Latest Report
This Week's
Market Update.
🟢 Latest · Week 18, 2026
Winter Mortgage Strategies: Positioning for Pre-Approvals
As the colder months approach, the New Zealand property market historically experiences a cooling in listing volumes. However, for well-prepared buyers and astute investors, winter presents a unique strategic window.
With less competition at open homes and sellers often more motivated, having a robust pre-approval in place is your strongest leverage. Secure a rate lock and be ready to act when the right property appears.
Key Numbers This Week
Pre-Approvals+5.2% MoM
Average 2-yr Fixed5.55%
Market ActivityCooling
Winter RefinancesUp
Avg Retention Offer↓ -10bps
Finch Advisor View
"Don't accept the first renewal rate in your app. With banks focusing heavily on retention, significant discounts are available for existing customers if you negotiate or use a broker."
Archive
Previous
Weekly Reports.
Rates
Week 17 · 28 April 2026
Autumn Market Update: Banks Hold Steady
As we move deeper into the autumn season, the New Zealand mortgage market is experiencing a period of cautious stability.
Rates
Week 16 · 21 April 2026
Major Banks Cut Rates Further
Major lenders drop 1-year and 2-year special fixed rates by a further 15 basis points.
Rates
Week 15 · 14 April 2026
OCR Holds at 3.25% — But June Cut Expected
The RBNZ held the OCR at 3.25%. We look at why banks are pricing in a June cut anyway.
Rates
Week 14 · 7 April 2026
ANZ Slashes 2-Year Fixed to 5.69%
ANZ's surprise rate cut caught the market off guard. We break down the 2-year sweet spot.
Regional
Week 13 · 31 March 2026
Canterbury Surges: +6.8% YoY Growth
Canterbury is outperforming every other region in NZ. We look at the South Island boom.
Investors
Week 12 · 24 March 2026
Rental Yields Rise: Portfolio Strategies
Wellington gross yields hit 5.2%. With rates falling, the investor case is strengthening.
First Home
Week 11 · 17 March 2026
First Home Grant Extended to 2027
Government extends First Home Grant eligibility. Price caps raised in major centres.
Rates
Week 10 · 10 March 2026
RBNZ March OCR Cut Breakdown
The March 25bps cut was anticipated. We track which lenders moved and what's next.
Regional
Week 9 · 3 March 2026
Bay of Plenty Leads North Island Growth
Tauranga volumes are up 22%. Lower rates and lifestyle demand attract buyers back.
Investors
Week 8 · 24 Feb 2026
Interest Deductibility at 100% — One Year In
A year since full deductibility was restored, we review the impact on investor demand.
First Home
Week 7 · 17 Feb 2026
KiwiSaver Strategies for 2026 Buyers
Contribution thresholds, withdrawal timing, and government matching broken down.
Rates
Week 6 · 10 Feb 2026
Floating vs Fixed: Which Strategy Wins?
With OCR cuts expected, many borrowers are torn. We model out four interest rate scenarios.
Specialist
Week 5 · 3 Feb 2026
New Build Exemptions Driving Construction
Why LVR exemptions on new builds are keeping the construction sector alive.
Regulations
Week 4 · 27 Jan 2026
DTI Caps Fully Active: Who Is Affected?
Debt-to-Income rules are now binding. We explain how this impacts your borrowing multiple.
Market
Week 3 · 20 Jan 2026
Summer Sales Slump: Opportunity or Warning?
Volumes dipped sharply over January. We analyze the traditional holiday slowdown.
Rates
Week 2 · 13 Jan 2026
Bank Stress Test Rates Fall Below 7.5%
Unadvertised policy shifts are suddenly increasing borrowing power by up to 15%.
Forecast
Week 1 · 6 Jan 2026
The Year Ahead: 2026 Mortgage Forecast
Our comprehensive outlook for the NZ property market and interest rate curve for 2026.