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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 refinance mortgage cash contribution

Best NZ bank to refinance your mortgage for a cash contribution

In New Zealand, if you're refinancing your home loan to another bank, the best deal is often the bank offering the largest cash contribution, with a competitive interest rate and the fewest conditions.

Banks may offer a cash contribution to attract your mortgage business, commonly in exchange for keeping the loan with them for a minimum period. The headline offer isn't necessarily the best deal once you factor in legal fees, your existing bank's break costs and the new interest rate.

My recommendation: compare offers from several banks at the same time rather than accepting the first offer from your current bank. Your existing bank may also offer a retention incentive if you tell them you're considering switching.

Which banks should you approach first?

These are the strongest starting points based on published NZ mortgage incentives. Offers and eligibility can change, and some advertised deals are only for first-home buyers.

1. ANZ

First to ask

An industry comparison listed a cash contribution of 0.9%, up to $30,000, for eligible new lending of at least $200,000. Confirm the current offer for a standard refinance. Home loan incentives ( non-rate incentives )

ANZ home loans

2. The Co-operative Bank

A published comparison listed a 1% cashback offer, subject to qualifying loan size and terms. Ask whether the offer is currently available to existing homeowners switching banks, rather than only first-home buyers. Home loan incentives ( non-rate incentives )Mortgage cashbacks: what's on offer in NZ

The Co-operative Bank

3. SBS Bank

A published comparison listed cashback of up to 1.25%, capped at $25,000. Check whether this applies to your refinance and what conditions apply. Home loan incentives ( non-rate incentives )

SBS Bank

4. Kiwibank

A particularly useful option if you want to reduce switching costs: its refinancing package advertises savings of up to $2,500, including eligible legal transfer costs, with conditions. Switching to Kiwibank | Home loans

Kiwibank refinancing package

How much cash could you get?

For illustration, if a bank agrees to a cash contribution calculated as a percentage of your new mortgage:

Mortgage balance 0.7% contribution 0.9% contribution 1% contribution
$400,000 $2,800 $3,600 $4,000
$600,000 $4,200 $5,400 $6,000
$800,000 $5,600 $7,200 $8,000
$1,000,000 $7,000 $9,000 $10,000

These are calculations, not guaranteed bank offers. Your actual contribution will depend on the lender's current terms and your application.

How to get the best deal

  • Get competing offers before committing to a bank.
  • Ask your preferred bank to confirm both its best interest rate and maximum cash contribution.
  • Compare the total cost over your expected fixed-rate period, including legal costs and any early repayment fee.
  • Check the cashback clawback period. Some offers require you to stay for three or four years or repay part of the contribution if you leave early. Mortgage Cashback and IncentivesSwitching to Kiwibank | Home loans

Let me narrow it down for your mortgage

I can help identify which bank is most worth approaching first. What is your approximate outstanding mortgage balance?

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

best bank to refinance mortgage cash contribution

When looking to refinance your mortgage in New Zealand to secure a cash contribution (cashback), the "best" bank depends heavily on the size of your mortgage, your LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio), and your negotiation leverage.

Major and challenger banks frequently adjust their cash incentives to win over refinancing customers, with typical offers ranging from 0.7% to over 1% (and occasionally up to 1.5% depending on market competition and loan size).

Understanding NZ Bank Refinance Cashbacks

  • Standard Cash Contribution: Most major lenders (such as ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, and Westpac) typically structure cashback offers around 0.8% to 1.0% of the total new mortgage amount for qualified refinancing customers. For a $600,000 mortgage, a 1% cashback equals $6,000.
  • Challenger & Specialist Lenders: Tier-2 banks, credit unions, or institutions like SBS Bank or The Co-operative Bank frequently push aggressive cash incentives or higher percentage tiers (sometimes up to 1.25% or more) to attract switching borrowers.
  • The Clawback Period: Nearly all New Zealand banks enforce a 3-year (sometimes 4-year) clawback period. If you switch banks, sell the property, or pay off the mortgage entirely before this period ends, you will have to repay a pro-rata portion of the cash contribution.

Step-by-Step Refinance Action Plan

To maximize a cash contribution safely when refinancing, follow this structured approach:

  1. Calculate Your Net Financial Benefit

    • Formula: (New Cashback Amount + Total Interest Saved on Lower Rates) - (Refinancing Costs)
    • Factor in potential break fees if you are exiting a fixed term early with your current bank, alongside legal fees and discharge fees (though many new lenders will cover legal contributions up to a certain dollar amount or provide a free legal package for refinancing).

  2. Leverage Your Current Bank First

    • Before committing to a switch, ask your existing lender to match or compete with market refinancing offers. Banks often prefer to offer a retention cashback or a special carded interest rate rather than lose your business entirely.

  3. Shop Multiple Lenders and Use a Mortgage Broker

    • Because bank policies, risk appetites, and promotional cashback thresholds fluctuate frequently, working with a free independent mortgage adviser in New Zealand gives you direct insight into which lender is currently offering the highest unadvertised or discretionary cashback for your specific loan size.

  4. Review Loan Structure, Not Just Cash

    • Ensure that chasing an upfront cash contribution doesn't lock you into an inflexible loan structure. Verify whether you need revolving credit facilities, offset accounts, or split fixed-rate tranches.

Are you looking to refinance a specific mortgage amount, or are you currently locked into a fixed-rate term with your existing bank?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

best bank to refinance mortgage cash contribution

When looking to refinance your mortgage for a cash contribution (cashback) in New Zealand , major banks and lenders generally offer between 0.70% to 1.00% of the total refinancing loan amount. For larger loans, some cooperative or regional banks may push higher or structure fixed incentives.

Because cashback offers change frequently, are rarely fully disclosed on public rate boards, and depend heavily on your loan size and equity (20% deposit or more), the "best" bank changes based on negotiation and your specific financial profile. [Canstar NZ]

Current Landscape of NZ Mortgage Cash Contributions

  • Major Banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac): Typically offer standard refinancing cash contributions around 0.80% to 1.00% of the mortgage value for competitive or high-value refinancing (e.g., loans over $250,000 to $500,000+).

  • Kiwibank: Regularly competes in the same 0.70%–1.00% bracket, though clawback periods or criteria may vary. [Canstar NZ]

  • The Co-operative Bank / Smaller Lenders: Sometimes scale up to 1% (or tiered fixed amounts up to $15,000 for very large loans) to win business from the major Australian-owned banks. [Canstar NZ]

Key Factors to Watch Out For

  1. The Clawback Period: Most New Zealand banks require a 3 to 4-year lock-in period. If you refinance or sell before this period ends, you will have to repay the cash contribution on a pro-rata basis.
  2. Standard vs. Special Interest Rates: Banks sometimes offer a lower cashback on their "special" or lowest advertised interest rates, or they might push you onto a slightly higher standard rate if you take the maximum cashback. Always calculate whether the extra cash outweighs a slightly higher interest rate over the fixed term. [MoneyHub NZ]
  3. Legal and Valuation Fees: When refinancing, banks will often contribute towards your legal/discharge fees (e.g., an extra $500 to $1,500 cash or contribution to solicitor costs), which you should factor into your total net gain.

You can review a broader comparison of current market structures on Canstar NZ or read an independent breakdown on MoneyHub NZ.

If you share your approximate mortgage balance and whether you have at least a 20% equity stake , I can help you calculate the estimated cash contribution range and what to look out for.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

best bank to refinance mortgage cash contribution

AI Overview

In New Zealand, the "best" bank to refinance your mortgage for a cash contribution depends on your overall loan size and whether you use a mortgage broker to negotiate, as standard cashback rates sit between 0.8% and 1.0% across major lenders. While most banks offer standard flat cash incentives starting at $5,000 for first-time buyers or smaller qualifying loans, refinancing existing mortgages generally switches to a percentage of the total loan size—making specific banks highly competitive depending on their percentage caps.

Major Bank Refinance Cash Contribution Overview

Bank Standard Cash Contribution Rate Key Limits / Target Market
The Co-operative Bank 1% of loan value Capped up to $15,000 ; highly aggressive for mid-tier refinancing.
Westpac ~0.8% to 1% discretionary Offers competitive standard rates (e.g., matching lowest 3-year and 4-year fixed terms at 5.39%).
ANZ ~0.8% to 1% discretionary Historically known for aggressive campaigns up to 1.5%; routinely matched by brokers.
BNZ ~0.8% to 1% discretionary Features easy digital switching via BNZ Home Loan Switch but restricts some broker cash matching.
Kiwibank ~0.8% to 1% discretionary Offers a premium fee-free switching package for loans over $50,000 with 20% equity.

⚠️ Critical Refinancing Conditions to Remember

  1. The $250,000 Minimum Threshold: Most banks officially require your total refinanced loan to be at least $250,000 to qualify for any cash contribution.

  2. The "Clawback" Clause: Cash contributions are not "free money". You must sign a contract agreeing to stay with the new bank for a 3 to 4-year clawback period. If you switch banks or sell the property before this period ends, you must repay the cash contribution on a full or pro-rata basis.

  3. Upfront Refinancing Costs: The cash contribution is primarily designed to cover your upfront friction costs. You will need to account for approximately $900 to $1,200 in legal conveyancing fees to shift titles between banks, alongside potential early break fees from your current lender if you exit a fixed term early.

Pro-Tip for Refinancing

Do not just look at the bank's public website. Mortgage brokers in New Zealand routinely bypass advertised rates and negotiate bespoke cashback percentages (sometimes pushing past 1%) alongside discounted interest rates depending on the size of your mortgage equity.

If you would like to map out if a refinance makes sense, feel free to share:

  • Your approximate total remaining loan balance

  • How much equity you have in the property (e.g., over or under 20%?)

  • Whether you are currently on a fixed or floating rate with your current bank Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in NZ?The ultimate guide to refixing & refinancing

I can help you calculate whether the cash contribution will outweigh your potential legal or break fees.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026