Mortgage Matters - The Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast

In this Episode, host Joel Sadler welcomes mortgage adviser Greg Miller to the Advanced Mortgage Solutions podcast to explain the Kainga Ora First Home Loan and how it helps first home buyers with low-deposit lending.

Greg outlines that loans under 20% deposit are considered high risk and normally require bank insurance, but Kainga Ora is government-backed, which can allow deposits as low as 5% and access to much cheaper interest rates, often close to “specials.”

He clarifies it is not a shared-equity scheme and buyers still own 100% of the home. Greg covers key criteria including being a first home buyer, employment requirements (industry changes can affect eligibility), income caps ($95,000 single; $150,000 joint), and rules requiring use of available deposit funds.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:30 Gregs Property Journey
01:56 What Is the First Home Loan
02:56 Key Benefits Low Deposit Rates
05:15 No Family Guarantees Needed
06:02 Is There a Catch
07:37 Eligibility Criteria Explained
09:44 Income Caps and Deposit Rules
16:20 Next Steps Contact AMS
16:50 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

To get help with a new home loan or update an existing one, reach out to the friendly AMS team here: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions...

In this September 2026 mortgage update, Mortgage Matters host Joel Sadler talks with mortgage adviser Scott Miller from Advanced Mortgage Solutions about the latest New Zealand OCR increase and what it actually means for home loan interest rates.

Around a week and a half after the OCR increase, Scott explains that the immediate changes he has seen have largely been to floating mortgage rates, while the fixed mortgage rates discussed in this episode – including shorter fixed terms – had not simply increased in line with the OCR.

So why doesn't an OCR increase automatically translate into the same increase across every mortgage rate?

Scott explains the difference between floating and fixed mortgage rates, how banks fund home lending, and why longer-term fixed rates can be influenced by factors beyond the Reserve Bank's Official Cash Rate.

Joel and Scott also discuss mortgage assessment rates – the higher rates banks can use when testing whether borrowers can afford a home loan – and why an OCR increase doesn't necessarily mean those assessment rates immediately change either.

For first-home buyers and anyone planning to purchase a property this spring, there's another important consideration: mortgage pre-approval.

As New Zealand heads into the traditionally busier spring property market, bank turnaround times can increase. Scott explains why getting your mortgage pre-approval underway early can help you understand your borrowing position before you find a property you want to buy.

In this episode:
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:25 OCR Update and What Changed
01:06 Floating vs Fixed Mortgage Rates
02:54 Bank Assessment Rates and Buffers
04:54 Why Longer Fixed Rates Can Differ
06:39 Spring Property Market and Pre-Approval
07:37 Bank Turnaround Times and Getting Ahead
09:11 Final Mortgage Tips and Wrap Up

If you're buying a home, refinancing or want to understand how current mortgage rates and lending conditions may affect you, contact Scott and the team at Advanced Mortgage Solutions.

Mortgage rates and lending criteria can change. The information discussed reflects the market at the time this episode was recorded.

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

In this episode of the Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast, Scott Miller explains how mortgage applications differ when two people (such as siblings or friends) buy a property together but don’t live together. 

Instead of shared household costs, lenders often assess two separate sets of living expenses, which can reduce borrowing capacity and make approval harder. 

Scott also highlights a key future consequence: even if you own only 50% of a jointly purchased property, lenders may assess you as 100% liable for the joint debt when you later apply for a loan on your own, potentially forcing you to exit the joint lending. 

The conversation covers rental income helping with investment-property affordability, common scenarios like helping parents, and the importance of property relationship agreements and exit strategies. 

More info is at advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz

00:00 Intro and Topic Setup
00:47 Joint vs Separate Expenses
02:18 Future Borrowing Liability Trap
03:55 Second Property and Rental Income
05:03 Helping Parents Pitfalls
06:23 Agreements and Exit Strategies

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

For help with lending for a lifestyle block reach out to the team: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/

In this episode of Mortgage Matters, Joel Sadler sits down with Advanced Mortgage Solutions founder Scott Miller to break down how lifestyle block lending works in NZ — and why it’s very different from buying a standard residential property.

From deposit requirements to unexpected bank criteria, this episode covers the key risks and decisions that can make or break your purchase.

Key topics covered:

Why lifestyle block deposits can jump from 20% to 50%
How land size affects lending classification (residential vs agri/business)
Hidden bank rules — including road access (tar seal vs shingle)
How distance from town can impact your loan
Essential services: water (wells), sewer (septic systems), and compliance
Building on lifestyle land — what lenders look for
Adding sheds, minor dwellings, and granny flats
Why declaring income-producing land use can change your loan type
Real-world example: vineyard lending differences
Why speaking to a mortgage adviser early is critical

Scott also explains how easily buyers can fall into more expensive lending structures — and how to avoid costly mistakes before signing a contract.

Whether you're dreaming of more space, a hobby farm, or a rural lifestyle, this episode will help you navigate the lending landscape with confidence.

📍 New Zealand mortgage advice | Nationwide service
Talk to the team at Advanced Mortgage Solutions: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/

00:00 Welcome and Topic Intro
00:42 What Makes Lifestyle Lending Different
02:01 Buying vs Building Basics
03:20 Land Size and Deposit Rules
04:00 Shingle Roads and Other Odd Bank Rules
04:57 Distance to Town Impacts Deposits
06:25 Building Services Costs and Compliance
07:26 Sheds Granny Flats and Council Rules
09:31 Declaring Land Use Avoid Business Lending
10:50 Vineyard Example Residential vs Business Loan
12:33 Why Talk to an Advisor First
13:57 Closing

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

In this episode of Mortgage Matters, Joel interviews Travis Hamilton from Plan B about how pre-existing conditions affect personal insurance such as life, health, disability, trauma, and medical cover. 

Travis explains that what counts as “pre-existing” depends on the type of cover, and a helpful rule of thumb is whether something is recent or significant (material) versus long ago or minor. 

He outlines how layered health questions and pre-underwriting reduce the risk of non-disclosure, and notes he has never had a non-disclosure claim declined in 15 years, though it can happen. 

Travis describes when insurers may request targeted GP notes or health screenings, how supplemental test results can support an application, and how family history questions typically focus on immediate family and only what the applicant knows.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:47 What Travis Covers
01:12 Why Insurance Matters
01:43 Pre Existing Basics
02:38 Material Disclosure Rule
04:41 Health Questions and Pre Underwriting
06:22 Exclusions and Advisor Advocacy
07:09 Medical Records and GP Notes
08:20 Supplementary Tests and Family History
10:22 Wrap Up and Contact Info

To book a free appointment with Travis please go to https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/contact/

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Has the latest OCR increase changed mortgage rates, and what does it mean if you're planning to buy a home?

In this episode of the Advanced Mortgage Solutions podcast, host Joel Sadler speaks with mortgage adviser Scott Miller about the latest New Zealand mortgage market update, how the recent Official Cash Rate (OCR) increase is affecting home loan interest rates, and why now could be an ideal time to get mortgage pre-approval before the busy spring property market.

Scott explains why the 0.25% OCR increase had only a small impact on bank mortgage rates, discusses the inflation pressures influencing future Reserve Bank decisions, and shares his outlook for interest rates over the coming months.

The conversation also covers current property market conditions across New Zealand, including why Christchurch continues to outperform some other regions, what buyers can expect as spring listings increase, and why getting organised early can give you an advantage in a competitive market.

You'll also learn how long mortgage pre-approvals remain valid, how quickly banks are currently processing applications, and what happens if your pre-approval expires before you find the right property.

If you're a first-home buyer, looking to refinance, or planning your next property purchase, this episode provides practical mortgage advice to help you prepare with confidence.

For personalised mortgage advice, contact Scott Miller and the team at Advanced Mortgage Solutions:
https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions...

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Buying your first home in New Zealand can feel overwhelming, especially when you realise how many professionals are involved in the process. In this episode of the Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast, Christchurch mortgage adviser Scott Miller joins Joel Sadler to explain the five key people first home buyers will encounter and who each professional actually works for during the home buying journey.

Scott explains why both a mortgage adviser and solicitor work entirely for the purchaser, helping buyers navigate bank lending criteria, KiwiSaver withdrawals, legal due diligence, property titles, and LIM reports.

The episode also covers why buyers should commission their own building report and LIM report rather than relying on documents provided by the vendor. Scott explains how independent reports protect buyers and can be used to renegotiate or exit a contract if issues are discovered.

You’ll also learn when a registered valuation may be required by the bank, and why valuers and building inspectors provide independent services rather than representing either the buyer or seller.

Finally, Scott explains the role of the real estate agent, who legally works for the vendor, and outlines the typical timing differences between auction purchases and conditional offers.

If you're planning to buy your first home in New Zealand, this episode will help you understand the team around you and how to navigate the process with confidence.

Learn more or contact the team at Advanced Mortgage Solutions:
https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/

00:00 First Home Buyer Overview
00:32 The Key People Involved in Buying a House
00:56 Mortgage Adviser and Solicitor Roles
02:19 Why Building Reports Matter
03:17 Commissioning Your Own Property Reports
04:38 Registered Valuations Explained
05:33 The Role of the Real Estate Agent
06:14 When to Engage Each Professional
09:03 Trusted Professionals and Referrals
10:20 Getting Started with Your First Home

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

In this Episode, Joel Sadler and mortgage adviser Scott Miller from Advanced Mortgage Solutions discuss the emotional side of buying a first home and how to reduce stress. 

Scott explains that the process can feel daunting because it’s new and involves many moving parts (finance, legal, negotiation, and multiple people), but it becomes easier as steps are completed. 

He advises using a team of professionals, communicating in a relaxed one-on-one setting, and being fully transparent about finances so lenders can assess applications quickly; credit checks can reveal undisclosed debts. 

Scott covers the value of pre-assessment and written step-by-step guidance, the need to disclose factors like pregnancy that affect affordability, and balancing emotional attachment with thorough due diligence such as building reports to avoid problems when buying or later selling. 

He directs listeners to the company website to get started: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/ 

00:00 Welcome And Episode Focus
00:42 Why Home Buying Feels Daunting
02:02 Build Your Professional Team
03:18 Be Transparent With Finances
04:37 Credit Checks And Disclosure
05:58 Real Story Debt Collection Surprise
08:07 Pregnancy And Affordability Planning
10:00 Step By Step Timeline Checklist
13:07 Stay Calm When You Miss Out
15:16 Due Diligence Before You Commit
17:17 How To Get In Touch
17:46 Final Thanks And Sign Off

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

Host Joel Sadler interviews assurance expert Travis Hamilton, a financial advisor specializing in health and insurance risk with 15 years’ experience and country chair for the Million Dollar Round Table, about mortgage protection. 

Travis explains that mortgage protection provides a monthly payment if you can’t work due to sickness, illness, accident, or injury, and it’s based on a percentage of income (up to 45%)—you don’t need a mortgage to hold it. 

He compares it with income protection, noting mortgage protection can be more generous because it may pay on top of ACC in accident scenarios, and advisors often combine mortgage and income protection to reach up to 75% of income (not 100%). 

They discuss that banks don’t legally require this cover, but clients are guided through scenarios to decide what they want, including how life insurance and trauma cover can protect families and mortgage obligations. 

Travis shares examples of current claims (mental health/stress leave, lower back pain, carpal tunnel, chronic bowel condition) and outlines key policy settings such as benefit periods (2 or 5 years up to age 65/70) and waiting periods (1–3 months), with cost trade-offs. 

The episode closes with advice to make an informed decision by considering how long you could last without income, and how to contact Travis via Advanced Mortgage Solutions; consultations are typically fee-free, with remuneration via disclosed commissions if a policy proceeds.

To book a Free meeting with Travis please visit: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/contact/

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast + Meet Travis Hamilton
00:55 Mortgage Protection 101: What It Is and What It Covers
02:29 How Much Can You Cover? Income % Limits + ACC Top-Ups
04:22 Mortgage Protection vs Income Protection (and Why You Might Combine Them)
07:03 Is It Required by the Bank? Common Misconceptions + Needs-Based Advice
10:23 Real-Life Framing: Your Income Is Your Biggest Asset
12:45 Claims in the Real World: Mental Health, Back Pain, Stress Leave & More
13:59 Choosing Your Settings: Benefit Periods, Waiting Periods & Cost Trade-Offs
16:49 Final Tips + How to Contact Travis (Fees, Commissions & Transparency)

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz 

In this Episode, Joel Sadler speaks with Scott Miller, owner and founder of Advanced Mortgage Solutions, about why using specialists is important when buying or selling property. 

Scott explains that licensed professionals can give compliant, competent advice that bank staff may not be able to provide, and outlines where different specialists fit in the home-buying timeline: starting early with a mortgage adviser/financial adviser for preparation and pre-approval, then involving real estate agents, solicitors, building inspectors, and registered valuers at the appropriate stages. 

He discusses when second-tier lenders may be needed (such as adverse credit circumstances), the value of a broker’s trusted network of professionals without referral fees, and why legal advice is critical—especially with private sales and sales and purchase agreements. 

The episode also covers using accountants for property investment structures (trusts, companies, personal ownership) and the added complexities in Christchurch post-earthquakes, including insurance/EQC work, ‘as is where is’ properties, and lender caution. 

To book a free meeting with Scott or his team head over to: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz/ 

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast + Today’s Topic: Why Specialists Matter
00:32 What a Specialist Actually Does (and Why Licensing Matters)
02:27 When to Start: Getting a Mortgage Advisor In Early
03:33 The Property-Buying Timeline: Broker → Bank → Agents → Lawyer/Inspectors/Valuer
05:20 Mortgage Broker vs Bank: Pre-Approval and ‘Security’ Checks
06:25 Why a Solicitor Protects You (Recourse, Contracts, and Risk)
07:16 Trusted Referrals & No Kickbacks: Building a Network You Can Rely On
09:32 Property Investing Structures: Trusts, Companies, and the Right Accountant
11:00 Private Sales: Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
12:44 Real Example: Unconsented Driveway Found in the LIM
13:59 Christchurch Earthquake Nuances: EQC Work, ‘As-Is’ Homes, and Extra Due Diligence
15:33 Wrap-Up + How to Contact Advanced Mortgage Solutions

For assistance with a new or existing home loan, reach out to Advanced Mortgage Solutions today. www.advancedmortgagesolutions.co.nz