News and Insights
Keep up with the property market, interest rates, lending rules and other useful updates for anyone who wants to make smarter property and financial decisions.
Fixed mortgage rates are down — now’s the time to look ahead
Mortgage rates have been steadily falling over the past year, and we’re now nearing the bottom of the cycle. While the Reserve Bank is expected to cut the OCR further, most fixed mortgage rates already price in those future cuts. So what does that mean if you're due to refix or refinance?
Building while paying rent or a mortgage? Here's what you need to know
One of the most common questions I get from people building a new home is, “How do I manage the payments while I’m still paying rent (or my current mortgage)?” It’s a really fair concern, especially under a traditional build contract. The good news is, there are a few options available to make things more manageable during this time.
Why more property investors are turning to non-bank lending and how Colab makes it work for You
At Colab, we’re seeing more of our clients, from seasoned investors to first-time developers, moving away from traditional banks and embracing the flexibility of non-bank finance. And for good reason. Whether you’re flipping a property, bridging finance between purchases, funding a new build, or unlocking equity for a commercial opportunity, banks aren’t always the best fit. That’s where we come in.
May 2025 market update – what’s happening with rates and lending?
The next OCR announcement is due on 28 May, and many experts are expecting a cut from the Reserve Bank by another quarter of a percent again. We’ve already seen banks trim rates on the 1 and 2-year fixed terms and on top of that, lending rules are easing as the Reserve Bank’s new DTI (debt-to-income) rules come into effect. So what does this all mean for mortgage borrowers?
Why non-bank lenders are worth a look for development funding
Right now there is a renewed appetite for non-bank development funding, and with good reason. While bank finance can still work for some, many developers find main bank criteria too slow or too rigid for the pace and structure their projects demand. That’s where non-bank lenders often shine.
April 2025 update | OCR cut, lending shifts & fresh optimism in the market
Economists have responded positively to the recent OCR cut, with many now predicting deeper cuts ahead than originally forecast. Factors like easing inflation, a slowing global economy, and recent US trade tariff moves are all feeding into those expectations.
Test rates are below 7% - why that’s good news for home loan borrowers
The Reserve Bank cut the OCR this week, and while that’s good news for mortgage holders, here’s what we’re really watching: Most banks have already dropped their floating rates. More interestingly – we’ve just seen a bank drop its test rate to 6.75%. That’s a big shift.
Construction lingo explained: A simple guide for new build buyers
If you're building for the first time, the process can be full of jargon. And let’s be honest, it’s not always clear what people are talking about. So I’ve pulled together a quick cheat sheet to help you feel a bit more confident as you navigate the journey of building your first home.
What are PC Sums, and why do the banks care?
If you’ve never been through a new build purchase before, PC sums can be confusing. So I wanted to break down what they actually mean, why builders include them, and what banks think about them, especially if you’ve got less than a 20 percent deposit.
TurnKey vs House and Land Finance: what builders need to know
At Colab, we work closely with builders to provide clear, practical options for their buyers — whether that is through progress payment lending or TurnKey solutions.
Introducing Colab
Sam and Dan are mortgage advisers, property nerds, and now co-founders of Colab Mortgages. Between them, they’ve clocked up decades in banking, lending, and property development so it’s fair to say they know what they’re talking about.
