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We're a family moving to a bigger home and may need to buy before our current home sells. What matters most to us is getting good help and advice when we need it. Which lenders would you recommend for our home loan, and why?
For your family, I’d prioritise a lender that offers excellent access to helpful people, clear advice and a sensible plan for buying your next home before selling your current one — rather than simply choosing whichever bank advertises the lowest interest rate.
In New Zealand, that situation can involve bridging finance: temporary funding that allows you to own both homes until your existing property sells. You’ll want a lender that can explain the risks, structure the borrowing carefully and keep you informed throughout the process. Bridging FinanceBridging Finance
My first recommendation would be to speak with an independent mortgage adviser who compares multiple lenders, then shortlist a few banks to assess their service and suitability for your family.
My recommended lenders to start with
1. ANZ New Zealand — my first bank to investigate
First choice to explore
ANZ ranked first among New Zealand's five largest mortgage banks in a 2026 mortgage adviser survey, scoring 75% on overall lender performance. The survey considered factors including helpful lending staff, turnaround times and ease of settlement. ANZ and non-banks fare well in mortgage broker survey
ANZ offers bridging finance and access to Home Loan Coaches and Mobile Mortgage Managers, which could be helpful if you want someone to talk you through the process. Bridging Finance
Why I'd shortlist it: a strong starting point for responsive lending support and coordinating a move between homes.
2. ASB — a strong alternative
ASB ranked second among the major banks in the same 2026 adviser survey, with a score of 71%. ANZ and non-banks fare well in mortgage broker survey
ASB offers access to Home Ownership Managers, including meetings at a convenient location or at a branch, as well as guidance for buying and selling a house. Bridging finance - Buying & selling at the same time
Why I'd shortlist it: worth comparing if you value being able to speak with a home-lending specialist and get clear guidance at each stage.
Explore ASB's buying and selling guide
3. Kiwibank — a worthwhile comparison
Kiwibank ranked third among the five major banks in the 2026 adviser survey, scoring 70%. ANZ and non-banks fare well in mortgage broker survey
Why I'd shortlist it: it gives you another major lender to compare on personal service, loan structure, rates and how comfortably it can support your buy-before-you-sell plan.
4. Westpac New Zealand — another bank to test against your needs
Westpac scored 67% in the same survey. ANZ and non-banks fare well in mortgage broker survey
Why I'd include it: a competitive written proposal from Westpac gives you another point of comparison, particularly if your existing banking relationship makes the transition easier.
These rankings are based on mortgage advisers' views of lender performance, not a direct measure of how satisfied every borrower is with customer service. I'd use them as a starting point rather than a definitive league table.
The option I'd seriously consider: a mortgage adviser
Because you specifically value getting good help and advice when you need it, I'd put just as much effort into choosing the right mortgage adviser as choosing the bank.
A mortgage adviser can assess your financial position, compare multiple lenders, explain the costs and loan structures, and help manage the application through to settlement. The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority recommends asking advisers why they recommend a particular loan and how they are paid. Mortgage advice
You can start with the official FMA guide to mortgage advice.
Look for an adviser who:
- Regularly handles families buying a new property before selling their existing home.
- Compares several banks rather than steering you towards one lender.
- Is easy to reach and commits to keeping you updated.
- Explains the risks and total costs in plain language.
- Will review your mortgage after the move, rather than disappearing once the loan settles.
Ask whether they receive different commissions from different lenders, and whether any fees could apply if you change lenders early.
What matters most when buying before selling?
Bridging finance can help you secure your next home without having to sell first, but you may have to service both mortgages for a period. ANZ specifically highlights affordability and the likelihood and timing of your current home's sale as important considerations. Bridging Finance
I'd ask each shortlisted lender to put the following in writing:
| What to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Can we buy before our current home sells? | Confirms whether the lender supports your plan. |
| What would our repayments be while we own both homes? | Shows the pressure on your family budget. |
| What if our current home takes three to six months to sell? | Tests whether your plan has enough breathing room. |
| What happens if we sell for less than expected? | Helps you understand the financial downside. |
| Who will manage our application and answer questions? | Reveals how accessible your support will be. |
| What will the loan cost after our current home sells? | Helps avoid focusing only on short-term bridging costs. |
My overall recommendation
I'd start with ANZ and ASB, compare Kiwibank as another option, and use a mortgage adviser to check whether Westpac or another lender offers a better fit for your circumstances. I wouldn't choose a lender solely on these rankings or on a cashback offer.
To make this recommendation more specific to your family, there's one important question:
Do you currently have your home loan with one of the major banks, and if so, which one?
That will help me weigh up the benefit of staying with your existing bank against the potential advantages of switching, especially for a buy-before-you-sell arrangement.
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Captured 11 October 2026