount the value of a hearty chat with a mortgage maestro – or even a combo of fantastic finance folks to help you hammer out that perfect home loan arrangement.

Like a master chef, it’s time to whip up that perfect mortgage mix! The recipe for success is ripe for your unique taste – so, dust off your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to cook up a finger-licking-good home loan feast. Your future cosy nest awaits, you wily homeowner-to-be. Now, onward to the mortgage magic!

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