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.
March update | A bit of a topsy turvy month
It’s been a topsy-turvy month in the world of interest rates and the broader economy. Following some signalling from the RBNZ, we saw longer-term mortgage rates begin to ease. But over the past few weeks, things have shifted again. Let’s explore what’s really going on.
Home loans later in life: can you still get approved in NZ?
More Kiwis later in life are still working and making property decisions, but many worry they won’t qualify for a home loan, or have already been declined. If that’s you, don’t despair. In many cases, it’s still very possible, you just need the right approach.
EV finance in NZ: Why rising petrol prices make the switch smarter
With petrol prices on the rise, we’re getting a lot more questions about EV finance. And it’s not hard to see why. What many people don’t realise is that most of the main banks now offer 0% or 1% interest rates on home loan top-ups for EV purchases. Here’s what you need to know.
February update | Banks hungry, OCR on hold
It’s been a rough few weeks weather-wise. Not ideal when you’re trying to get projects moving. The good news? Banks are keen to lend, credit criteria is quietly easing, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand has taken a steady approach with the OCR.
Kicking off 2026 | January update
As we kick off the first Colab newsletter of the year, it feels like a good time to take stock of where things landed at the end of 2025 and what we’re seeing as we move into 2026.
November wrap-up | An OCR cut and encouraging signs heading into summer
Last week brought the news many Kiwis were waiting for: The Reserve Bank dropped the OCR (Official Cash Rate) by 0.25% to 2.25 It was widely predicted, but still a very welcome shift heading into the end of the year, especially with the RBNZ now on holiday until late February.
Insurance and your new build: what you need to know (minus the boring bits)
If you’re about to build, something that often slips under the radar til the last minute is insurance. Not the most exciting topic, but it’s one of the easiest ways to avoid delays and headaches. Here’s what you need to know.
October update | Finally signs of life in the housing market
It’s been encouraging to hear consistent feedback from builders this month that the market is showing signs of picking up. Confidence is slowly returning, and activity levels are also lifting.
One year of Colab Mortgages
Launching Colab was about more than starting a mortgage firm. It was about creating a business that supports the people who build New Zealand, literally. The builders, developers, and families who pour everything into creating homes and communities.
Rates are falling – what does that mean if you’re looking to build?
This month’s bigger-than-expected OCR cut caught most people by surprise, following softer GDP results and signs that the economy is slowing faster than the Reserve Bank had hoped. Here’s how home loan borrowers are being impacted.
September update | Economists call for RBNZ action as GDP slows
GDP slows and economists are calling for rate cuts but there is some good news for the property market. Lending rules are easing, interest rates are dropping, and first home buyers are stirring. Spring is bringing renewed activity, giving builders and buyers a reason to feel optimistic.
Property covenants explained: what buyers and developers need to know
More formally called restrictive covenants, these are rules or conditions that apply to a property. Done well, they can protect value and enhance a neighbourhood. Done poorly, they can limit your options and create real headaches for both buyers and developers. Here’s everything you need to consider, whether you’re a buyer or developer.
July/August update | What buyers want, where the market’s moving, and what to expect next
Between winter chills, unexpected tsunami warnings, and banks being as slow as Auckland traffic on a wet Monday, it’s fair to say 2025 is keeping everyone on their toes. Fortunately, there’s plenty happening in the housing and finance world that’s a bit more predictable. Here’s the latest.
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.