Overview

The NZ mortgage process from first decision to settlement typically takes 6–10 weeks. With a Finch adviser by your side, each step is guided, documented, and progressed as quickly as the lender allows.

Step 1: Assess Your Financial Position

Before approaching any lender, understand your financial position. Key questions:

  • What is your gross annual income (and your partner's)?
  • What regular expenses do you have?
  • How much deposit do you have saved (including KiwiSaver)?
  • Any existing loans, credit cards, or financial commitments?

Finch does a full assessment at no cost, giving you a realistic picture of what you can borrow before you approach a lender.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approval

Pre-approval gives you a conditional commitment from a lender for a maximum borrowing amount. You'll need:

  • Last 2 years of payslips or tax returns (self-employed)
  • 3–6 months of bank statements
  • ID and proof of address
  • Details of your deposit and savings
Finch Tip: We apply to the lender most likely to approve your specific situation — not just the one with the lowest advertised rate. This maximises your approval odds.

Step 3: Search for a Property

Now that you know your budget, shop with confidence. Your pre-approval is typically valid for 90 days. During this period, you can bid at auction or make conditional offers on properties up to your pre-approved amount.

Step 4: Make an Offer

When you find a property, you'll sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&P). For private sales, you can include conditions such as:

  • Subject to finance (3–5 working days)
  • Subject to building inspection
  • Subject to LIM report

At auctions, the sale is unconditional immediately — so you must have full pre-approval in place before bidding.

Step 5: Full Loan Approval

Once your offer is accepted, the lender will:

  • Order a registered property valuation
  • Confirm all your financial documents are in order
  • Issue a formal Letter of Offer

This usually takes 3–7 working days. Finch liaises with the lender daily to keep things moving.

Step 6: Legal Process

You'll need a conveyancer or property solicitor. They will:

  • Review the S&P agreement
  • Conduct title searches and LIM review
  • Prepare mortgage documents for signing
  • Coordinate settlement with the vendor's solicitor

Step 7: Settlement & Keys

On settlement day, your solicitor transfers the funds. The property title changes to your name. You collect the keys. You're a homeowner!

After settlement, Finch will set a reminder to review your loan before your fixed rate expires — ensuring you're always on the best deal available.