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Evidence · Home lending

The questions and original answers

Explore every question and captured response in the home-lending study, including answers asked nationally and from four cities.

questions
193
captured answers
1,094
AI platforms
4
collected
11 October 2026

01

Every question, with its answers

Each question was written as a voter would ask it and went to all four assistants. Some were also asked from a town. Open a question to read every answer to it in full.

Showing 20 of 193 questions

Show all 193

02

The tables behind the study

Every figure on the study page comes from these tables. They are CSV files, which open in any spreadsheet.

  • Question catalogue

    questions.csv

    One row per question.

    Question ID, borrower, exact question, group and collected answers

    193rows

    Download question catalogue (CSV)

  • Answers

    answers.csv

    One row per answer, with its full text.

    Answer ID, question ID, borrower, assistant, city, words, coded recommendations, showed a link and full text

    1,094rows

    Download answers (CSV)

  • Sources by answer

    sources.csv

    One row for each website recorded as a source of an answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, assistant, city, website and publisher type

    4,574rows

    Download sources by answer (CSV)

  • Checks against official sources

    checks.csv

    One row per statement checked.

    Check, answer ID, assistant, what the answer said, verdict, what the source says, source and date

    4rows

    Download checks against official sources (CSV)

  • Recommendation coding

    recommendation-coding.csv

    One row per coded national loan-choice or support answer.

    Answer ID, question ID, borrower, assistant, question group, recommended lenders and supporting passages

    360rows

    Download recommendation coding (CSV)

  • Platform comparisons

    platform-recommendation-counts.csv

    One row per platform, lender and question group.

    Matched panel, recommended answers, denominator and supporting answer IDs

    105rows

    Download platform comparisons (CSV)

  • City comparisons

    city-recommendation-counts.csv

    One row per city, lender and question group.

    Matched panel, recommended answers, denominator and supporting answer IDs

    112rows

    Download city comparisons (CSV)

Use these tables to trace findings back to the original questions and answers. The full text of each answer is also on this page, under its question.

03

Read in full and checked

Some answers were read in detail or checked against official sources. Those appear on the study page, beside the findings they support.

ChatGPT · National

My mortgage comes off its fixed rate in two months. I want to know what the payments will be, but I don't want to rush the decision. Where should I start?

You’re in a good position to plan ahead. With your New Zealand mortgage coming off its fixed rate in two months, you have time to work out what your repayments might look like, compare your options, and make a decision without feeling pressured to accept the first rate your bank offers.

I’d start by separating this into two things: what your new repayments could be, and which mortgage option makes the most sense for you.

1. Work out what your repayments could be

Your new repayment will depend mainly on three things:

  • Your remaining mortgage balance — how much you’ll still owe when the fixed term ends.
  • Your new interest rate — the rate you might refix at, or the floating rate if you don’t immediately refix.
  • Your remaining loan term — for example, 20 or 25 years.

You don't need to decide on a new rate yet. Start by calculating repayments at a few different interest rates so you can see the range of possible outcomes.

2. Use a calculator to compare a few rates

A useful starting point is the free Sorted mortgage calculator and guides. You can compare repayments without committing to anything. How to find a good deal on your mortgage » SortedHow to manage your mortgage and pay off your home loan early » Sorted

For example, here’s an illustration of how repayments might change on a 25-year principal-and-interest mortgage.

Illustrative example only

Remaining mortgage

$500,000

$100k

$500k

$1m

$100k

$500k

$1m

$100k

$500k

$1m

Remaining loan term

25 years

5 years

15 years

30 years

5 years

15 years

30 years

5 years

15 years

30 years

Interest rate to test

5.50%

3%

6%

9%

3%

6%

9%

3%

6%

9%

Estimated monthly repayment

$3,070

At 5.50% interest, approximately $707 per week.

Compare different rates

4.50% interest

$2,779/mo

5.50% interest

$3,070/mo

6.50% interest

$3,376/mo

Assumes monthly repayments, a constant interest rate and no fees. Actual lender repayments may differ.

3. Start talking to your bank, but don't rush to lock in

Over the next few weeks, I’d suggest:

  1. Ask your bank for options now. Request the rates available for different fixed terms, your estimated repayments, and the date by which you need to make a decision.
  2. Compare other lenders. Your existing bank isn't necessarily your only option. A mortgage adviser can help compare lenders, but ask about their fees, lender coverage and commission arrangements. How to find a good deal on your mortgage » SortedMortgages and home loans
  3. Check your flexibility needs. A shorter fixed term, a longer fixed term, or splitting the mortgage into portions may suit different circumstances. Consider whether you might want to make extra repayments or need access to savings.
  4. Check what happens if you do nothing. Ask whether your loan automatically moves to a floating rate at the end of the fixed term and what that rate would be. Don't assume it will remain on your current rate. Re-fixing your loanHow to manage your mortgage and pay off your home loan early » Sorted

You can use your bank's quoted rates to compare realistic repayment scenarios without making a commitment straight away.

Let's estimate your actual repayments

I can help you work out what your repayments might be when your fixed rate ends in December 2026. To get started, what is your approximate remaining mortgage balance?

For example, you could say $450,000. We'll then work through the remaining term and possible interest rates together, one step at a time.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

My mortgage comes off its fixed rate in two months. I want to know what the payments will be, but I don't want to rush the decision. Where should I start?

Having two months before your fixed rate expires is actually the ideal window to start looking at this. It gives you plenty of time to explore your options without feeling pressured into a hasty decision.

If you take no action before your fixed term ends, New Zealand banks will automatically roll your mortgage onto their standard floating (variable) rate. This is usually significantly higher than standard fixed rates, meaning your payments would jump up immediately—so avoiding the default rollover is your first priority.

Here is a structured, step-by-step action plan to help you map out your payments and take control of the decision at your own pace:

Your Mortgage Expiry Action Plan

  1. Review your current loan details and balance

    • Action: Check your internet banking or your most recent loan statement to find your exact remaining principal balance, your current interest rate, and your current payment frequency (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly).
    • Concrete Next Step: Note down the exact expiry date so you have a hard deadline for when a new rate needs to be locked in.

  2. Calculate your baseline scenarios

    • Action: Look at what current interest rates look like across different terms (such as 6-month, 1-year, or 2-year fixed rates) on your bank's website or via independent financial tracking sites like interest.co.nz.
    • Concrete Next Step: Use an online mortgage repayment calculator (most major NZ retail bank sites have them) to punch in your remaining balance and test what your repayments would look like under a few different rate scenarios.

  3. Explore a "split" structure for flexibility

    • Action: If you are torn between wanting the security of a fixed rate and the flexibility of falling rates, consider whether splitting your mortgage makes sense. For example, splitting your loan into chunks (like 50% on a 1-year fix and 50% on a shorter term or floating) allows you to hedge your bets.
    • Concrete Next Step: Jot down any upcoming life changes in the next 1 to 2 years (e.g., plans to move, renovate, or make a large lump-sum payment) that might benefit from having a portion of your loan flexible.

  4. Initiate contact with your bank or a mortgage broker

    • Action: Most New Zealand lenders allow you to lock in a new fixed rate 30 to 60 days in advance of your expiry date without incurring break fees. This protects you if rates rise further while you are deciding.
    • Concrete Next Step: Reach out to your bank's mobile mortgage manager or an independent mortgage broker this week to ask for their current unadvertised "special" rates and to request formal repayment schedules for different terms.

Would you like to share your approximate remaining mortgage balance and current interest rate so we can model some specific weekly or monthly payment scenarios for you?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

My mortgage comes off its fixed rate in two months. I want to know what the payments will be, but I don't want to rush the decision. Where should I start?

You should start by contacting your current bank or lender to request your upcoming loan balance and ask about their current card or advertised fixed-interest rates , while keeping in mind that most New Zealand lenders allow you to lock in a new rate up to 60 days before your term expires.

If you do nothing when your fixed term ends, your mortgage will automatically roll onto the lender's higher floating (variable) rate , giving you temporary breathing room without committing, though usually at a higher cost.

Immediate Action Steps

  • Find your rollover date : Check your loan agreement or internet banking to pinpoint the exact day your current fixed term expires so you don't miss the window.

  • Use a mortgage calculator : Plug your remaining loan amount and potential new interest rates into the Sorted Mortgage Calculator to test different repayment scenarios.

  • Review your budgeting flexibility : Consider whether you want to stick with a full fixed term for certainty, split your mortgage across different terms, or move a portion to floating to make extra lump-sum repayments.

  • Talk to a mortgage adviser : Reach out to an independent professional or your bank's mobile mortgage manager to discuss market trends and cash contribution offers if you decide to switch lenders.

If you tell me your approximate remaining loan balance and how much time you have left on the current 60-day window , I can help you calculate estimated payment differences or suggest how to structure a split rate.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

My mortgage comes off its fixed rate in two months. I want to know what the payments will be, but I don't want to rush the decision. Where should I start?

AI Overview

To find out exactly what your new mortgage payments will be without rushing into a long-term commitment, you should start by calculating your baseline costs using current New Zealand mortgage rates, then evaluate standard structural choices.

Two months out is the perfect window to plan. If you take no action by your expiry date, your bank will automatically roll your balance onto their floating (variable) rate. While floating rates provide ultimate flexibility, they are currently much higher than fixed terms, meaning your payments would jump significantly if left unmanaged.

Step 1: Calculate Your New Payments

To find your exact new payment figures, gather your remaining loan balance and remaining term length, then test them against current market rates:

Fixed Term Current Market Special Rates (Approx.) Best Used For
6-Month Fixed 4.75% – 4.89% Keeping options open if you expect NZ market rates to drop soon.
1-Year Fixed 4.85% – 5.19% Short-term certainty; allows you to review and refix in 12 months.
2-Year Fixed 5.29% Balancing a competitive rate with medium-term cash flow stability.
Floating / Variable 5.69% – 6.39% Total flexibility to make lump-sum repayments without penalties.

Note: "Special" rates typically require you to have at least20% equity in the property and your main salary credited to that bank.

Step 2: Formulate Your Strategy

Since you have 60 days, do not feel pressured to lock in a single rate immediately. Consider these strategic approaches to mitigate risk:

  • The "Wait and See" Split: Instead of fixing 100% of your loan, split it. For example, place 80% into a 6-month or 1-year fixed term to capture lower rates, and 20% on a floating or offset structure. This gives you time to watch macroeconomic trends without overcommitting.

  • Utilize an Offset Account: If you have cash savings, look into an Offset Mortgage. By linking your savings accounts to the floating portion of your mortgage, you pay 0% interest on that matched amount, drastically reducing your monthly interest expense while keeping your cash accessible.

  • The 1% Stress Test: When calculating your budget, run your numbers at 1% higher than the current advertised rates. If your budget feels strained under that simulated rate, prioritizing a slightly longer fixed lock (like 1 or 2 years) may be safer than gambling on ultra-short 6-month terms.

Step 3: Your 60-Day Action Plan

[Day 60-45: Information Gathering] ➔ [Day 45-30: Bank vs. Broker] ➔ [Day 30-0: Lock & Confirm]

  • Days 60 to 45: Log into your bank’s online portal (e.g., Westpac One, ANZ, ASB, or BNZ). Most NZ banks populate a "refix" screen 30 to 60 days out, allowing you to use a rate slider to preview exactly what your weekly, fortnightly, or monthly payments will look like across different terms.

  • Days 45 to 30: Contact a registered New Zealand mortgage broker (adviser) or check with your current bank's retention team. Ask if they can offer a "discretionary discount" below the advertised rates, or check what cash-back incentives rival banks are offering if you choose to refinance your loan entirely.

  • Days 30 to 0: Make your final decision. If you choose to refix with your current bank online, you can submit the request ahead of time; the new rate and payments will automatically kick in the day your current fixed term expires, ensuring you don't pay break fees.

To help narrow down your target payment, what is your current approximate loan balance , and are you hoping to keep your payments as low as possible or pay off the principal faster?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026