Not getting pre-approval before shopping for a house. Taking on debt during the process. Underestimating expenses and overestimating income. Forgetting to factor in hidden costs (valuations, legal, LIM reports). Not using a mortgage broker to compare deals. Call to action: “Avoid mistakes—get advice from Smart Mortgage Services .
First Home Buyers in NZ: What You Need to Know in 2025
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll ever take. The good news is that in 2025, you don’t always need a 20% deposit to get on the ladder. Many buyers are purchasing with just 10% — and in some cases even 5% — deposits, depending on their situation.