Buying a home? Talk to a broker about it

Yes. Pick the house above and ask: brokers see the price, your deposit and timing, never your name, and come back with what they can do. Many will also arrange pre-approval before you make an offer.

Not always, but most buyers get it first. It tells you what a lender will lend, lets you make an unconditional offer or bid at auction, and usually lasts three to six months.

Usually 20% for the best rates. Many lenders go to 10%, and First Home Loans backed by Kāinga Ora need as little as 5%, but under 20% the special rates are usually out of reach and a low-equity fee or margin may apply.

Usually nothing for the borrower: New Zealand mortgage advisers are mostly paid a commission by the lender. They must tell you how they are paid before giving advice.

If it is your first home and you have been a member for three years, you can usually withdraw everything but $1,000. See our KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal guide for the rules.