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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 partner and I are separating and have a joint mortgage. I'd like to keep the house if I can. What do I need to work out before speaking to the bank?

I’m sorry you’re going through this. If you’d like to keep the house, the best first step is to work out whether you can afford to take over the mortgage on your own, how much you’d need to pay your partner for their share, and what needs to happen legally to transfer the property into your name.

In New Zealand, keeping the house usually involves three separate things: reaching an agreement with your partner, getting the bank to approve the mortgage in your sole name, and sorting out the property ownership and legal paperwork. These are related, but solving one doesn't automatically solve the others.

Here’s what I’d work out before talking to the bank.

1. Work out what the house is worth and how much equity you have

Start by gathering the basic numbers.

What to find out Why it matters
Current market value of the house Establishes the likely sale value
Outstanding mortgage balance Shows how much you still owe
Any other loans secured against the property These can affect the equity available
Likely selling costs, if relevant Helps compare keeping the house with selling it

Your rough equity is:

Current house value − outstanding mortgage = equity

For example, if the house is worth NZ$900,000 and the mortgage balance is NZ$550,000, your combined equity is approximately NZ$350,000.

That doesn't automatically mean your partner is entitled to half of that amount. Your actual settlement will depend on your relationship-property circumstances and any agreement you reach.

You can start with a recent council valuation or online estimate, but these are only guides. A registered valuation may be needed to establish a value you can both agree on or that the bank will accept.

2. Estimate how much you would need to pay your partner

If you want to own the house outright, you may need to buy out your partner's share of the equity.

For example, using the figures above:

Illustrative buyout calculation

House value

NZ$900,000

Less mortgage

− NZ$550,000

Combined equity

NZ$350,000

Illustrative half share

NZ$175,000

This assumes a 50/50 division, with no other adjustments, debts or settlement costs. It is an example, not a determination of your partner's legal entitlement.

The buyout might be funded by increasing the mortgage, using savings, or a combination of both.

Before settling on an amount, work out:

  • Whether you and your partner agree on the home's value.
  • Whether either of you has separate property, contributions or other circumstances that could affect the settlement.
  • Whether other shared assets and debts should be included in the overall division.
  • Whether you can afford any valuation, legal and mortgage-related costs.

In New Zealand, the family home is often relationship property, and equal sharing is the general starting point for couples covered by the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. The outcome can differ depending on your circumstances. See the Ministry of Justice's relationship-property guidance. Understand relationship propertyHow the Family Court divides relationship property

Important: Get advice from a family lawyer before committing to a final buyout figure.

3. Work out whether you can afford the mortgage on one income

This is often the biggest hurdle. The bank needs to be satisfied that you can manage the lending without your partner's income.

Make a realistic monthly budget based on your circumstances after separation, rather than your current shared household budget.

Income and expenses What to calculate
Income Your take-home pay and any reliable additional income
Mortgage Payments on the existing loan and any additional borrowing
Living costs Food, power, transport, phone and other essentials
Dependants Childcare, child-related expenses and any maintenance payments
Homeownership Rates, insurance, repairs and ongoing maintenance
Other debt Credit cards, personal loans, car finance and buy-now-pay-later commitments
Emergency buffer Money left over for unexpected bills or changes in income

Ask yourself three questions:

  1. Can I comfortably pay the mortgage on my own income?
  2. Can I afford the mortgage if interest rates rise when my fixed term expires?
  3. If I need to borrow extra to pay my partner out, can I afford the larger repayments?

Don't base your decision only on whether you can meet the repayments today. Keeping a house you cannot comfortably afford could leave you financially vulnerable.

4. Work out how much you would need to borrow

There are two different numbers to understand:

  • The total mortgage you would need: the existing mortgage plus any additional amount needed for the buyout and associated costs.
  • The mortgage the bank will approve: the amount it considers affordable and acceptable under its lending criteria.

For example, if your existing mortgage is NZ$550,000 and you need another NZ$175,000 to buy out your partner, your total borrowing could be around NZ$725,000 before any additional costs.

The bank will assess your income, expenses, existing debts, the property's value and its lending policies. A larger loan relative to the property's value may also affect the lending options available to you.

You do not need to know the exact final loan amount before speaking to the bank. A sensible estimate is enough to start the conversation.

5. Gather the paperwork before your bank appointment

You will make the conversation much more productive if you have the following information ready.

Preparation checklist

0 of 13

Mortgage and property

Current mortgage balance and loan statements

Interest rate, fixed-term expiry dates and loan structure

Recent property valuation or market estimate

Any other loans secured against the property

Your finances

Recent payslips or evidence of income

Employment details and any variable income

Bank statements and a realistic budget

Details of credit cards, loans and other financial commitments

Savings available for the buyout and costs

Separation arrangements

A rough estimate of the proposed buyout amount

Any preliminary agreement about who keeps the house

Details of other shared assets and debts

Any existing relationship-property agreement

If you don't have everything yet, don't let that stop you from making an initial enquiry.

6. Understand the legal side before you make commitments

There are two separate questions to resolve:

  • The bank: Will it agree to lend to you alone and release your partner from the mortgage?
  • The legal ownership: Can the property be transferred into your sole name under an agreed and properly documented settlement?

Your partner generally remains liable for a joint mortgage until the lender formally releases them or the lending is otherwise discharged. A private agreement between the two of you does not, by itself, remove them from the loan.

It is also worth speaking to a family lawyer early. Where an agreement divides relationship property, New Zealand law generally requires it to be in writing, with each person receiving independent legal advice and the required lawyer witnessing and certification formalities. Separating from your spouse or partnerSeparation agreements & Orders

A lawyer can help you establish the appropriate buyout amount, prepare the agreement and coordinate the property transfer. Your bank may also require a conveyancing lawyer.

If you and your partner haven't agreed on the value or who keeps the house, you can still ask the bank about your potential borrowing capacity without treating the proposed buyout as final.

7. What to ask the bank

When you contact your lender, explain that you're separating and would like to retain the home. Ask:

  • Can you assess whether I can take over the existing mortgage in my sole name?
  • How much could I borrow in total on my current income?
  • Could I borrow extra to buy out my partner's share?
  • Would my existing interest rate or fixed-term arrangements change?
  • What valuation and supporting documents would you require?
  • What happens to the existing joint loan while the separation and transfer are being arranged?
  • What fees, legal costs or other conditions should I budget for?

The initial goal is to get an indication of what is financially possible, not to finalise the entire separation at your first appointment.

Let's work out your position

If you're comfortable sharing some approximate figures, I can help you estimate the likely buyout and whether keeping the house looks financially realistic before you speak to the bank.

Enter estimates in New Zealand dollars. You can leave anything unknown blank.

You don't need to have everything figured out yet. The aim is to identify what would make keeping the house workable, and what you need to find out next.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

My partner and I are separating and have a joint mortgage. I'd like to keep the house if I can. What do I need to work out before speaking to the bank?

Going through a separation while trying to keep the family home can feel overwhelming, but preparing thoroughly before you talk to your bank will put you in the strongest possible position. Under New Zealand law and banking practices, transitioning a joint mortgage into your sole name requires proving both your financial independence and your legal right to take over the property.

Before you approach your bank or lender, you need to work out four key areas:

1. Calculate Your Individual Borrowing Power (Serviceability)

The bank’s absolute priority is determining whether you can afford the mortgage payments on your single income.

  • Income Assessment: The bank will look closely at your individual salary, wages, or other reliable income streams. If you have children, they will also factor in any child support payments you receive or have to pay.
  • Expense Restructuring: Lenders evaluate your living expenses using strict criteria. Take a close look at your expected solo budget (utilities, insurance, food, transport, and personal costs) to see what surplus you have left each month to service debt.
  • Debt-to-Income (DTI) & LVR Limits: New Zealand banks operate under Reserve Bank restrictions regarding Loan-to-Value Ratios (LVR) and Debt-to-Income caps. If taking over the house requires increasing the mortgage (to buy out your partner), the bank will check if that total new loan sits within their lending thresholds.

2. Determine the Equity and Your Partner’s "Buyout" Price

Under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976, the family home is generally treated as relationship property, meaning the equity is shared equally (50/50) unless you have a valid Contracting-Out Agreement.

  • Current Market Valuation: Get a realistic idea of what the house is worth today. You can start with recent local sales or a registered valuation, which the bank will likely require anyway.
  • The Math: To work out what you owe your partner, take the current market value, subtract the remaining mortgage balance, and divide the remaining equity in half.
  • The Refinance Need: Remember that keeping the house usually means increasing your mortgage to pay your partner their share of that equity. For example, if your home is worth $800,000, you owe $300,000, and your partner is owed $250,000 in equity, your new total mortgage would need to be $550,000. Can your solo income support that higher loan?

3. Gather Your Personal Financial Documents

When you sit down with a mobile manager or lending specialist, they will need a complete picture of your financial health. Have the following ready:

  • Income Proof: Recent payslips, employment contracts, or Inland Revenue (IRD) tax summaries if your income is variable or self-employed.
  • Asset & Liability Breakdown: Details of any other assets (kiwisaver balances, vehicles, other savings) and liabilities (credit cards, personal loans, Afterpay, or student loans). Even if a credit card has a $0 balance, banks often count a percentage of its limit as a commitment.
  • Recent Bank Statements: Usually 3 to 6 months of statements showing your spending habits and regular commitments.

4. Understand the Legal Framework (Separation Agreements)

Banks in New Zealand are very cautious about changing mortgage titles while relationship property matters are unresolved.

  • Separation Agreement: You and your partner will eventually need a formal, written Separation Agreement signed and certified by independent lawyers.
  • Bank Requirement: Many banks will not officially discharge your partner from the mortgage or transfer the title until they see a signed separation agreement proving that the asset division has been legally settled.

Suggested Next Steps

  1. Map out a draft solo budget: Total your take-home pay and subtract every projected monthly expense to see what maximum mortgage payment you can comfortably handle.
  2. Consult a family lawyer: Speak to a legal professional early to discuss a formal separation agreement and how the equity split should be structured.
  3. Book an appointment with your bank (or a mortgage broker): Present your rough figures, home valuation estimate, and proposed solo income to see what restructuring options or lending limits apply to your specific situation.

Would you like to explore a draft budget framework or model a specific equity buyout calculation based on estimated figures?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

My partner and I are separating and have a joint mortgage. I'd like to keep the house if I can. What do I need to work out before speaking to the bank?

Going through a separation while trying to keep your home is a major undertaking. Before you sit down with your bank in New Zealand , you need a clear picture of your financial viability and the equity split.

Here are the key things to work out first:

  • Current Property Value: Get a realistic estimate of what the house is worth today. You can use recent local comparable sales, a real estate agent appraisal, or a formal registered valuation (which banks typically prefer or require for a refinance).

  • Remaining Mortgage Balance: Check the exact amount left on your current home loan, including whether you have any revolving credit facilities, offset accounts, or fixed-rate terms coming up for renewal.

  • Your Partner's Equity Share (The Buyout Figure): Generally, under New Zealand's Property (Relationships) Act 1976, relationship property (including the family home) is divided equally. You will need to calculate your home's equity—market value minus the remaining mortgage—and determine what half of that equity looks like to figure out what you owe your partner to buy them out.

  • Your Sole Borrowing Capacity: Run your personal income, regular expenses, and any other liabilities (like car loans, credit cards, or student loans) through a budget planner. The bank will assess whether your individual income alone can service the entire mortgage under current lending criteria and test interest rates.

  • Alternative Funding or Guarantors: If your sole income isn't quite high enough to service the full mortgage and buyout sum, consider whether you have other options—such as utilizing a KiwiSaver withdrawal (if eligible), or bringing in a family guarantor.

  • Fixed-Rate Expiry Dates: Check if your mortgage is currently on a fixed rate. Breaking a fixed rate early can trigger break costs from the bank, so knowing when your fixed term ends is crucial for timing the refinance. [Home Loan Factory]

  • Joint and Several Liability Awareness: Understand that even if you and your ex-partner verbally agree that you are taking over the mortgage, the bank still holds you both fully liable until the loan is officially refinanced and your partner is legally discharged from the title and the mortgage.

If you'd like, let me know:

  • Whether your mortgage is currently fixed or floating
  • If you have an idea of your approximate equity versus the loan amount

I can help you outline the next steps involving legal agreements and refinancing.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

My partner and I are separating and have a joint mortgage. I'd like to keep the house if I can. What do I need to work out before speaking to the bank?

AI Overview

To keep the house after a separation, you must prepare to buy out your partner's share and prove to the bank that you can solely afford the existing mortgage (or a refinanced version of it). This process is known as a transfer of equity or substituting a party on the mortgage.

Before approaching your bank or lender, you need to work out your current equity, your borrowing capacity, and secure legal representation.

1. Calculate the Net Equity and Buy-Out Cost

You need to establish how much money you actually owe your partner. Under New Zealand's Property (Relationships) Act 1976, relationship property is generally split 50/50, though a lawyer can confirm your specific situation.

  • Get a current valuation: The bank will require a registered valuation or an approved desktop valuation to establish the current market value.

  • Calculate the net equity: Subtract your remaining mortgage balance from the house value.

  • Determine the payout: If splitting 50/50, your partner is entitled to half of that net equity.

Buy-out Amount=Current Market Value−Current Mortgage Balance2Buy-out Amount equals the fraction with numerator Current Market Value minus Current Mortgage Balance and denominator 2 end-fractionBuy-outAmount=CurrentMarketValue−CurrentMortgageBalance2

2. Assess Your Solo Borrowing Capacity

The bank will treat this similarly to a brand-new home loan application. They will assess your application based entirely on your single income and sole expenses.

  • Serviceability: You must prove you can pay the mortgage alone under current bank "stress test" interest rates.

  • New loan size: Your new mortgage will likely be the current mortgage balance + the buy-out amount paid to your partner.

  • Gather financial proofs: Prepare 3 months of payslips, bank statements showing your solo living expenses, and details of any other debts (e.g., student loans, car loans, credit cards).

3. Draft a Separation Agreement

Banks in New Zealand will rarely approve a mortgage transfer without a formal Separation Agreement (Relationship Property Agreement).

  • Legal requirement: This document outlines exactly how all assets and liabilities are being split.

  • Independent legal advice: For the agreement to be legally binding, you and your partner must use different law firms. Each lawyer must sign a certificate confirming they have advised you independently.

  • Bank condition: The bank will usually offer "conditional approval" based on a draft agreement, but they will not release funds or remove your partner from the mortgage until the final agreement is fully signed and certified.

4. Check for Hidden Costs

Taking over a mortgage involves extra expenses that you need to budget for:

  • Legal fees: Conveyancing fees for transferring the house title into your sole name.

  • Loan break fees: If your current joint mortgage is on a fixed term, breaking it early to restructure the loan may trigger early repayment charges.

If you'd like to map out a clear budget, let me know:

  • An estimate of the property's current value and your current mortgage balance.

  • Your rough gross annual income.

  • Whether you have any dependent children (as this impacts bank expense calculations).

Knowing these details can help us calculate an estimated payout and see what your solo mortgage payments might look like.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026