Newsletter
Covid-19 support: what's the best option for you?
Submitted by brett on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 11:24
Well, things have certainly become somewhat 'disjointed' as this COVID virus impacts our lives. The first point we would make however is that the Financial Advice industry of which Onion is a part, is here to assist you get through this event.
How first home buyers can coronavirus-proof their KiwiSaver
Submitted by brett on Thu, 03/12/2020 - 09:39
First home buyers planning to use their KiwiSaver funds as a deposit should talk to their provider about switching into a cash fund, says the government's money advice arm.
Hot tips if you're renovating to sell in the current market
Submitted by brett on Mon, 09/02/2019 - 17:19
With the current combo of cheap lending and subdued property values, in today’s market the idea of renovating to sell needs to be carefully considered.
Rising demand for rentals puts pressure on tenants - opportunity for Investors
Submitted by brett on Sun, 08/04/2019 - 15:09
Rising demand for rental properties across the country is making it tough for tenants and stock is struggling to keep up, according to the latest Trade Me Rental Price Index.
Using Kiwisaver for a Home Deposit
Submitted by brett on Thu, 06/28/2018 - 13:39
We all know how hard it is for first home buyers to get into the housing market, particularly with rising house prices dictating the need for higher deposits.This has made Kiwisaver a vital part of a deposit for first home buyers.
Are LVR restrictions on their way out! Cameron Bagrie comments
Submitted by brett on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 10:24
Personal Insurance 101: How to get the ultimate PLAN B in place
Submitted by brett on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 09:07
Property & Politics
Submitted by brett on Wed, 10/18/2017 - 08:54
Keep an eye on your Mortgage 'Low Equity Margin' – you may be paying too much interest!
Submitted by brett on Mon, 08/21/2017 - 09:40
Over recent years banks have increasingly employed the practice of adding Low Equity Margins (LEM) to home loan interest rates when they are lending for housing purchases with less than a 20% deposit.
Steady as she goes – we are in good shape! See ANZ’s July Property Focus Summary here
Submitted by brett on Fri, 08/04/2017 - 11:51
A 2 minute read…Summary covers - Mortgage Borrowing Strategy, Inflation Watch, NZ Property Gauge and Economic Overview.
CHIEF ECONOMIST CORNER: INFLATION WATCH
How Long to Fix - What Would a Savvy Borrower Do?
Submitted by brett on Tue, 08/01/2017 - 08:51
In recent months movement among mortgage rates has been minimal, and the mortgage curve continues to echo a tick shape, with the sharp low point punctuating the 1-year rate mark. This makes it very clear that the 1-year terms are quite preferable.
Three things young first home buyers need to watch out for
Submitted by brett on Wed, 07/26/2017 - 09:05
These days if you’re buying a home in your twenties chances are you’ll be smugly feeling like you’re winning in life (even if you’ve had to cut back on morning latte and smashed avo brunches). But beware, there are a few mistakes young home buyers need to watch out for.
National Government launches new $600m housing infrastructure initiative
Submitted by brett on Tue, 07/25/2017 - 10:10
The government has set up an investment company to encourage building of user-pays trunk infrastructure in Auckland in an effort to speed up certain road and water pipe construction for new housing developments.
Reserve Bank - Debt to Income Ratio’s getting closer
Submitted by brett on Fri, 06/09/2017 - 08:36
The Reserve Bank has long been concerned about the growth in high Debt to income (DTI) mortgage lending that New Zealand has seen in recent years and the financial risks that it poses.
Your May Fixed Interest Rate Strategy and Market Update
Submitted by brett on Fri, 05/19/2017 - 10:22
Fixed Interest Rate Strategy – maintain a balance of risk by keeping a portion of your lending on shorter 1 -2 year fixed rates to take advantage of shorter term lower rates however look to lock a larger portion of your lending for at least 3 years to secure longer term certainty
Don't Let the Bank Beat Your Balance Down
Submitted by admin on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 15:11
Contrary to popular belief, bank fees aren’t always something you have simply suck up and deal with. Here are some helpful reminders designed to help minimise bank fees and bolster your bank balance.
Is Owning a Holiday Home a Wise Invetment?
Submitted by admin on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 15:09
For many of us owning a holiday home may seem key to embracing the Kiwi dream, but is purchasing a holiday home really a financially savvy move? If you’re eyeing up a holiday retreat there are a few things you need to consider up front.
First and foremost, can you actually afford it?
The Do's and Don'ts of Signing a Sales and Purchase Agreement
Submitted by admin on Tue, 12/20/2016 - 08:03
We’re in peak property sale season, so chances are there are a fair few of you who end up dealing with the stress and complexity of buying a new property.
Get a Head Start on a Healthy and Wealthy 2017
Submitted by admin on Tue, 12/20/2016 - 07:55
Nobody wants to be stressed about money, especially at this time of year! Pay heed to this advice and you should be able to steer clear of financial stress over the festive season – and set 2017 up to be your best year yet.
Your Fixed Interest Rate Strategy
Submitted by admin on Mon, 12/19/2016 - 16:18
Although there has been little change to floating mortgage rates, rates with terms of 2 years and longer continue to move gradually higher. This has occurred largely as a result of higher global interest rates (which tend to have a larger influence on New Zealand longer-term rates than local factors do), and rising funding costs.