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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

Our home build has started and the builder is asking for the next stage payment. How do we get that paid from the construction loan without holding things up?

In New Zealand, the quickest way to get your builder’s next stage payment paid from your construction loan is to contact your bank’s construction lending or drawdown team as soon as possible, and submit the stage-payment invoice with any documents they require. Don’t assume the money will be released automatically just because the build has reached the next stage.

The key is to get the bank’s requirements and processing time confirmed before the payment due date, so you can avoid delaying the builder or the next stage of work.

What to do next

  1. Get the builder’s stage invoice. Check that the amount and stage match the payment schedule in your signed building contract, and note the payment due date.
  2. Send it to your bank’s construction loan team immediately. Ask them to process a progressive drawdown against your approved loan and confirm whether they pay the builder directly or release the funds to your nominated account.
  3. Ask whether they need an inspection or valuation. Some lenders will release funds based on the invoice and contract; others may require a registered valuer’s report or another progress check. ANZ and ASB, for example, describe different requirements depending on the lending arrangement. Starting your building or renovation projectBuilding or renovating your home?
  4. Confirm the exact payment timeline. Ask when the funds will be released, whether anything is missing, and whether they can prioritise the drawdown if the due date is close.
  5. Keep the builder informed. Tell them you have submitted the invoice for drawdown and give them the bank’s confirmed expected payment date. If there may be a delay, discuss it with the builder before the contractual due date.

Have these documents ready

  • The builder’s current stage-payment invoice.
  • Your signed building contract and progress-payment schedule, if the bank needs them again.
  • Any requested inspection or valuation report.
  • Evidence of contract works insurance or other outstanding loan conditions, if requested.

For example, ANZ specifically lists builder invoices that match the original contract’s payment schedule for subsequent progressive drawdowns, and says valuations may also be required. Starting your building or renovation project

One important thing to watch

Your bank’s drawdown timing does not necessarily change your obligation to pay the builder on time. Check the payment terms in your building contract and don’t assume you can wait for the bank if the due date is approaching. Some standard NZ building contracts expressly put the responsibility for arranging sufficient funds on the homeowner. Logincalc

If the invoice is already close to overdue, call the bank rather than relying only on an email. Ask the builder whether they can agree to a short extension if needed.

Message you can send to your bank

Email

Subject
: Urgent: Construction loan progress payment drawdown

Hi team,

Our home build has commenced, and our builder has now requested the next stage payment.

Could you please confirm the process for drawing down this payment from our approved construction loan?

We can provide the stage invoice and any supporting documents required. Please let us know whether an inspection or valuation is needed, whether the funds will be paid directly to the builder, and the expected processing time.

Our payment due date is [insert date], so we'd appreciate confirmation as soon as possible to avoid any delays to the build.

Kind regards,

I can help you make this specific to your loan

Which bank is your construction loan with? For example, ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac or another lender.

I can then help you identify the relevant drawdown process and what to ask for to get this stage payment moving as quickly as possible.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

Our home build has started and the builder is asking for the next stage payment. How do we get that paid from the construction loan without holding things up?

Navigating the first progress payment drawdown for a New Zealand home build can feel daunting, but keeping things moving smoothly is all about synchronizing your builder's invoice with your lender's verification process.

To prevent delays and keep the relationship with your builder hassle-free, follow this step-by-step process:

Step-by-Step Drawdown Process

  1. Obtain the Progress Invoice from Your Builder

    • When a contractual milestone is reached (e.g., foundations or framing complete), your builder will issue a formal progress claim or invoice matching your master building contract (such as a Registered Master Builders or Certified Builders contract).
    • Action: Check that the invoice accurately reflects the completed stage and aligns with your agreed payment schedule.

  2. Inspect the Work Yourself

    • Before authorizing the bank to release funds, physically walk the site to ensure the stage is fully completed and up to standard.
    • Action: If you spot minor defects, address them with your builder immediately. While minor touch-ups shouldn't stall a major payment, you have every right to ensure the structural milestone claimed is actually finished.

  3. Submit the Drawdown Request to Your Bank

    • Send the builder's invoice and any required completion certificates (such as a council inspection record or a producer statement if applicable) to your lending manager or construction coordinator.
    • Action: Do this promptly (ideally the same day you receive the invoice). Most NZ major banks (ANZ, Westpac, ASB, BNZ, etc.) require a few working days to process a drawdown.

  4. Bank Inspection or Valuation Verification

    • Lenders usually verify that the work has been completed before releasing funds. Depending on your bank and the stage, they may request:
      • A copy of a recent council inspection (e.g., foundation or framing pass).
      • A brief site inspection or valuation report by an independent valuer or quantity surveyor (QS).
    • Tip: Ask your bank manager upfront what specific proof they need for each milestone so you can supply it instantly.

  5. Direct Payment to the Builder

    • Once approved, the bank will release the funds directly to your builder’s nominated bank account (or via your solicitor, depending on your loan agreement) and notify you that the drawdown is complete.

Pro-Tips to Prevent Standstills

  • Mind the Processing Window: Bank drawdowns rarely happen instantaneously. Let your builder know ahead of time that bank processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days so they don't mistake bank processing lag for withholding payment.
  • Keep Lines Open: Ensure your builder and your bank's mobile mortgage manager or construction team have direct contact details if minor administrative paperwork needs clearing up quickly.
Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

Our home build has started and the builder is asking for the next stage payment. How do we get that paid from the construction loan without holding things up?

To get a progress payment paid smoothly from your construction loan, request a drawdown invoice from your builder, complete your bank's progress payment request form, and submit them together for bank verification and direct release of funds.

Managing the process without delays requires coordinating a few standard steps between your builder, your lender, and (if required) an independent valuer.

Steps to Release a Construction Loan Progress Payment

  1. Obtain the Progress Invoice: Ask your builder for an official invoice that matches the completed milestone outlined in your Master Build or construction contract (such as foundations complete or closed-in).
  2. Complete the Lender’s Drawdown Form: Contact your bank or mortgage broker to get their specific progress payment or loan drawdown request form.
  3. Submit Supporting Documentation: Send the builder’s invoice and the completed bank form to your lender. Depending on your bank's policies and the stage of the build, they may require an inspection, a certificate from your Registered Master Builders Association or independent quantity surveyor, or a valuer's sign-off to confirm the stage is finished.
  4. Bank Verification and Payment: Once the lender verifies that the stage is complete, they will typically transfer the funds directly to your builder's bank account and send you a confirmation.

Tips to Prevent Delays

  • Confirm Requirements Early: Ask your lender at the start of the loan process what specific proof they need for each milestone (e.g., a simple council inspection pass vs. a formal bank valuer visit).

  • Align Invoices with Contracts: Ensure the invoice matches the exact percentage or dollar amount specified in your building contract schedule for that milestone.

  • Communicate Timelines: Give your lender a few days' notice ahead of time so they can process the inspection and funds release before the builder's payment due date.

If you let me know which bank your loan is with or what specific building stage you are claiming for , I can give you more tailored details on their exact inspection requirements.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

Our home build has started and the builder is asking for the next stage payment. How do we get that paid from the construction loan without holding things up?

AI Overview

To get your builder paid from your construction loan without causing delays, you need to initiate a progressive drawdown request with your New Zealand bank or lender. New Zealand banks typically take 3 to 5 working days to process and release stage payments.

Step-by-Step Drawdown Process

[Builder Issues Invoice] ➔ [Your Site Inspection] ➔ [Submit to Bank + Signed Authority] ➔ [Bank Site Check/Valuation] ➔ [Direct Payment]

  1. Verify the Invoice Details
  • Review the builder's progress claim against the Progress Payment Schedule in your fixed-price contract.
  • Ensure the invoice matches the exact percentage and milestone agreed upon (e.g., Foundations 10–15%, Framing 15–25%).
  1. Conduct a Physical Site Verification
  • Do not sign off unless the work for that specific stage is genuinely complete.
  • Take clear, timestamped photos of the progress (e.g., the poured slab or standing timber frames) as banks often require visual proof.
  1. Complete Your Bank’s Drawdown Form
  • Download your specific lender's progress payment request form (e.g., from ANZ, BNZ, ASB, or Westpac).
  • You must complete the Customer Authority section to legally instruct the bank to pay the builder directly from your loan facility.
  1. Submit the Documentation Pack
  • Send the completed authority form, the builder's invoice, and progress photos directly to your mortgage adviser or bank manager.
  • Note: If this is your very first drawdown, the bank will refuse to release funds until you provide official proof of Contract Works Insurance (Builder's Risk).

Bank Verification & Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Lender Valuation Inspections: For major stages (like lock-up or fixing), major banks like ANZ or Westpac may appoint an independent registered valuer to conduct a quick site visit to confirm the work matches the value of the invoice before they release the cash.

  • "Own Funds" Rule: If your loan structure includes a personal cash contribution, New Zealand banks strictly require you to exhaust your own deposit funds first before they allow you to draw down from the bank's loan facility.

  • Snowballing Interest Costs: Remember that New Zealand construction loans operate on a variable floating rate where you pay interest-only on the drawn balance. Your monthly mortgage payment will jump higher immediately after this drawdown is processed.

To help you stay on track, what specific build stage is this payment for? If you want, let me know which bank your loan is with so I can guide you to their exact form or clarify if they require a valuer's report for this milestone.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026