Built for New Zealand home buyers

How Much Can I Borrow for a Home Loan in New Zealand?

Get a realistic borrowing range based on your income, deposit, debts, and living costs — before you attend your next open home.

Start the borrowing check View a sample report
  • No credit check
  • Takes ~4 mins
  • Free to use

Indicative planning estimate. Bank approval requires a full lender assessment. See our Privacy Policy.

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How it works

Three simple steps. No obligation.

  1. 01Tell us about your position

    Income, deposit, debts and dependants. Around four minutes.

  2. 02We estimate your borrowing range

    Affordability, commitments, deposit size and loan-to-value limits.

  3. 03Request an adviser review (optional)

    A mortgage adviser can explain your estimate and next steps.

Why this is different

Why standard calculators fall short

  • Beyond salary multiples

    Online calculators assume 5× income. Real lenders deduct car loans, student debt and credit limits.

  • Real bank test rates

    We factor in higher servicing test rates and benchmark living costs, not today's promotional rate.

  • Deposit and LVR limits

    Your deposit sets your loan-to-value cap and whether low-deposit rules apply.

The main factors

What affects how much you can borrow?

Income

The income a lender will count toward your repayments.

Regular spending

Everyday costs reduce the income left for repayments.

Debts and credit limits

Loans, cards and BNPL limits can cut your capacity.

Deposit size

Sets the loan you need and the price you can consider.

Affordability test

Lenders test repayments at a rate above today's.

Is this borrowing check right for you?

  • First-home buyers
  • Upgraders
  • Couples buying together
  • Self-employed and contractors
  • People with loans or credit cards
  • Buyers before open homes

Your result is an estimate only. Lender criteria and individual circumstances can affect the outcome.

Key home-loan rules (LVR, KiwiSaver, Kāinga Ora)

Loan-to-value ratio (LVR)

Your deposit sets how much of a property's value you need to borrow. Higher-LVR lending can face extra conditions.

KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal

If eligible, you may withdraw most of your KiwiSaver toward a first home, keeping the required minimum balance.

Low-deposit options

Some buyers may qualify for low-deposit lending. Criteria change, so check current requirements.

Lending policy, rates and eligibility rules change. This tool gives an indicative estimate only.

What this check does not do
  • No credit check
  • No guarantee of a loan, rate or approval
  • Not personalised financial advice
  • Not a full lender application or assessment

[Prototype Note: Adviser credentials and FAP licensing details to be inserted before public launch]

See your number before your next open home.

A borrowing range, and what's holding the number down.

Start the borrowing check

Guides

Understand the lending rules before you apply

First-home buyer guide

The journey from saving a deposit to settlement day.

7 min read · Reviewed September 2026

Common questions about borrowing for a home loan

Last reviewed: September 2026 · Reviewed by: [Add reviewer name or team before launch]

How much can I borrow for a home loan in New Zealand?

It depends on your household income, regular spending, existing debts, credit limits and deposit. Lenders also test whether you could afford repayments at a rate higher than the one advertised today.

Is this borrowing check free?

Yes. The borrowing check is free to use.

Will checking affect my credit score?

No. This estimate does not require a credit enquiry. A credit check may happen later if you apply formally with a lender.

Is the result a guaranteed approval?

No. It is an indicative planning estimate. A lender must complete its own assessment before approving any loan.

What information do I need?

An overview of your household income, deposit, existing loans or credit limits, regular spending and dependants.

Can I use KiwiSaver for my first home?

You may be able to, if you meet the eligibility requirements. Check the current rules or speak with an adviser or your provider.

What if I am self-employed or a contractor?

You can still get an estimate. Lenders may ask for extra documents to confirm how consistent your income is.

View all FAQs