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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 fixed mortgage rate ends in two months. I want predictable repayments. Which lenders should I compare with my current bank before I decide what to do?

If your fixed rate ends in two months and your priority is predictable repayments, you’ll usually want to compare fixed-rate offers rather than just chasing the lowest headline rate. In New Zealand, it’s worth getting quotes from a mix of the major banks and a few smaller lenders before you decide whether to stay with your current bank. Mortgage rates and offers change frequently, so confirm the current deals directly before signing. Staircase

Lenders to compare

I’d put these on your comparison list:

  • ANZ New Zealand — one of the largest home-loan lenders, often competitive on shorter fixed terms. Calculate.co.nz
  • ASB Bank — worth comparing if you value digital banking tools and bundled banking services. Calculate.co.nz
  • BNZ — often competitive on fixed terms and a useful benchmark against the other major banks. Calculate.co.nz
  • Kiwibank — a New Zealand-owned option that can be competitive on fixed rates. Calculate.co.nz
  • Westpac New Zealand — another major lender that frequently competes strongly on certain fixed periods. Calculate.co.nz
  • TSB Bank — smaller lender that can sometimes have attractive rates. Check.co.nz
  • SBS Bank — another smaller lender worth checking, particularly if you are open to moving away from the big four. Opes Partners
  • Co-operative Bank — worth including if you want to compare alternatives beyond the largest banks. NZ Bank Fees

What to ask each lender for

Ask each one for a written quote for the same scenarios:

  1. Your preferred fixed term

    • 1 year
    • 2 years
    • 3 years
      (Many borrowers compare these terms because they balance repayment certainty with flexibility.) RatePal

  2. Any cash contribution or switching incentive

    • A slightly higher rate with a larger incentive may not be better value.
    • Check whether there are conditions, such as keeping the loan for a minimum period.

  3. Loan features

    • Ability to make extra repayments
    • Offset or revolving credit options (if useful for you)
    • Break fees if your circumstances change

  4. The total repayment impact

    • Ask: “What will my fortnightly/monthly repayment be at this rate?”

A practical approach with two months left

A good process is:

  • Get your current bank’s best retention offer first.
  • Take that offer to a mortgage adviser or competing lenders and ask them to beat it.
  • Compare the same fixed term, same loan amount, same repayment frequency.

Since you specifically want predictable repayments, you may want to avoid relying on a floating rate for long unless you are comfortable with repayments changing. Fixed rates provide repayment certainty during the fixed period. RatePal

If you tell me:

  • your remaining mortgage balance,
  • whether you have more than 20% equity,
  • your current bank,
  • and whether you prefer 1, 2, 3, or 5 years of certainty,

I can help you build a shortlist of which offers are most worth comparing.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

My fixed mortgage rate ends in two months. I want predictable repayments. Which lenders should I compare with my current bank before I decide what to do?

When your fixed mortgage rate is up for renewal, shopping around is one of the most effective ways to secure predictable repayments while minimizing your interest costs. In New Zealand’s mortgage market, carded rates are rarely set in stone—banks frequently offer unadvertised discounts, cash contributions, or better terms if you show them competing offers.

Major Lenders to Compare in New Zealand

To build a strong negotiating position with your current bank, you should check quotes across the primary market segments:

Lender Category Key Institutions Why Compare Them
The "Big Four" Major Banks ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac As the dominant players, they hold the bulk of the market and frequently match each other's "special" carded rates (hovering around mid-5% for 1-to-2 year terms depending on market shifts). They also offer competitive cashback contributions if you choose to refinance your whole loan to them.
Government-Owned / Local Challenger Banks Kiwibank Often aggressive with market-leading special rates or low-fee structures (such as KiwiBank's standard or low-equity special tiers) to win market share away from the big four.
NZ-Owned Regional & Mutual Banks TSB, SBS Bank, The Co-operative Bank These institutions are known for localized customer service and frequently provide competitive fixed-rate offers or lower establishment/legal fees that can undercuts major bank standard fees.
Non-Bank / Low-Cost Lenders Simplicity (and other specialist lenders) Simplicity offers low-cost refinancing options for members, focusing on streamlined, low-margin floating or variable structures without standard complex fee overlays.

Strategic Steps Before Your Rate Locks In

  1. Leverage "Price Matching" with Your Current Bank:
    Once you have gathered formal quotes or advertised specials from competing lenders (e.g., Kiwibank or TSB), present them to your current bank. Retention teams can often match or beat external offers, saving you the legal and discharge fees associated with actually shifting banks.
  2. Evaluate Cashback vs. Rate Discounts:
    If you decide to physically switch lenders, major banks often offer cash contributions (ranging from roughly 0.5% to 0.9% of the loan amount). Weigh whether a lump-sum cashback covers your solicitor refinancing fees better than a slightly lower interest rate over your fixed term.
  3. Split Your Term for Predictability and Flexibility:
    If you want predictable repayments but are worried about locking in a multi-year rate if market conditions shift, consider split-shading. For example, you could fix a portion of your mortgage for 1 year and another portion for 2 years. This buffers you against interest rate shocks by staggering your renewal dates.
  4. Utilize a Mortgage Broker:
    Engaging a registered mortgage adviser in New Zealand is typically free for borrowers (as lenders pay them commission). They have direct access to unadvertised broker-only discounts that can shave 0.20% to 0.45% off standard carded rates.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

My fixed mortgage rate ends in two months. I want predictable repayments. Which lenders should I compare with my current bank before I decide what to do?

When your fixed term is ending, shopping around is one of the best ways to secure a competitive rate or negotiate a better deal with your current provider (including asking for a cashback contribution if you refix or switch).

In New Zealand, lenders are broadly split into major trading banks and smaller, regional, or customer-owned/co-operative banks that frequently challenge the big players on rates.

Major Trading Banks to Compare

  • ANZ New Zealand: ANZ is one of the largest lenders in the market and often matches or competes aggressively on standard fixed terms, with robust digital tools.

  • ASB Bank: ASB regularly scores well for residential fixed value and offers flexible structuring options like Orbit Home Loans (revolving credit).

  • Bank of New Zealand (BNZ): BNZ was named Canstar’s Bank of the Year for Home Loans, known for competitive tiered rates and comprehensive mobile app management. [Canstar NZ]

  • Kiwibank: Kiwibank state-owned and frequently paces the market with some of the lowest advertised short-to-medium-term fixed rates. Current mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026]

  • Westpac New Zealand: Westpac frequently features competitive special rates across various fixed terms and strong residential lending value.

Challenger and Regional Banks (Often Sharper on Pricing)

  • TSB Bank: TSB is a New Zealand-owned bank that regularly undercuts major bank standard offers on 1-year and standard fixed terms.

  • SBS Bank (Southland Building Society): SBS Bank is a mutual building society operating nationwide, often providing competitive longer-term fixed rates and personal service.

  • The Co-operative Bank: The Co-operative Bank shares its profits with customers and frequently tops value rankings for floating and residential products.

How to approach your current bank and others

  1. Check current advertised rates: Look at aggregators like Interest.co.nz or Squirrel Mortgages to see what the market leaders are offering right now.
  2. Ask your current bank for a "retention rate": Banks often keep "special" unadvertised rates in-house for existing customers with good equity (≥ 20%) who threaten to leave.
  3. Factor in cashbacks: If you do decide to switch banks entirely, a new lender will often offer a cashback (a percentage of the loan amount) to cover legal and administrative switching costs. You can check estimated ranges on platforms like Squirrel.
  4. Consider a mortgage broker: Using a registered adviser (at no direct cost to you, as they are paid commission by the lender) lets you compare all these options simultaneously without hitting your credit record with multiple direct applications. [www.squirrel.co.nz]

To help narrow down the best path, could you tell me:

  • Roughly how much is remaining on your mortgage?
  • Do you prefer a 1-year or 2-year fixed term for your predictable repayments?
  • Are you open to switching banks if another lender offers a lower rate or a cashback?
Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

My fixed mortgage rate ends in two months. I want predictable repayments. Which lenders should I compare with my current bank before I decide what to do?

AI Overview

Since your fixed rate ends in two months and your primary goal is predictable repayments , you need a lender that offers highly competitive fixed-rate mortgages. In New Zealand, the major retail banks hold the vast majority of the market share and typically offer the lowest carded fixed rates.

To get the most accurate comparison, you should check your current bank's rollover offer against these specific lenders:

1. The Big Four Australian-Owned Banks

These lenders drive the volume in NZ and heavily compete against each other. Because you want predictability, look at their special fixed terms (which typically require at least 20% equity).

  • ANZ New Zealand – The largest mortgage lender in the country; essential for establishing a baseline rate.

  • ASB Bank – Known for competitive fixed terms and is uniquely flexible by allowing you to remove low-equity margins mid-term if your property value rises.

  • Westpac NZ – Highly competitive on 2-year and 3-year fixed terms. They also allow you to increase your fixed payments by up to 20% online if you want to pay it down faster while keeping certainty. Fix or refix a new rate | Westpac NZChoices Fixed home loan | Westpac NZCurrent mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026] | Opes Partners

  • BNZ – Consistently matches or undercuts the market on longer fixed terms (like 4 and 5 years). Like Westpac, they allow you to lock in a new rate online up to 60 days before your current rate expires. Current mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026] | Opes PartnersInterest Rates in NZ | Compare Home Loan & Mortgage RatesWhat to think about when your home loan fixed rate is ending - BNZ

2. Major New Zealand-Owned Alternatives

If you prefer keeping profits in NZ or want to see if smaller players are undercutting the Big Four, look here:

  • Kiwibank – State-owned and frequently leads the market with the lowest advertised short-term fixed rates (such as 6-month and 1-year terms). Current mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026] | Opes PartnersInterest Rates in NZ | Compare Home Loan & Mortgage Rates

  • TSB Bank and SBS Bank – Smaller NZ banks that aggressively discount specific fixed terms (e.g., 1-year or 3-year specials) to win customers from the larger institutions.

Key Decision Factors for Repayment Predictability

Factor What it Means for You
Fixed Term Length Choosing a 1 to 2-year fixed term offers lower rates but less time buffer; a 3 to 5-year fixed term provides long-term certainty but usually at a higher interest rate premium.
Cashback Offers Moving to a new bank often yields a cash incentive (typically $2,400 to $8,000+ depending on loan size). However, this comes with a clawback period—if you move banks again within 2–3 years, you have to pay it back.
Split Structure If you want mostly predictable payments but want to make lump-sum contributions, consider splitting the loan (e.g., 80% fixed for predictability, 20% floating/offset for flexible extra payments).

Next Steps to Prep for Your Rollover

  1. Request your current bank’s refix options: You are inside the 60-day window, meaning your bank's app or internet banking portal will likely show your personalized rollover rates.

  2. Consult a Mortgage Broker: Instead of approaching every lender individually, an independent broker can scan the entire NZ market simultaneously, negotiate lower "under-the-counter" rates, and arrange cashback offers on your behalf.

If you'd like to narrow this down, let me know:

  • Approximately what percentage of equity you have in the property (above or below 20%?)

  • How long you plan to stay in the property or keep the loan as-is

  • Whether you intend to make extra lump-sum payments over the next few years Fixed, Floating or Split: How Do You Choose the Right Home LoanWhat is a fixed rate mortgage? | Mortgages NZ | mortgages.co.nzBreaking your fixed rate home loan | Westpac NZInterest Rates in NZ | Compare Home Loan & Mortgage Rates

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026