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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

I have a home loan and another lender has offered me a lower rate and a cash contribution to switch. What matters most to me is keeping the total cost as low as possible. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

If your priority is keeping the total cost of your home loan as low as possible, I would compare lenders on the full financial benefit of switching, not simply the advertised interest rate or the cash contribution.

In New Zealand, a lower rate plus a cash incentive can be an excellent deal, but the result depends on your outstanding loan, how long you keep the new loan, any cashback clawback conditions, and the legal or refinancing costs.

My approach would be to shortlist lenders that compete aggressively for refinanced mortgages, then compare their offers against the cost of staying with your current lender.

My recommended lenders to compare

These are my first choices to investigate in New Zealand, based on the combination of competitive advertised rates, refinancing incentives and switching costs. The best one for you will depend on the actual written offer.

1. ANZ New Zealand

Rate benchmark

ANZ is worth checking first for a sharp fixed rate. Its advertised special rates on 8 October were around 4.79% for six months and 4.99% for one year. These are advertised rates, not a personalised quote. Mortgage & Home Loan Rates NZHome loan interest rates and offers

Why consider it: A small rate advantage on a large mortgage can outweigh a seemingly generous one-off incentive over time.

2. Kiwibank

Low switching costs

Kiwibank advertises a refinancing package that can save up to $2,500 through its legal transfer service, no application fee and, in eligible cases, no registered valuation. Switching to Kiwibank | Home loansRates & fees | Home loans

Why consider it: Reducing the upfront cost of moving can make refinancing worthwhile even when another lender offers a similar interest rate. Check its four-year cashback clawback terms if a cash contribution is part of the deal.

3. SBS Bank

Worth negotiating with

SBS has recently advertised competitive fixed rates, including rates around 4.85% for six months and 5.19% for one year in the 8 October rate comparisons. Today's NZ Interest Rates | Live Bank Rate ComparisonMortgage & Home Loan Rates NZ

Why consider it: It is a useful alternative quote to put alongside the major banks, especially if its total contribution and legal costs compare favourably.

4. The Co-operative Bank

Why consider it: Include it in your comparison if its refinancing rate is competitive. It has offered substantial cash contributions for qualifying lending, although the advertised offer I found was specifically for eligible first-home buyers, so don't assume it applies to your refinance. First Home Buyer HubHome loan incentives ( non-rate incentives )

5. ASB

Why consider it: ASB is another useful rate benchmark. Its advertised six-month and one-year rates were around 4.79% and 4.99%, respectively, in recent comparisons. Ask for a tailored refinance offer rather than relying on its headline rates. Today's NZ Interest Rates | Live Bank Rate ComparisonHome Loans & Mortgages

The rate comparisons above are dated snapshots from early October 2026. Rates and eligibility can change, and special rates commonly require at least 20% equity. Current NZ Mortgage Rates | Compare Home Loan Rates from 8 Major BanksHome Loan Rates NZ: Compare Current Rates (October 2026)

How to identify the cheapest deal

Compare the offers over the same period, using the same loan balance, repayment structure and fixed-rate term.

A practical calculation is:

Net switching benefit = interest saved + cash contribution − all switching costs − any cashback you must repay to your current lender.

For a more accurate comparison, calculate the interest under each loan's proposed repayment schedule, accounting for the outstanding balance over time. Include:

  • Any fixed-rate break fee on your existing loan.
  • Legal fees, valuation costs and other refinancing charges.
  • How long the new rate lasts and what happens when it expires.
  • The new lender's cashback clawback period and repayment rules.
  • Whether the new rate requires particular equity, salary-crediting or other conditions.

Sorted recommends getting a written break-fee quote from your current lender before deciding to refinance. How to refinance your mortgage » SortedEarly repayment charges

Don't overlook the option of asking your current lender to match the competing rate or make a retention offer. If it does, you might keep most of the interest savings without paying the full cost of switching.

Let’s compare the actual dollars

I can help you work out which option is cheapest over your intended holding period, rather than just which lender has the lowest advertised rate.

One important question: Which lender is your current mortgage with, and what rate has the other lender offered you? With those two details, I can make the comparison much more specific to your situation.

Ask anything

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.

Captured 11 October 2026

Gemini · National

I have a home loan and another lender has offered me a lower rate and a cash contribution to switch. What matters most to me is keeping the total cost as low as possible. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

When your primary goal is keeping the total cost of your home loan as low as possible, evaluating a switch requires looking past the upfront lure of cash and focusing on the true net financial impact over the fixed term.

To determine whether switching lenders actually saves you money, consider the following key components and strategic steps:

1. The Math: Lower Rate vs. Cashback vs. Switching Costs

A lower interest rate almost always saves more money over the long term than a one-off cash contribution, but you have to crunch the numbers based on your specific loan balance:

  • Interest Savings: Even a 0.10% to 0.20% difference in your interest rate on a large mortgage ($500,000+) can amount to thousands of dollars saved over a 1-to-2-year fixed term.
  • Cashback Impact: Lenders in New Zealand typically offer refinancing cash contributions ranging from roughly 0.50% to 0.90% of the total loan amount. However, if you switch lenders, you must factor in hidden expenses.
  • Switching Costs: Legal fees for discharging your current mortgage and registering a new one typically range from $800 to $1,500, though some competing lenders will offer to cover a portion or all of these legal costs as part of the incentive package.

2. Leverage Your Current Lender (The "Win-Back" Strategy)

Before paying legal fees or going through the friction of shifting your accounts, use the competing offer as leverage.

  • Action: Contact your current bank's retention or mobile mortgage manager team. Inform them directly: "Another lender is offering me [insert lower rate] and a [insert dollar amount] cash contribution to switch. I prefer to stay, but I need you to match or beat this package to keep my business."
  • Why it works: Major New Zealand banks (such as ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, and Westpac) regularly grant unadvertised "special" discounts or provide retention cash contributions to prevent losing profitable borrowers, saving you the administrative hassle and legal costs of refinancing.

3. Comparing New Zealand Lenders

Rather than relying on a generic recommendation, the right lender depends on who is aggressively competing for market share at the time you refix:

  • The Major Banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac): Frequently match competitive market rates and offer robust cash contributions for refinancing loans over $250,000–$300,000, but their willingness to negotiate depends heavily on your Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) (typically requiring under 80% LVR for special rates) and whether you move your daily transactional banking and income stream to them.
  • Second-Tier & Challenger Banks (Kiwibank, TSB, SBS Bank, The Cooperative Bank): Often lead the market with sharp headline rates or competitive percentage-based cash contributions (e.g., 1.00% structures from select providers on qualifying tier amounts) to attract switchers.

Recommended Action Plan

To ensure your total cost remains as low as possible, execute these concrete steps:

  1. Calculate your exact break-even point: Multiply your current remaining loan balance by the proposed rate reduction to see your annual interest savings, then subtract any out-of-pocket legal/discharge fees not covered by the new lender's cashback.
  2. Negotiate with your existing bank: Present your competing offer to your current lender and request a rate match and a loyalty cash contribution.
  3. Engage a registered mortgage adviser: Because broker services are generally free to borrowers (paid via lender commission), an independent adviser can instantly scan the live lending landscape across all major and challenger banks to pinpoint which institution is offering the absolute sharpest net package for your exact loan size and equity level.

What is your approximate remaining loan balance and your current fixed interest rate?

Ask Gemini

Gemini is AI and can make mistakes.

Captured 11 October 2026

Google AI Mode · National

I have a home loan and another lender has offered me a lower rate and a cash contribution to switch. What matters most to me is keeping the total cost as low as possible. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

When total cost is your priority, choosing the right lender requires looking past the initial headline cashback or promotional rate. Refinancing involves hidden costs and structural considerations that can erode short-term savings.

Key Factors in Minimizing Total Cost

  • Break Fees and Discharge Fees: Your current lender may charge a break fee if you are on a fixed rate and moving before the term ends, plus a discharge/settlement fee (typically $200–$400).

  • Cashback Clawback Provisions: Lenders offering cash contributions usually require you to stay for a minimum period (often 3 to 4 years). If you leave early, you must repay a pro-rata portion of the cash contribution.

  • Legal and Application Costs: Switching lenders often requires a solicitor to register a new mortgage, which can cost several hundred dollars (though some competing lenders cover or contribute to legal fees as part of the switch package).

  • Carded vs. Negotiated Rates: Advertised "special" rates require meeting equity/LVR thresholds, but a sharp mortgage broker or direct negotiation with your existing bank can sometimes match a competing offer without the friction of switching.

Overview of New Zealand Lender Categories

  • Major Trading Banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac): Frequently offer aggressive cash contributions (ranging from $3,000 to 1% of the loan amount depending on size) and competitive "special" fixed rates for low-LVR borrowers, but have strict clawback rules.

  • State-Owned and Challenger Banks (Kiwibank, The Co-operative Bank): Often match major bank cashbacks and special rates with a focus on local cooperative structures or Kiwi-owned values, sometimes offering flexible packages.

  • Non-Bank and Regional Lenders (SBS Bank, TSB, Credit Unions): May offer unique localized service or flexible structuring, though standard cash contributions can occasionally be smaller than the major four banks. [Canstar NZ]

Note: Specific lender recommendations change dynamically based on your exact loan size, equity position, and whether you are fixed or floating right now. Tracking tools likeInterest.co.nz Mortgage Rates and reviews on Canstar NZ Home Loans can help benchmark current market offers.

If you share your approximate loan balance , whether you are currently fixed or floating with your current lender , and how much time is left on your fixed term , I can help you calculate whether the cashback outweighs the switching and break costs.

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026

AI Overviews · National

I have a home loan and another lender has offered me a lower rate and a cash contribution to switch. What matters most to me is keeping the total cost as low as possible. Which lenders would you recommend for my home loan, and why?

AI Overview

Switching lenders can provide massive upfront and long-term savings , but maximizing your total savings requires looking past just the headline numbers. To achieve the lowest total cost on your home loan, you must factor in the "clawback period," legal fees, structure flexibility, and competitive pricing.

Lenders in New Zealand approach these costs differently. Below is a structured comparison of the leading choices based on the current market environment.

1. Evaluate the Financial Traps of a Switch

Before jumping to a new provider, calculate the true net benefit using this simple sequence:

  • Current Bank Clawbacks: Check if you are breaking your existing fixed term early. If you received a cash contribution from your current lender within the last 3 to 4 years, you will likely have to repay a pro-rata portion of it.

  • New Bank Clawbacks: Cash contributions are almost always tied to a 3-year clawback clause. If you switch away from the new bank before this period ends, you must repay the cash.

  • The Legal Fee Minimum: Expect to pay $1,000 to $1,500 in lawyer fees to handle the discharge of your old mortgage and registration of the new one. Ensure your new cash contribution comfortably exceeds this cost.

2. Compare the Best Options for Minimizing Total Cost

The best lender for you depends on how you want to achieve the lowest cost—whether through the absolute lowest interest rate, an aggressive repayment structure, or a massive upfront cash buffer.

Lender Option Core Advantage Interest Rate Outlook Cash Cashback / Contributions Hidden Total Cost Savings
Major Banks
(e.g., Kiwibank, Westpac, ANZ) Massive Cash Aggression Competitive short-term fixed specials (e.g., 4.75%–4.99% for 6–12 months). Typically 0.7% to 1.0% of the total loan amount (e.g., $7,000 on a $700k loan). High negotiation power. An adviser can often secure unadvertised "discretionary discounts" if you bring a competitor’s offer.
Regional & Mutual Banks
(e.g., TSB, SBS Bank) Consistently Low Advertised Rates Often lead the market on 1-year and 3-year fixed specials (around 4.85%–5.39%). Moderate cash incentives, usually enough to clear legal fees. Fewer conditional boxes to tick compared to major retail banks.
Simplicity NZ
(Non-profit / Conservative) Lowest Long-Term Floating Cost Market-leading floating rate (~4.20%–4.59%), beating main bank floating rates by ~2%. No cash contributions. Zero clawbacks and zero penalties for making unlimited extra principal repayments.

3. Step-by-Step Strategy to Secure the Lowest Cost

To execute the path with the lowest overall financial friction, follow these steps:

  1. Request a Payout Quote: Call your current bank and ask for the exact cost to break your fixed term and the value of any cash contribution clawbacks.

  2. Obtain written offers: Secure the formal lower rate and cash contribution offer from the competing lender.

  3. Trigger a Retention Offer: Take that competing written offer directly to your current bank's retention team. If they match the lower rate, you achieve a lower cost without paying any legal fees or triggering clawbacks.

  4. Negotiate the Clawback Term: If you do switch, push the new lender to reduce their clawback window from 3 years down to 2 years, or ensure their floating portions allow free offset capabilities.

To help give you a more precise recommendation on which path saves you the most money, could you share:

  • Your approximate total loan balance?

  • How long you have left on your current fixed term?

  • How much cash contribution the competing lender has offered you?

Ask anything

Captured 11 October 2026