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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

What's the best bank for a first home loan if we're a salaried couple with about a 10% deposit?

For a salaried couple in New Zealand with a 10% deposit, I'd start by comparing Westpac, ANZ, BNZ, ASB and Kiwibank — but I wouldn't automatically choose the bank with the lowest advertised interest rate.

With a 10% deposit, you're likely to be looking at a low-equity home loan, so the best bank is the one that will both approve your application on favourable terms and offer a competitive total cost.

What matters most for your situation

  1. Will they lend with a 10% deposit?

Most owner-occupier loans traditionally require a 20% deposit, but banks can lend above that threshold subject to lending rules, their available low-deposit lending capacity and their own criteria.

  1. Low-equity costs

Ask whether a low-equity margin or premium applies, how much it adds to your interest rate, and when it can be removed. This can matter more than a small difference in advertised rates.

  1. Your combined income and expenses

Two stable salaries can help, but banks also assess existing debts, credit card limits, dependants, living costs and whether you can afford repayments at a higher test rate.

  1. First-home buyer options

Check whether you qualify for a Kāinga Ora First Home Loan through a participating lender. Eligibility and income, property and deposit requirements apply, so don't assume every 10% deposit application qualifies.

My shortlist: which bank should you approach first?

Based on published lender information available in October 2026. Your actual approval and offer may differ.

  1. BNZ — worth checking first for cashback

BNZ advertises a minimum $5,000 cashback for eligible first-home loans of $250,000 or more, even with a 5% deposit. At 90% loan-to-value, its published low-equity premium is 0.75 percentage points per year. Low deposit home lending

BNZ low-deposit lending

  1. Kiwibank — worth comparing for a 10% deposit

Kiwibank explicitly offers low-deposit lending in some circumstances and may have options for recently built homes. Ask for an assessment based on your exact deposit and property type. Low deposit options | Home loans

Kiwibank low-deposit options

  1. ANZ — worth getting a competing approval

ANZ confirms it offers low-deposit lending for first-home buyers. Ask whether your application qualifies and what low-equity costs would apply. Home loan deposit options

ANZ deposit options

  1. Westpac — compare its low-equity margin

Westpac publishes its low-equity pricing bands and explains how you can request a review once you have built up more equity. That makes it useful for comparing the longer-term cost of borrowing with a 10% deposit. Low equity margin home loans & mortgages explained

Westpac low-equity margins

One important question: could you qualify for a First Home Loan?

If your combined gross income is $150,000 or less, investigate the government-backed Kāinga Ora First Home Loan. Eligible buyers can purchase with a deposit as low as 5%, subject to lender approval and other criteria. The scheme has a 1.2% lender's mortgage insurance premium, which can be paid upfront or added to the loan. First Home Loan :: Kāinga Ora

Official details: Kāinga Ora First Home Loan

If your combined income is above that limit, you can still explore ordinary low-deposit lending with the banks above.

Let me narrow it down for you

I can give you a much more useful recommendation if I know three things.

With those details, I can narrow the shortlist to the banks I'd approach first and explain which option is likely to be most cost-effective for your circumstances.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

What's the best bank for a first home loan if we're a salaried couple with about a 10% deposit?

When purchasing your first home in New Zealand with a 10% deposit, finding the "best" bank isn’t just about who has the absolute lowest headline interest rate. Major retail banks (such as ANZ, ASB, Westpac, BNZ, Kiwibank, and SBS Bank) treat low-equity lending differently, and your combined income as a salaried couple will heavily influence your borrowing capacity and scheme eligibility.

Key Factors for a 10% Deposit in New Zealand

  • Low Equity Margins (LEM) vs. Standard Rates: Most major banks (like Westpac, BNZ, and ASB) offer "Special" discounted rates only to borrowers with a 20% deposit. If you have a 10% deposit, they typically add a Low Equity Margin (LEM)—usually around 0.50% to 0.75% p.a.—on top of their special rate, or charge a higher standard rate.
  • Kiwibank & ANZ Pricing Approach: Some lenders like Kiwibank and ANZ structure low-deposit borrowing via a single standard rate approach rather than adding a separate margin. Depending on the size of your loan, one structure can save you thousands over a fixed term compared to the other.
  • The Kāinga Ora First Home Loan Option: If your combined annual household income (before tax) is under $150,000 (for two or more borrowers), you may qualify for the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme (available through participating lenders like Westpac, ASB, and others). This scheme allows a 5% to 10% deposit without a standard low-equity margin, though it does charge a one-time Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) premium (around 1.2% of the loan amount).

Bank Comparison Strategy for Salaried Couples

  1. Kiwibank: Frequently aggressive with competitive short-term fixed rates and well-regarded for first-home buyer support and flexible cash contribution offers (though cash contributions for low-deposit loans can vary).
  2. Westpac & ASB: Excellent digital tracking tools, robust first-home buyer resources, and direct integration paths if you are applying through the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme (subject to the $150,000 household income cap).
  3. ANZ & BNZ: Large scale and strong processing speeds for salaried applicants whose income documentation (PAYE summaries) is straightforward.

Recommended Action Plan

  1. Check Your Income Eligibility: Total your combined gross (before-tax) salaries. If it is under $150,000, formally check your eligibility for the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme to bypass standard low-equity penalties.
  2. Collate Your Financial Documents: Because you are salaried, gather your last 3 months of payslips, Inland Revenue (IRD) income summaries, and 3 months of everyday bank statements showing consistent savings behavior (essential for Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act / CCCFA affordability assessments).
  3. Engage a Free Mortgage Adviser: For first home buyers with a 10% deposit, using a registered mortgage adviser is free (they are paid commission by the lender). An adviser can simultaneously run scenarios across ANZ, ASB, Kiwibank, Westpac, and non-major lenders to see which bank offers the lowest effective rate once low-equity margins or standard rates are factored in.

Are you and your partner targeting an existing home or a new build, and does your combined household income fall above or below the $150,000 threshold?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

What's the best bank for a first home loan if we're a salaried couple with about a 10% deposit?

When you are a salaried couple with a 10% deposit , finding the "best" bank depends on whether you value a specialized first-home buyer experience, lower low-equity margins (fees/interest add-ons for under 20% deposits), or the highest cash contribution (cashback).

Because Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions cap the amount of high-LVR lending banks can do, having a 10% deposit means you will likely face a low-equity margin (LEM) or a capitalized premium added to your interest rate (usually an extra 0.25% to 0.75% depending on the exact equity tier) until your equity reaches 20%.

Top Contenders for First Home Buyers in New Zealand

  • SBS Bank

  • Why them: Recognized as a standout performer, winning industry accolades such as the Canstar New Zealand Bank of the Year First Home Buyers Award. As a mutual/member-owned bank, they frequently tailor their lending criteria and pricing to support lower-deposit buyers without some of the rigid hurdles of the major aus-owned giants.

  • ASB Bank

  • Why them: Highly rated by first-home buyers and consumer advocates for their digital tools, dedicated mobile mortgage managers, and structured support packages. They often provide clear cash contributions (cashbacks) for first-home buyers even on lower deposits if income thresholds and serviceability are robust.

  • Kiwibank

  • Why them: As a state-owned, 100% Kiwi bank, they are exceptionally active in the first-home buyer space. They regularly support 10% deposit lending paths and are compatible with government initiatives like the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme (if your combined income fits the caps).

  • ANZ and BNZ (The Big Four Alternatives)

  • Why them: While their advertised "special" rates sometimes strictly require a 20% equity baseline, they have massive capacity to process salaried income cleanly and quickly. If your combined salaries give you a high surplus income serviceability test, they will frequently match or negotiate low-equity rates to win your business.

Key Factors for a Salaried Couple with 10%

  • Income Stability: Being salaried puts you in the strongest possible position for serviceability testing (which banks currently test at high stress-test interest rates, often around 6.5% to 7%+).

  • Cashbacks: Even with a 10% deposit, ask about cash contributions. While cashbacks are lower or sometimes restricted for sub-20% deposits compared to 20%+ equity loans, many lenders still offer a percentage or flat dollar amount (e.g., $2,000–$4,000+) to help cover legal and LIM report costs.

  • Low-Equity Margins vs. Fees: Compare whether the bank charges an upfront capitalized fee for a 10% deposit or bakes it into a slightly higher interest rate markup (the low-equity margin) for the first few years until you pay down the principal to 20%.

To help narrow down which specific lender fits best, could you let me know:

  • Roughly what purchase price bracket or loan amount you are looking at?
  • Whether your combined income might fall under the regional caps for the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme (which lets you buy with just a 5%–10% deposit via participating lenders)?
Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

What's the best bank for a first home loan if we're a salaried couple with about a 10% deposit?

AI Overview

For a salaried couple with a 10% deposit , the "best" bank in New Zealand depends heavily on your combined annual income , as it changes which category of low-deposit lending you fall into. Because banks are legally restricted by the Reserve Bank's LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio) rules on how much low-deposit lending they can do, you generally have two pathways:

Pathway 1: Combined Income is Under $150,000 (Before Tax)

If your combined salaried income is $150,000 or less , your best option is to apply for the government-backed Kāinga Ora First Home Loan.

  • The Benefit: Since the government underwrites the loan, banks waive their standard low-equity interest rate premiums. You pay a one-off 1.2% Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) fee (which can usually be added to the loan), but you get normal, competitive interest rates.

  • Best Bank Option: SBS Bank is highly competitive here. They were named the Canstar Bank of the Year for First Home Buyers. Their FirstHome Combo provides a 12-month fixed rate discount, a $3,000 cash-back incentive, and $1,000 towards home insurance.

  • Other strong contenders: Westpac and ASB are both highly active Kāinga Ora lenders. ASB offers a $5,000 cash contribution for first home loans over $200,000 (requires staying for 36 months).

Pathway 2: Combined Income is Over $150,000 (Before Tax)

If your combined salaried income is over $150,000 , you do not qualify for the Kāinga Ora scheme. Instead, you must apply for a standard High-LVR (90%) bank loan.

  • The Reality: You will likely be charged a Low Equity Margin (LEM) or Low Equity Premium. This means the bank adds an extra 0.25% to 1.5% onto your interest rate until your equity reaches 20%.

  • Best Bank Option: ANZ and Westpac. They possess the largest lending books in New Zealand, meaning they have the largest allowance under Reserve Bank rules to take on "speed limit" borrowers (those with less than a 20% deposit). Westpac is particularly accommodating to salaried couples with 10% deposits, allowing you to capitalise the low-equity fees into the loan so you don't have to pay them upfront.

Key Comparison for a 10% Deposit

Bank Best For Standout Perk Low Equity Cost
SBS Bank Under $150k income FirstHome Combo: Rate discounts + up to $4,000 in cash/insurance perks. Waived under Kāinga Ora.
ASB Under $150k income $5,000 cash back on loans over $200,000. Waived under Kāinga Ora.
Westpac Over $150k income Large low-deposit lending capacity; ability to add low-equity fees to the loan. Standard LEM applies.
ANZ Over $150k income Most consistent approval rates for standard 90% LVR applications due to book size. Standard LEM applies.

Three Tips for a 10% Deposit Application in NZ

  1. Watch the DTI Limits: The Reserve Bank's Debt-to-Income (DTI) rules restrict banks from lending more than 6 times your gross annual income for owner-occupiers. Make sure the price range you are looking at fits within this multiple.

  2. Clear the Decks: When you apply with a 10% deposit, banks "stress test" your income using phantom interest rates well above current market rates. Clear any credit cards, buy-now-pay-later accounts, or car loans before applying, as these drastically slash your borrowing power.

  3. Consider New Builds: If you buy a brand-new turn-key property, it is often exempt from standard LVR restrictions. Banks like Kiwibank and BNZ are much friendlier with a 10% deposit if you are purchasing a new build.

To help narrow this down, could you tell me:

  • What is your approximate combined annual income before tax?

  • Are you looking to buy an existing property or a brand-new build?

Knowing these factors will help pinpoint the exact lender most likely to approve your application.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026