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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

best bank to refix mortgage

Best bank to refix your mortgage in New Zealand

My recommendation is to compare at least four banks before refixing, rather than automatically staying with your current bank. In New Zealand, the best choice depends on the fixed interest rate you can negotiate, any cashback offer, and whether you want certainty over your repayments or flexibility to refix again soon.

Don't focus on the advertised interest rate alone. Your existing bank may offer you a better deal if you negotiate, while another bank may be willing to pay a cash contribution to win your mortgage.

1. Which New Zealand banks are best right now?

As of 10 October 2026, the latest published comparisons point to Kiwibank and Westpac as good starting points for your rate comparison.

Bank Best reason to consider it
Kiwibank Worth checking first for a 1-year or 2-year fixed rate.
Westpac Worth comparing for a 3-year fixed rate.
ANZ Worth checking if you are an existing customer and can negotiate a better rate.
BNZ Worth comparing for its fixed rates and any cashback available when switching.
ASB Worth getting a competing offer from, particularly if you already bank with ASB.

Recent published comparisons identify Kiwibank as having the lowest advertised 1-year rate at 4.95% and 2-year rate at 5.39%. Westpac has been reported as offering the lowest 3-year rate at 5.39%. These rates can change, and the rate you qualify for may differ. Source: Opes Partners' mortgage rate comparison. opespartners.co.nz

You can also check the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's mortgage interest rate data for a broader view of the market. rbnz.govt.nz

2. Should you fix for 1, 2 or 3 years?

The best term depends on your financial situation and expectations for interest rates.

  • 1 year: Worth considering if you want to reassess your mortgage relatively soon. However, you could face higher rates when it expires.
  • 2 years: A useful middle ground if you want repayment certainty without locking in for too long.
  • 3 years: Worth considering if you value predictable repayments over a longer period, particularly if you are concerned about future rate increases.

There is no guarantee that rates will fall or rise over your chosen term. Recent economic commentary has highlighted the possibility of further increases in New Zealand mortgage rates. oneroof.co.nz

My starting point would be to compare the 1-year and 2-year options first, then see whether the extra certainty of a longer term justifies its cost.

3. Don't overlook cashback

If you are considering switching banks, cashback could make a substantial difference to the overall deal.

For example, on a $500,000 mortgage:

  • A 0.20 percentage-point interest rate difference equates to approximately $1,000 in interest in the first year, before accounting for principal repayments.
  • A $5,000 cashback offer could outweigh a modest rate difference in the short term.

However, cashback can come with conditions, including requirements to keep your mortgage with the bank for a specified period. Switching can also involve legal costs and repayment of cashback received from your existing bank. See MoneyHub's guide to mortgage cashback. moneyhub.co.nz, bnz.co.nz

If you're staying with your current bank, ask whether it can match a competitor's rate before you refix.

4. Let me narrow it down to the best option for you

I can help you work out which bank and fixed term are most worth pursuing for your particular mortgage.

First, which bank is your mortgage currently with?

For example, ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank or another lender.

Once I know that, I can help you compare your options and identify what rate you should aim to negotiate.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

best bank to refix mortgage

When looking to refix your mortgage in New Zealand, there is no single "best" bank because the major lenders (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, and Westpac) regularly adjust their carded "special" rates to closely match one another. Instead, the right choice depends on the specific fixed term you want and your ability to negotiate.

1. Current Market Overview (Major Banks)

Major bank special rates (typically requiring a minimum of 20% equity/deposit) generally cluster around these ranges:

  • 6-Month Fixed: Hovering around 4.75% to 4.79% p.a. (with lenders like Kiwibank and Westpac offering competitive entry points).
  • 1-Year Fixed: Hovering around 4.95% to 4.99% p.a.
  • 2-Year to 3-Year Fixed: Ranging roughly from 5.35% to 5.59% p.a. depending on the exact term and institution.

Because carded rates change frequently and are often very close, the "best" bank is usually the one offering the best negotiated rate or cashback incentives for switching.

2. Strategic Steps to Take When Refixing

  1. Shop Around and Leverage Competitors:
    Don't just accept your current bank’s rollover offer (which defaults to higher "standard" or carded rates if you aren't paying attention). Check what competing major and challenger banks (like TSB, SBS, or The Co-operative Bank) are advertising.
  2. Negotiate with Your Current Lender:
    If you prefer staying put to avoid discharge or legal fees, contact your mobile mortgage manager or bank retention team. Use lower rates found elsewhere as leverage. You can explicitly state: “Another major bank is offering X% on a 1-year term; can you match this or sharpen your special rate?” Data shows borrowers can often shave 0.05% to 0.15% off advertised carded rates through active negotiation.
  3. Choose the Right Term for Your Goals:
    • Shorter Terms (6 months to 1 year): Popular if you want to keep flexibility and anticipate potential changes in the Official Cash Rate (OCR).
    • Medium Terms (2 to 3 years): Chosen if you prioritize absolute budgeting certainty over the medium term and want to lock in a stable repayment amount.
  4. Evaluate Cashback Offers (If Switching Banks):
    If you are near the end of a fixed term, switching banks can sometimes unlock thousands of dollars in cash contributions (cashback) for legal and administrative costs. However, calculate whether the cash contribution outweighs any potential switch fees or setup costs.

Disclaimer: Mortgage interest rates change frequently based on market conditions and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's OCR policy. Always verify current rates directly with lenders or via financial comparison sites like interest.co.nz or Canstar before locking in a term.

Are you currently leaning toward a shorter term (like 6 months or 1 year) or looking for multi-year certainty when you refix?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

best bank to refix mortgage

AI Overview

Determining the "best" bank to refix your mortgage in New Zealand depends on whether you plan to stay with your current bank or refinance to a new lender to capture cash-back incentives. Following recent rate movements and adjustments to the Official Cash Rate (OCR), competitive special rates for borrowers with at least 20% equity sit between 4.75% and 5.50% across short-to-medium terms.

The best bank for your situation hinges on your preferred fixed term, your current equity, and whether you are willing to switch lenders.

Current Special Mortgage Rates Comparison

The major New Zealand banks are highly competitive, but subtle differences across specific terms can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

Bank 6 Months 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years
Kiwibank 4.75% 4.95% 5.39% 5.59%
Westpac 4.75% 5.19% 5.29% 5.39%
ANZ 4.79% 4.99% 5.35% 5.59%
ASB 4.79% 4.99% 5.45% 5.45%
BNZ 4.79% 4.99% 5.35% 5.59%

Note: Rates are indicative "special" rates requiring at least 20% equity and salary credit. Non-major lenders like TSB may offer specific targeted deals, such as a 4.85% 1-year fixed option.

Strategy Breakdown: How to Choose

  • For the Absolute Lowest Short-Term Rates: Kiwibank and Westpac lead the market for 6-month terms at 4.75%. Kiwibank is also highly competitive for a 1-year fix at 4.95%. Current mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026]

  • For Mid-Term Certainty (2–3 Years): Westpac holds the edge for slightly longer terms, offering 5.29% for 2 years and 5.39% for 3 years. Compare home loan interest rates | Westpac NZCurrent mortgage interest rates in NZ [2026]

  • The Power of the "Hidden Ask" (Refinancing vs. Refixing): If you simply refix online using your current bank’s app, you miss out on new customer cash-back offers. Switching to a new bank typically yields cash-backs ranging from $2,400 to over $6,000 depending on your loan size. If you have been with your bank for more than 3 to 4 years, refinancing to a competitor is often the most financially lucrative move.

Wealth-Degrading Mechanics to Avoid

  • Low Equity Margins: If your equity has dipped below 20% due to recent property market shifts, banks will add a "low equity premium" of 0.25% to 1.50% on top of these advertised rates.

  • The Default Floating Trap: If your fixed term expires and you do not deliberately refix, your bank will automatically roll you onto a floating rate (around 6.25% - 6.39%). This costs roughly 30% more in annual interest than a short-term fix.

To help narrow down the strategy that will save you the most money, could you share:

  • What is your current bank , and are you open to switching lenders for a cash-back deal?

  • Roughly how much equity do you have in the property (e.g., more or less than 20%)?

  • Are you looking for short-term flexibility (1 year) or long-term rate certainty?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026