2017-04-19 00:12
There’s no doubt about it – the mortgage landscape has changed. Credit markets are tightening and rates have started to go up. So here’s the low down to help you make bette… Read More
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Squirrel: Mortgage Brokers Auckland Blog
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2017-03-27 03:06
Much of the news of late has been occupied by the centre right and specifically the decision to increase the retirement age from 65 years up to 67 years. Don’t worry, this isn’t… Read More
2017-03-05 18:51
January housing statistics were bleak, and Barfoot & Thompson’s results from February are not much better. January house sales were the lowest since January 2008. Now Barfoot is re… Read More
2017-03-03 01:44
It’s tough being a first home buyer. But with a bit of foresight and forward planning, we’ve got a few tips to help you make it work.
First of all, first home buyers can still bu… Read More
2017-03-02 01:46
When I lived in London I never owned a car. And when I worked in Sydney and Melbourne I similarly didn’t use a car and neither did my friends. We caught the train or the bus or the fer… Read More
2017-03-01 21:31
As we’ve noted for some time there are some big forces in play that are increasingly changing the way our economies work. None more so than the rise of technology and in particular, ro… Read More
2017-03-01 07:13
When it comes to your mortgage it pays to know it inside and out. After all, when such a large sum of money is at stake the last thing you want are surprises and unexpected costs. We get a… Read More
2017-02-17 06:59
Purchasing a home can be a lofty task, so most buyers will want a little help when it comes to sorting the technical details and making the right decisions. Helping in this way is what mort… Read More
2017-02-15 06:40
When it comes to your home loan there's more than one way to skin a cat. There are different interest rates, loan structures, add-ons, repayment terms and a number of other options that fun… Read More
2017-02-14 05:50
It’s been a few years since I’ve spent my nights in the houses of clients who are genuinely seeking advice around what to do and how to grow their portfolio, rather than what&rsq&hell…Read More
2017-02-06 21:44
How retail banks make money and why the floating housing rate increased
There has been some discussion recently on bank margins, caused by mortgage rates going up but the OCR not moving. Any… Read More
2017-02-02 09:22
If you're an Auckland homeowner working on a mortgage, we probably don't need to tell you how difficult managing your repayments can be. With average values in the Auckland market growing b… Read More
2017-02-02 07:33
For many of us, living in Auckland can be challenging. Sure, there's plenty to enjoy about our largest city, but that comes at a price – namely, the comparably high cost of living.&nb&helli…Read More
2017-02-01 09:57
As we welcome 2017, many of us are looking at ways of improving or bettering ourselves. But with our minds so focused on both returning to work and setting often-unrealistic personal goals… Read More
2017-01-24 12:13
First-home buyers across the country will be feeling a sense of relief as recent mortgage lending figures solidify – with decreased overseas investment opening the doors for more New… Read More
2017-01-19 02:44
Over the Christmas holiday period I had the luxury and privilege of travelling to the UK and Paris. Eye opening to say the least. It was like Auckland on extreme steroids with everythi… Read More
2017-01-18 20:00
Banks are blaming higher mortgage rates on higher funding costs even with the OCR at historic lows. That’s a convenient half truth.
There are three factors in play:
Profit pressure for… Read More
2017-01-18 19:51
It’s that time of the year. Media commentators are lining up to provide a “guess” (aka forecast) as to what might happen this year. Our turn.
When it comes to forecasts we… Read More
2017-01-18 19:43
Banks offering you cash for signing up a mortgage is a relatively new phenomenon, and one that won’t last much longer. It got hold during the ANZ/National bank merger. Other banks used… Read More
2017-01-18 19:24
Waiting for inflation is feeling increasingly like the quest for the Holy Grail, or as I approach 45 ‘waiting for god’. Oh, so old!
The market is viewing Trump as inflationary. T… Read More
2017-01-18 19:14
The global economy is still in a muddle. So it’s difficult to get a clear gauge on what will happen this year. It certainly won’t be boring, starting with Trump’s inaugurat… Read More
2017-01-18 02:47
I am always frustrated by our media and how they report house prices. Tabloid rubbish bouncing from headline to headline with no substance.
Prices fell in November and in December, yet we st… Read More
2016-12-19 06:16
Buying a home is an important milestone in the lives of many people, across New Zealand and elsewhere. Along with graduating from school, beginning a career and maybe starting a family, it'… Read More
2016-12-15 20:56
In the ever changing Auckland housing market, the latest evidence is showing that the market is slowing down. This is something we’ve been talking about for a while and we expect the t… Read More
2016-12-15 07:43
If you've been dreaming of buying a house for the first time, you're absolutely not alone. All over New Zealand, there are thousands of families with that same ambition. There's just one pr… Read More
2016-12-13 13:50
Buying a house is an important milestone in your life. It's a chance to establish a new home base for yourself and your family – and on top of that, buying property of your own is a g… Read More
2016-12-12 04:22
Brexit. Trump. John Key resigning. The last few months have included some interesting surprises to put it lightly, which have been the subject of dinner conversations all over the country. W… Read More
2016-12-05 07:14
The first official days of summer are now upon us, and everyone is looking forward to Christmas and the start of a new year. However, while we're wrapping the presents and setting up the tr… Read More
2016-12-01 12:37
Are you a first-home buyer in Auckland looking for property, but don't know where to start? The current market is daunting – it's expensive and there's far more demand for affordable… Read More
2016-11-29 07:29
Squirrel prides itself on being about more than just mortgages. Yes, we can help you get into your first home or expand your portfolio, but like any good business, we aim to be a strong par… Read More
2016-11-15 08:31
The cash rate has been cut once again by the Reserve Bank, now sitting at an all-time low of 1.75 per cent, only 25 basis points ahead of the Australian equivalent. However, unlike previous… Read More
2016-11-08 07:44
Staging: It's something of a divisive subject in the property world. Namely, should you do it, and if you do, how much? Let's take a closer look at these questions, and see what the experts… Read More
2016-11-03 08:42
A divorce is always a difficult time for anyone, no matter the circumstance. Sadly, nearly one-half of all Kiwi marriages end in divorce, according to Statistics New Zealand, and it's inevi… Read More
2016-11-01 01:11
Squirrel ran a seminar recently called Managing Risk in an Uncertain Market, where JB and Christina Leung (Senior Economist at NZIER) tried to make sense of where we’re at and where we… Read More
2016-10-31 02:16
According to recent data released, the average gross rental yield in Auckland is hovering just below 5% – although in my recent experience, even this is hard to find. The same data sug… Read More
2016-10-29 19:21
There has been talk this week about debt-to-income ratios due to the Reserve Bank asking the Government to consider it as part of its macro-prudential toolkit.
At its simplest, a DTI rule wo… Read More
2016-10-28 11:03
According to interest.co.nz's report for September, first home buyers in Auckland are starting to have an easier time in terms of affordability, though not by much. But could this be the st… Read More
2016-10-26 14:38
Eyeing up those record-low interest rates and thinking of refinancing your current mortgage? There are some pretty good reasons to refinance depending on your needs, but is it the right opp… Read More
2016-10-26 13:09
Sick of the common Halloween designs this year? Try out one of these three unique ways to get your property shaped up in time for the 31st – no pumpkins or cobwebs in sight!
1) Scare… Read More
2016-10-25 08:09
It's one of the first questions that anyone looking for a home loan needs to ask themselves. How much can they afford to borrow? This seemingly simple question is actually devilishly diffic… Read More
2016-10-21 14:41
Want to use your extra day off this Labour Weekend to spruce up your home? Here are three easy DIY projects you can do over the long weekend – and you won't need to remortgage the hou… Read More
2016-10-13 21:41
Commentators continue to talk up the property market and increasing prices almost at the chagrin of the RBNZ. Tony Alexander in particular loves talking up property and is pointing &hell…Read More
2016-10-13 08:11
On October 1, new loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions from the Reserve Bank came into effect, significantly changing the borrowing landscape of New Zealand.
No longer restricted to Auckl… Read More
2016-10-12 01:09
This will sound counter-intuitive. The Reserve Bank is still talking about low inflation and the potential for the OCR (Official Cash Rate) to decrease further, so how is it that in this env… Read More
2016-09-26 15:45
Here at Squirrel, we don't have a one-size-fits-all solution for your home loan. We realise that the "average homebuyer" isn't exactly the most accurate of measures when it comes to individ… Read More
2016-09-21 07:32
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Property prices are sky high, interest rates are rock bottom, and the Reserve Bank reports that there is between $1.2 billion to $1.7 billion… Read More
2016-09-21 07:31
The modern age has redefined the kitchen in New Zealand homes. It's no longer just a place where people cook food; it's a social space, an artistic place, a zone in which people interact ov… Read More
2016-09-13 06:50
Everybody talks about the housing situation in Auckland as if it is the only one in the country, but New Zealand property has far more to it than just the City of Sails. We spoke to regiona… Read More
2016-09-08 08:24
The new loan-to-value (LVR) ratio restrictions have officially come into effect as of 1 September, but it appears that the rules are not quite set in stone yet. The Reserve Bank of New Zeal… Read More
2016-09-07 07:31
With the new Auckland Unitary Plan now officially passed, people predict that the City of Sails will see a huge increase in construction activity over the next 25 years – an… Read More
2016-09-07 07:19
The Ministry of Health tells us that about three in ten Kiwis are failing to eat the recommended number of vegetables every day, putting them at higher risk of heart disease, strokes, high… Read More
2016-09-05 14:26
Putting up some shelves? Fixing a few leaks? Planning a renovation? All over New Zealand, people love to do their own home maintenance, repairs and extensions – often with great succe… Read More
2016-08-30 14:21
'Man caves' are one of those new-but-old phenomena that have had somewhat of a renaissance in the modern world. They have come in all shapes and sizes in the past: Sheds, offices, even… Read More
2016-08-26 17:00
Let's face it: Buying a home is a complicated process, and that goes double if it's your first property. Conveyancing, financing, the buying process – and that's just the start o… Read More
2016-08-23 07:50
As we slowly make our way out of winter, you may have started noticing that the days are getting brighter and longer – you may have found you needed to break out the sunglasses a litt… Read More
2016-08-15 07:28
It's official; it's been one of the coldest weeks of the year. The Met Service reports that the weather all across New Zealand has been decidedly chilly, and it'd be no surprise if you've f… Read More
2016-08-11 22:03
As we’re aware, it was announced yesterday morning that the official cash rate (OCR) reduced by 25 basis points bringing it down to 2%.
Here are JB’s initial thoughts on thi… Read More
2016-08-08 22:33
Generally speaking, it’s fair to say that this round of reserve bank rule changes will have a bigger effect than the ones it’s rolled out before. Especially given that this… Read More
2016-08-08 14:02
Local shopping is important when it comes to buying a house. Everybody knows that. In fact, the effect of local amenities on the value of a home is largely the reason why "location, locatio… Read More
2016-08-07 22:07
With the OCR widely tipped to drop by 0.25% on the 11th of August – following the latest round of RBNZ policy changes – those of you in the middle of property transactions need t… Read More
2016-08-01 04:49
Watch our 2 and a half minute video on project Squirrel Kids HERE.
It was Nelson Mandela who said “Education is our greatest weapon to change the world”. So about six months ago… Read More
2016-07-31 22:26
From 1 August 2016 there are a number of changes to the KiwiSaver HomeStart scheme aimed at giving a boost to first home buyers looking to get on the property ladder.
These changes incl… Read More
2016-07-29 15:33
After four years in the making, the new-and-hopefully-improved Auckland Unitary Plan has been released by the Independent Hearings Panel (IHP) and is now up for both public and Council scru… Read More
2016-07-27 22:54
I’ve seen this wheeled out on a number of occasions by commentators to highlight the extent to which house prices are over-valued. Whilst I fully agree that house prices are over-infla… Read More
2016-07-22 00:25
The simple, unpleasant truth is that we are now probably busier than we have ever been and stress has become so commonplace that it is seen as a way of life. We’re always in a rush, ta… Read More
2016-07-21 05:25
Watch JB’s 4 minute Vlog on the Auckland housing market HERE.
Typical of our tabloid media we get the usual fear driven headlines designed to sell papers.
Are house prices overinflated… Read More
2016-07-21 05:02
ACC has become such an important tool in protecting New Zealanders since its inception in the 1970’s. If you are a PAYE employee, every time you get paid, a portion of your income is p… Read More
2016-07-19 13:27
Turn to any magazine page or click on any website that deals with property, here or overseas, and you will find at least one article dedicated to where the next big growth suburb is going t… Read More
2016-07-17 22:34
The Global Financial Crisis in 2008 was centred on the world having too much debt and yet today there is even more debt and more inequality. We all feel something isn’t right with the… Read More
2016-07-15 02:58
As per the words from the great Bob Dylan – “The times they are changing”. It’s widely known that the property market is pretty crazy and has been for some time now… Read More
2016-07-08 11:56
Finding the right kind of loan takes time. We've discussed before how the most suitable loan isn't always purely about the interest rate, but you'll still see a number of people prick… Read More
2016-07-07 07:39
Reading seems to have become somewhat of a forgotten pursuit in New Zealand. Ever since the advent of television and the recent rise in popularity of video game entertainment, the simple bo… Read More
2016-07-05 07:48
Renting a home is an extremely popular way to live here in New Zealand. It's often cheaper than buying, it has a certain level of flexibility and also acts as a good way to introduce young… Read More
2016-06-30 14:36
It's official. On June 23rd, 52 per cent of the people of Britain voted to leave the European Union, marking the first ever departure of a nation from this geo-political bloc and causi… Read More
2016-06-29 08:06
Air pollution is a serious concern in many countries. Some cities have such an issue with it, in fact, that entrepreneurs have even started selling bottled air. Thankfully, here in New Zeal… Read More
2016-06-29 04:58
In recent weeks the banks have tightened up their credit policies and specifically rules around non-residents being able to borrow. The changes came out of nowhere, but in reality the issue… Read More
2016-06-22 16:13
With interest rates now being as low as they have been in years, there are a huge number of people deciding to take advantage and purchase their first or next homes. Many are even deciding… Read More
2016-06-22 07:08
If there's one thing that has dominated the headlines lately, it's the Auckland house situation. Whether it's the incredible value growth that has been recorded over the last few months, or… Read More
2016-06-17 12:52
Property investment is quickly becoming one of the most popular means of building wealth across New Zealand. Maybe it's the huge growth we've seen in Auckland and the surrounding towns, per… Read More
2016-06-15 14:44
They've been banned in Australia for ten years, and it looks like the hammer is finally coming down on glass balustrades in New Zealand as well. The Auckland Council is pushing for this pop… Read More
2016-05-27 11:46
Investors and first home buyers alike will know how popular the ubiquitous "open plan" design has become. Whether it's residential or commercial, this design trend focus on spaciousness has… Read More
2016-05-20 08:51
Are you looking for a few easy ways to make your daily life that little bit easier? Here are a few of our own personal favourites for making your time at home a little more pleasant –… Read More
2016-05-20 08:50
There are plenty of precious resources on planet Earth. Oil, gold, property – all finite assets, all things that people fight to get their share of. Entire industries are built around… Read More
2016-05-05 15:44
Auckland has been the go-to place for everyone from first home buyers to investors. Young kiwis and families are seeking out the local schools and job opportunities, while investors have be… Read More
2016-05-02 10:04
If you're a technologically-minded Kiwi, you might be keeping up with all the latest and greatest gadgets cropping up in the news of late. One of the most exciting is the recent renaissance… Read More
2016-05-02 09:39
Think about the first night you spent at your current property. Dark, unfamiliar, perhaps even anxiety-inducing. It's perfectly normal to feel this way before you've made that house your ho… Read More
2016-05-01 23:34
Finally, some good news for kiwis in the property market. The people have spoken and KiwiSaver have listened; rules around withdrawals for property are being loosened.
2.4 million kiwis are… Read More
2016-04-27 07:36
Property transactions in New Zealand are, in theory, a relatively simple affair. You find the right mortgage, you seek out the best-fitting property, you engage with the seller, sort o… Read More
2016-04-26 21:06
As you would have read in my previous posts, I get great satisfaction from assisting people in getting to where they want to be. You will hear me mention the word ‘why’ a lot, fo… Read More
2016-04-26 20:41
It isn’t always easy to release equity when selling property.
I had a client recently who intended to sell a property and retain the equity. It was needed to cover the cost of re… Read More
2016-04-15 15:50
If you've been paying attention to property news for the last year, you will know that Auckland is in a bit of a crisis. Home values are increasing, the population continues to grow and… Read More
2016-04-15 14:25
A home loan can be difficult to budget around at the best of times, let alone when the cost of living rises. As we say goodbye to summer and turn the clocks back, we're going to be spending… Read More
2016-04-12 09:46
English, maths, physics, chemistry – there are plenty of things that our children go to school to learn. It's where kids learn the fundamentals of both the academic and the social worl… Read More
2016-04-07 01:43
Tom is one of our lovely insurance advisers based in the Takapuna team. He has a fresh perspective on health insurance and why it’s important to think about getting cover at a young ag… Read More
2016-03-29 21:24
With the Christmas hangover well and truly gone the housing market is heating back up. Despite this, agents listing numbers are down and recent figures show sales across Auckland are d… Read More
2016-03-29 13:06
If you recently bought your first home or perhaps moved into a new residence, you're probably in the throes of setting the place up and working out exactly what kind of design features you'l… Read More
2016-03-29 12:48
As the property market keeps on rolling, Squirrel seems to have more and more people coming in for mortgage advice all the time. When you consider the affordability and supply pressures that… Read More
2016-03-14 02:27
What separates those who make money and keep it, from those that make money and lose it? Some would say it’s fast cars, hookers and blow but that’s just the property develo… Read More
2016-03-13 08:15
The official cash rate (OCR) fell this week to 2.25% – it’s lowest level since it’s introduction in 1999.
It is dropping because we have negligible inflation, the dairy sec… Read More
2016-03-13 07:49
The age of artificial intelligence and cognitive computing is bearing down on us and damn I’m excited and slightly scared – nervous anticipation.
Technologists are now developing… Read More
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