
Frequently asked questions.
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Great question! A mortgage Adviser is like your personal home loan matchmaker—we do the legwork to find the best loan for your situation, saving you time, stress, and (potentially) a lot of money.
Here’s why working with a Adviser (like us at Boost Brokers!) is a smart move:
More Choice, Better Deals – We have access to a wide range of lenders, including banks and non-bank lenders, so we can compare options and find the best fit for you.
We Work for YOU, Not the Bank – Unlike a bank that will only offer its own products, we act in your best interests, negotiating the best possible rates and terms on your behalf.
Smoother, Faster Process – We handle the paperwork, chase up lenders, and guide you through every step, making the process easier and less stressful.
Expert Advice, No Extra Cost – In most cases, our service is completely free for you because we’re paid by the lender. You get expert advice without the extra fees.
Tailored Solutions – Whether you're a first-home buyer, self-employed, or looking to invest, we find solutions that fit your unique situation.
Bottom line? A mortgage adviser makes getting a home loan easier, often cheaper, and a whole lot less stressful.
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Mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all—there are different types to suit different needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main options:
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Lock in your interest rate for a set period (e.g., 1-5 years). Great for stability and budgeting, but less flexibility if rates drop.
Floating (Variable) Rate Mortgage
Your interest rate moves with the market, meaning it can go up or down. You can make extra payments without penalties, but your repayments may fluctuate.
Split Loan
A mix of fixed and floating—so you get the certainty of a fixed rate on part of your loan while keeping some flexibility on the other portion.
Interest-Only Mortgage
You only pay the interest for a set period (no principal), keeping repayments lower. Often used by investors but not ideal for long-term homeownership.
Revolving Credit Mortgage
Works like a big overdraft—your income goes in, and you only pay interest on what you use. Good for disciplined borrowers who want flexibility and to pay their loan off faster.
Offset Mortgage
Link your savings account to your home loan, and you’ll only pay interest on the difference. This can help reduce interest costs and pay off your mortgage sooner.
Not sure which one’s right for you? Let’s chat! We can help you choose the best structure based on your goals.
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The deposit you need depends on your situation and the type of property you’re buying. Here’s a general guide:
Low Deposit? No Problem!
If you don’t have a 20% deposit, there are options like:
Low-deposit home loans (some banks offer them, but lending criteria apply)
Using KiwiSaver to boost your deposit
First Home Grant & First Home Loan options
Guarantor loans (where a family member helps with security)First-Home Buyers
Most banks require at least 10% deposit for an existing home.
If you're buying a new build, some lenders may accept a 10% deposit.
With a First Home Loan (backed by Kāinga Ora), you might only need 5%—if you meet the criteria.
Next Home or Moving Up the Property Ladder
Typically, you’ll need 20% deposit, but if you have equity in your current home, that can help!
Investors
Generally, a 30% deposit is needed for investment properties.
Some non-bank lenders may accept less, but interest rates might be higher.
New Builds
Many lenders allow 10% deposit (or even less with developer finance options).
If you’re buying off the plans, you might only need a small upfront deposit, with the rest due on completion.
Every situation is different, so if you're unsure where you stand, we’ll help you figure out your best options and get you on the property ladder sooner.
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What Does It Cost to Use a Mortgage Adviser?
For most people, using a mortgage adviser is completely free!
Here’s why:
We’re paid by the lender (not you) when your loan is approved and settled.
This means you get expert advice, loan comparisons, and help with the entire process—without paying a cent.
Are There Any Exceptions?
In rare cases, a fee may apply, such as:
Complex or non-bank lending – If your situation requires specialist lenders that don’t pay advisors commissions, a brokerage fee might apply (but we’ll always tell you upfront).
Short-term financing – If you refinance or repay your loan very quickly, the lender may “claw back” our commission, which could result in a small fee. We will let you know if this applies to you.No Surprises, Just Straightforward Advice
We’ll always be upfront about any potential costs before you commit, so there are no hidden surprises. Our goal is to get you the best deal, save you time, and make the process stress-free—all at no cost to you in most cases!
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What Does It Cost to Get a Mortgage?
Great question! The cost of getting a mortgage isn’t just about your deposit—there are a few other expenses to keep in mind. Here’s a breakdown:
Upfront Costs
Deposit – Usually 10-20% of the purchase price (or more for investors).
LIM Report – $150-$400 (varies by council). This checks property details, zoning, and potential issues.
Building Inspection – $400-$800. Highly recommended to avoid nasty surprises!
Registered Valuation – $600-$1,200 (only needed if the bank requires it).
Legal Fees – Around $1,500-$3,000 for conveyancing, contract checks, and settlement.Ongoing Costs
Mortgage Repayments – Depends on your loan amount, interest rate, and term.
Home Insurance – Required by lenders; costs vary depending on the property.
Rates (Council & Water) – Budget for these in your monthly expenses.
Loan Fees – Some lenders charge small setup fees (usually under $500), but we can often help negotiate these down or remove them altogether.Good News: Our Service Is Free!
As mortgage brokers, we don’t charge you—our commission comes from the lender, so you get expert advice without the extra cost.
Want to know exactly what your mortgage will cost? Get in touch, and we’ll crunch the numbers for you!
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We know paperwork can be a hassle, so we make it easy—you only need to fill out one application, and we’ll handle the rest! Instead of applying to multiple banks yourself, we do the legwork, comparing lenders to find you the best deal.
What You’ll Need (Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through it!)
Proof of Income – Recent payslips, employment contract, or financials if self-employed.
ID & Proof of Address – Passport or driver’s license + a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Bank Statements – Typically 3-6 months to show income and spending habits.
Existing Debts – Credit cards, loans, Buy Now Pay Later (Afterpay, Laybuy).
Deposit Evidence – KiwiSaver withdrawal, savings statements, or gifted funds.We Handle the Hard Work!
One application, multiple lender options – No need to repeat the process!
We liaise with the banks for you – Less stress, better deals.
We translate bank jargon into simple, clear advice – So you always know where you stand.Let us take the hassle out of home loans—get in touch, and we’ll get things moving!
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Paying off your mortgage faster can save you thousands in interest and shave years off your loan. The good news? We’re experts in structuring your lending to help you do exactly that!
How We Help You Get Mortgage-Free Sooner
Smart Loan Structuring – We help split your loan into the right mix of fixed, floating, and revolving credit to give you flexibility and savings.
Extra Repayments – We find loan options that let you make extra payments without penalties. Even small additional payments can make a big impact!
Offset & Revolving Credit Accounts – If you have savings, we can set up a structure that reduces the interest you pay while keeping your money accessible.
Shorter Loan Terms – Instead of a 30-year mortgage, we can look at shorter terms or higher repayments to reduce the total interest paid.
Refinancing for Better Rates – If your current loan isn’t working for you, we can review your mortgage and potentially refinance to a lender with better rates or terms.Is Refinancing Right for You?
Interest rates and personal circumstances change, so your loan should too! We regularly help clients refinance to:
✔ Get a lower interest rate
✔ Access better loan features & flexibility
✔ Reduce their loan term & pay it off fasterEvery situation is different, and that’s where we come in! Let’s chat about how we can set up your mortgage to work smarter—not harder.
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Interest rates are constantly changing, and what’s "best" depends on your situation, not just the lowest number on paper.
Banks adjust rates based on the economy, Reserve Bank decisions, and competition.
Different banks offer different deals depending on your deposit, income, and loan structure.
What looks like the lowest rate might not always be the best deal—fees, flexibility, and loan features matter too!
That’s Where We Come In!
Instead of you spending hours comparing rates and reading the fine print, we:
Monitor lender rate changes daily so you always get the most competitive option.
Negotiate on your behalf—sometimes we can secure a better deal than what’s advertised.
Structure your loan properly to make sure you’re not just getting the best rate, but also the best loan for your goals.Rates move, but we stay on top of it for you. Let’s chat and find the right deal for you today!