Buying Property in New Zealand: What New Arrivals Need to Know
If you’ve recently moved to New Zealand and are starting to think about buying a home, the process may feel unfamiliar or overwhelming at first. The good news is that with the right support, it can be straightforward and comfortable.
There are two key professionals that make all the difference when buying property in New Zealand: a mortgage adviser and a conveyancing lawyer.
Why Work with a Mortgage Adviser
A mortgage adviser gives you access to the full market, helping you compare lenders, assess your borrowing capacity, and get pre-approved — like speaking to all the banks in one conversation, but you’re speaking to someone who is on your side!
Because advisers work across all the major banks and non-bank lenders, they can:
Push your application in front of banks that are most likely to say yes
Help you access higher lending limits, especially if you’re self-employed or on a visa
Recommend lenders with repayment policies and products that best suit your situation and goals
Most importantly, a mortgage adviser helps you get pre-approved. That means your finances have been assessed and you're ready to make an offer with confidence that you are already underwritten. You’ll know your budget, and vendors will take your offer more seriously.
The Importance of a Good Lawyer
The second key player is your lawyer — and not just any lawyer.
We’ve seen too many buyers work with expensive generalists who aren’t property specialists. That can result in delays, last-minute stress, and unnecessary back-and-forth between the lawyer, bank, and adviser.
We urge our clients to work with lawyers who are specialists, accessible, and proactive problem-solvers. The right lawyer will guide you through the contract, LIM, title search, and settlement process, and look for problems before the become problems, and advise you if any curveballs come up in your due diligence.
What Else Should You Know?
Once you’ve got a great adviser and lawyer in place, you’ll feel more confident navigating the market. You’ll know what steps to take and when, and the whole process becomes much smoother.
Your next task is to get familiar with property values in your chosen area. Visit open homes. Talk to agents. Look at price per square metre. That way, when you see the right property, you’ll know if the price is fair — and you’ll be ready to act.
At Windsor Wealth, we regularly help new arrivals arrange their mortgage and get property-ready. We know the system, we know what banks are looking for, and we work closely with lawyers who understand the process inside and out.
If you'd like help getting started, we can guide you through the process, beginning with an assessment of your borrowing capacity across the banks, and identifying the most suitable lender to arrange a pre-approval with. We can also connect you with one of our trusted conveyancing lawyers, so you're supported every step of the way.