Mortgage Matters - The Advanced Mortgage Solutions Podcast

In this episode of Mortgage Matters, brought to you by Advanced Mortgage Solutions... host Joel speaks with property law specialist Brent Selwyn from KT Law about why first home buyers should engage a lawyer early, including meeting anti-money laundering onboarding requirements (ID and source of funds such as KiwiSaver approval letters and bank statements) and preparing for auction or deadline sale offers.

Brent outlines common issues when buyers don’t get legal advice, such as poorly written contracts and missing finance clauses, and explains buyers’ duty to use reasonable endeavors to satisfy conditions like LIM, finance, insurance, and building reports.

They discuss ongoing Canterbury earthquake-claim nuances—managed repairs, cash settlements with missing receipts, and as-is where-is purchases with no recourse—and why careful document review and building inspections matter.

Brent also notes migration to Christchurch for affordability and offers cost certainty, including no separate bill for unsuccessful auction/deadline pack reviews.

To get in touch with Brent, reach out to him via https://www.ktlaw.co.nz/

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:19 Why Engage a Property Lawyer Early
01:45 Contract Pitfalls Without Legal Advice
03:15 Canterbury Earthquake Claim Nuances
05:50 Cash Settlements Real Example
07:15 Moving to Christchurch and Local Expertise
08:54 Cost Guarantees and First Buyer Offers
11:03 How to Contact KT Law
11:34 Wrap Up and Thanks

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 Mortgage Matters Podcast, host Joel Sadler interviews mortgage advisor Greg Miller about home-loan options for buyers with less than a 20% deposit.

Greg explains low-deposit premiums and “loadings,” with roughly 0.25% for 15–19.9% deposits and up to 0.75% for 10–14.9%, and notes loadings usually come off once 20% equity is reached, often only at the end of a fixed-rate term, using desktop valuations.

They also cover ways to reach 20% equity faster (paying down debt, adding value, or market growth) and outline Kainga Ora First Home Loan benefits, criteria (first-home buyers, income caps, employment rules, deposit-use rules), and its one-off insured fee capitalized into the loan with near-special rates.

For help with a low deposit home loan visit: https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions...

00:00 Welcome and Setup
00:21 Low Deposit Loan Options
00:55 Reserve Bank LVR Limits
02:38 Strong Application Basics
03:47 Interest Premiums Explained
06:17 Removing the Loading
07:58 Boosting Equity Faster
09:00 Valuations and Fixed Terms
11:18 Wrap Up and Contact Info
11:53 New Episode Intro
12:07 Greg's Property Background
12:30 Gregs Property Journey
13:41 Kainga Ora Overview
14:42 How The Guarantee Works
16:35 Key Benefits Explained
17:48 Catches And Ownership
19:23 Eligibility Criteria
21:30 Income And Deposit Rules
23:34 Fees And Rate Loadings
27:15 Best Option Then Alternatives

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

Buying a home in Christchurch, Canterbury or elsewhere in New Zealand?

Scott and the team at Advanced Mortgage Solutions can help you understand your mortgage pre-approval, lending conditions and home loan options before you make an offer.

Residential mortgage advice from Advanced Mortgage Solutions is free to borrowers.

Find out more about mortgage pre-approval:
https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions...

Does mortgage pre-approval mean you can safely make an unconditional offer on a house in New Zealand?

Imagine your bank has pre-approved you for a $700,000 mortgage, and you find a house for $650,000. Surely you can make an unconditional offer because the property is below your pre-approved limit?

Not necessarily.

In this episode of Mortgage Matters, host Joel Sadler talks with mortgage adviser Scott Miller from Advanced Mortgage Solutions about one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding mortgage pre-approval in New Zealand.

Scott explains why home loan pre-approval doesn't automatically mean the bank has approved the property you want to buy, and why making an unconditional offer before completing the necessary checks can put first-home buyers at serious financial risk.

They discuss what banks actually assess when granting mortgage pre-approval, including your income, deposit, expenses, existing debts and credit history. But that's only part of the lending process.

The bank may still need to approve the property as suitable security for the mortgage. Scott explains how issues involving property insurance, unconsented renovations, defective titles or flat plans, and "as is, where is" properties can affect final home loan approval.

Joel and Scott also explore the importance of finance conditions, due diligence, solicitor checks and building reports before committing to a property purchase.

You'll also learn why your mortgage pre-approval can change if you take on new debt, change employment or experience other significant financial changes, and why being approved to borrow a certain amount doesn't mean you can use any remaining borrowing capacity for furniture or renovations.

Whether you're buying your first home, attending open homes or preparing to make an offer, understanding the difference between mortgage pre-approval and unconditional finance approval could help you avoid an expensive mistake.

In this episode:

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:22 Can You Make an Unconditional Offer With Pre-Approval?
01:51 What Mortgage Pre-Approval Really Means
05:25 Why Banks Must Approve the Property
08:42 Property Red Flags That Can Affect Finance
10:08 The Risks of Making an Unconditional Offer
10:58 How Financial Changes Can Affect Pre-Approval
13:07 Borrowing Limits, Furniture and Renovations
15:15 Final Advice for First-Home Buyers

#MortgagePreApproval #FirstHomeBuyerNZ #MortgageAdviceNZ

Find out more about mortgage pre-approval:
https://www.advancedmortgagesolutions...

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

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