Fixed Mortgage Rates NZ and How to Choose the Best Option

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Posted Feb 10, 2025

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Fixed mortgage rates in New Zealand can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, we've got you covered. You can choose from fixed rates that last anywhere from one to five years, with some banks offering even longer terms.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand sets the official cash rate, which influences fixed mortgage rates. It's essential to consider this when selecting a fixed rate, as it can impact your monthly repayments.

A 2-year fixed rate can be a good option if you're planning to sell your property or switch to a variable rate within a couple of years. Some banks offer competitive rates for this term, making it an attractive choice for some borrowers.

In general, longer fixed terms come with higher rates, but they also provide more stability and predictability in your monthly payments.

A unique perspective: New Day Mortgage Rates

Fixed Rate Mortgage Options

Fixed rate mortgage options in New Zealand offer flexibility and predictability for borrowers. A fixed rate mortgage can be principal and interest or interest-only, with the rate and regular repayment amount fixed for a set term of up to five years.

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At the end of the fixed term, the loan will revert to a floating rate but can be re-fixed. If a borrower repays a fixed rate mortgage early, they might get charged an early repayment cost.

Here are some top fixed rate mortgage offers in New Zealand, with a minimum equity requirement of 20%:

Bank/LenderRate (p.a.)FeesEarly Payment Charges
BNZ5.59%Establishment fee - up to $400Yes
TSB5.59%Establishment fee - up to $250Yes
Kiwibank5.69%NoneYes
First Credit Union5.89%Establishment fee - NoneNone
Westpac5.59%NoneYes

One-Year Term

A one-year term fixed rate mortgage can be a great option for borrowers who want flexibility in their mortgage terms. This type of mortgage is popular when mortgage rates are rising, as it tends to be the cheapest option.

You can take advantage of lower rates without being locked into a long-term commitment.

Two-Year Term

A two-year term is the most popular fixed rate mortgage option in New Zealand, with almost half of all mortgages on this term.

This term offers a good balance between flexibility and stability, making it a popular choice for many borrowers.

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The two-year term is also the term that banks are most competitive on, so you can expect to find some great deals on this option.

Borrowers who choose a two-year term can enjoy fixed rates and regular repayment amounts for two years, giving them peace of mind and financial certainty.

At the end of the two-year term, the loan will revert to a floating rate, but you can usually re-fix the loan to secure a new fixed rate.

Early repayment of a two-year fixed rate mortgage may incur an early repayment cost, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before making any changes to your loan.

Westpac NZ Cuts Home Loan Rates

Westpac NZ has made some significant changes to its fixed home loan rates, making it an attractive option for those looking to lock in a low rate for a fixed period.

The bank has cut its 6 and 12-month fixed home loan special rates to 6.45% p.a. and 5.99% p.a. respectively, which is a decrease of 0.30% and 0.20% from the previous rates.

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For customers who are looking to roll over onto lower rates, this change should provide a confidence boost, according to Westpac NZ General Manager of Product, Sustainability and Marketing Sarah Hearn. She notes that this is the eighth time the bank has announced cuts to fixed home loan rates since July.

Westpac has also trimmed its 2 and 3-year special rates to 5.65%, making it the outright lowest advertised rate among the five major banks.

Here are the new fixed home loan rates for Westpac NZ:

TermNew RateChange
6 months6.45% p.a.-0.30%
1 year5.99% p.a.-0.20%
18 months5.89% p.a.No change
2 years5.65% p.a.-0.04%
3 years5.65% p.a.-0.04%

These changes should be music to the ears of those looking to lock in a low rate for a fixed period.

Current Market Offers

If you're looking for a fixed mortgage rate in New Zealand, you've got some options. The best two-year fixed home loan offers currently include rates from BNZ, TSB, and Kiwibank, all at 5.59% p.a. with a minimum equity requirement of 20%.

These rates also come with establishment fees ranging from $250 to $400, and early payment charges apply. It's worth noting that while these rates may seem competitive, it's essential to consider all the terms and conditions before making a decision.

Here are some of the best two-year fixed home loan offers currently available:

BankRateMinimum EquityFeesEarly Payment Charges
BNZ5.59% p.a.20%Establishment fee - up to $400Yes
TSB5.59% p.a.20%Establishment fee - $250Yes
Kiwibank5.69% p.a.20%No feesYes

Best 2-Year Home Loan Offers

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If you're in the market for a 2-year fixed home loan, there are some great options available. The BNZ Home Loans offer a rate of 5.59% p.a. with a minimum equity requirement of 20% and an establishment fee of up to $400.

The TSB Home Loan Mortgages also offer a 5.59% p.a. rate, with a similar minimum equity requirement and no establishment fee. However, they do charge early payment charges.

Kiwibank Home Loans stand out with a rate of 5.69% p.a. and no establishment fee. However, they do charge early payment charges.

The First Credit Union offers a rate of 5.89% p.a. with no establishment fee and no early payment charges.

Here's a summary of the best 2-year fixed home loan offers:

ProviderRateMinimum EquityFees
BNZ Home Loans5.59% p.a.20%Up to $400 establishment fee
TSB Home Loan Mortgages5.59% p.a.20%None, but early payment charges apply
Kiwibank Home Loans5.69% p.a.20%None, but early payment charges apply
First Credit Union5.89% p.a.20%None, and no early payment charges

Keep in mind that these rates and fees are subject to change and may not be the same when you apply. Be sure to check the terms and conditions before making a decision.

Best 5-Year Home Loan Offers

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If you're in the market for a 5-year fixed home loan, you've got several options to consider. The best rates can be found at Kiwibank, with a rate of 5.59% p.a.

The minimum equity required for these loans is 20% across the board, so you'll need to have a significant deposit to qualify. Some lenders charge early payment charges, which can be a drawback if you plan on paying off your loan early.

If you're looking for a lender that doesn't charge early payment charges, you might want to consider Simplicity, which offers a rate of 5.49% p.a. and doesn't have any early payment charges.

Here are some of the top 5-year fixed home loan offers:

LenderRateMinimum EquityEarly Payment Charges
Kiwibank5.59% p.a.20%Yes
SBS Bank5.69% p.a.20%Yes
ASB5.79% p.a.20%Yes
BNZ5.89% p.a.20%Yes
Simplicity5.49% p.a.20%No

These are just a few of the options available, and it's always a good idea to do your own research and compare rates before making a decision.

Mortgage Flexibility

Mortgage flexibility is a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a fixed mortgage rate in NZ. With fixed mortgage rates, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly how much you'll be paying each month for a set period.

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In New Zealand, you can usually choose from fixed mortgage rates ranging from 1 to 10 years. This means you can select a term that suits your financial situation and goals. Some lenders offer even longer terms, such as 15 or 20 years, but these may come with higher interest rates.

Having a fixed mortgage rate can help you budget effectively, as your repayments will remain the same each month. This can be especially helpful if you're on a tight budget or have irregular income. For example, a fixed rate of 3.5% for a 5-year term might mean your monthly repayments are $1,200.

If you need to sell your home or move to a different property, a fixed mortgage rate can provide more flexibility. You can choose a shorter term, such as 2 or 3 years, which may be more suitable if you're planning to sell or upgrade your home soon. This can also give you more freedom to make changes to your mortgage if your financial situation changes.

Explore further: Bank 5 Mortgage Rates

Banks and Lenders

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The Reserve Bank regulates banks in New Zealand, imposing lending restrictions like LVR limits to ensure stability.

Four major banks dominate the mortgage market, holding an impressive 87 percent market share.

Banks are bound by strict rules, including loan-to-value limits, to prevent excessive borrowing.

This regulatory environment affects the availability and terms of fixed mortgage rates in New Zealand.

See what others are reading: New Fed Mortgage Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to get a 3% interest rate on a mortgage?

Yes, it's possible to secure a mortgage rate as low as 3% through a mortgage assumption, but the original mortgage must have been taken out at a time when such rates were available. This option can be a great way to save on mortgage payments, but it's essential to understand the process and requirements involved.

Johnnie Parisian

Johnnie Parisian

Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Johnnie Parisian: Johnnie Parisian is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for simplifying complex topics, Johnnie has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including home equity loans and mortgage debt consolidation strategies.

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