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.
Wondering about build guarantees? Here’s what you need to know
A build guarantee might not be the most exciting part of the process, but it’s your safety net if things go off track. It can protect you financially from loss, delays, unfinished work, or major structural defects. It also adds peace of mind. Here’s everything you need to know.
When people fall in love with a home, they commit.
Research is showing that with a growing number of unsold new builds sitting on the market, buyers are clearly becoming more selective. If you’re a developer or builder thinking about how to better position your next project - we’re here to help with strategy, funding, and making sure your product actually meets the market.
OCR held at 3.25%. Is it time to revisit the Reserve Bank’s mandate?
Over the past 12 months, the Reserve Bank has gradually lowered the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from 5.50% to 3.25%. While that’s a solid drop, the pace of cuts has been cautious. With inflation falling and economic pressures mounting, many are asking: Why has the RBNZ been so cautious on rate cuts? Part of the answer may lie in a quiet but significant change made late last year. Here’s the full story.
What happens after your new build passes inspection? A step-by-step guide to securing your Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)
The CCC confirms your home meets consented plans and Building Code standards. It’s often needed for your lender to release final funds and gives you peace of mind that the build is legally signed off, helping avoid issues down the track. So what needs to happen now?
Behind the advice: a Q&A with Colab’s Sam Ludbrook
Buying a home can feel like a serious business — but the people behind your mortgage advice don’t have to be. Colab founder and Managing Director Sam has been on both sides of the process, and we asked him a few questions to help you get to know the person behind the advice — starting with how he takes his coffee.
Navigating non-bank lending for your development: what you need to know
Non-bank funding can be a great option, especially for deals that fall outside traditional bank policy. But there are a few important things to watch out for.
June 2025 Update | Why now might be the sweet spot for buyers – and a TurnKey Pro update
It’s been a pretty wet start to winter, but at least we’ve had some positive movement on the finance front. The Reserve Bank dropped the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by another 0.25%, cashback offers of up to 1% are still on the table, and conditions are good for buying property right now. Here’s the latest.
How much deposit do I actually need to buy my first home?
The short answer? It depends on your situation… but If you qualify for a First Home Loan, you might only need a 5% deposit. If you don’t meet the criteria for that, there are other options and most banks are happy to lend to first home buyers with a 10% deposit. Here’s everything you need to know.
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.