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What's up with mortgage interest rates?
Just like there’s more to life than a mortgage, there’s more to a mortgage than an interest rate. With a better understanding of your options and what’s going on in the market, you won’t break into a sweat every time interest rates increase or decrease.
Get me the best interest rate on my mortgage
Check out the latest mortgage interest rates
We work with all the banks so can help you secure a great rate no matter who you choose to bank with. In fact, we can generally get an even better rate than the advertised rate.
This table compares the latest interest rates between the major banks. But remember: getting the right home loan for you isn't just about going for the biggest cash back or the lowest interest rate.
| Variable floating | 6 months | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years | 5 years | |
| ANZ Bank | 4.44% | 3.39% | 2.49% | 2.69% | 2.79% | 3.90% | 3.99% |
| ASB Bank | 4.45% | 3.39% | 2.49% | 2.59% | 2.65% | 2.99% | 2.99% |
| BNZ Bank | 4.55% | 3.39% | 2.49% | 2.69% | 2.79% | 2.99% | 2.99% |
| Co-Operative Bank | 4.40% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.69% | 2.79% | 2.89% | 2.99% |
| Kiwibank | 3.40% | 3.55% | 2.55% | 2.65% | 2.65% | 3.09% | 3.19% |
| SBS Bank | 4.54% | 3.39% | 2.49% | 2.65% | 2.75% | 2.99% | 2.99% |
| TSB Bank | 4.54% | 2.89% | 2.49% | 2.49% | 2.79% | 3.09% | 3.19% |
| Westpac | 4.59% | 4.15% | 2.29% | 2.69% | 2.79% | 2.99% | 2.99% |
Rates sourced from MortgageRates.co.nz. Accurate as at 11 January 2021.
It’s not all about interest rates. Wait, what? But what about those big rate numbers all the banks use to advertise their home loans?
It’s actually about your long term plan
The way we structure your mortgage is tailored to work with the lifestyle you want to lead. You might be starting a family or buying a Ferrari in the next few years and your mortgage structure needs to reflect that.
Not all banks are created equal
All the banks will differ when it comes to home loans pricing, policies and service. You need a broker who can give you unbiased advice on what will work best for your situation.
Choose an impartial mortgage adviser
Unlike many others, Squirrel mortgage brokers are not paid by commission so there's no incentive to push you into anything. We can recommend a bank and home loan that works to your advantage and not the other way around.
Access to the best rates
We arrange around $1 billion of loans per year which gives us negotiating power and access to better rates.
More choices
We deal with more lenders than other brokers, giving you more options.
Our advisers are on salaries, not commission
This means our advice is impartial, and you know you won't get pushed into a loan you don't want, or can't afford.
Better technology
Our online application takes less than 10 minutes, and will help us focus on what's most important to you.
Get your mortgage right and it's the easiest money you'll make.
Our team of mortgage brokers are whizzes at perfecting a mortgage structure.
Rather than putting all your eggs in one basket at one interest rate, depending on your situation we'll usually advise splitting your mortgage across different terms and rates. We’re pretty clued up about the economy and rate movement so we’ll help you make an informed decision.
Why bother getting so technical?
The devil is really in the detail. When we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars, a fraction of a percent change in interest or repayment rates can save you a packet. This could mean retiring to your super yacht a few years earlier than planned. If that's your thing.
Are interest rates moving?
The question that is top of mind for most is whether or not interest rates are going to go up or down. This is especially true if you’re looking to get into the property market or make a change to an existing portfolio. We might not have a crystal ball, but we keep our blog up to date if you're after an idea of what’s been happening with interest rates lately.
More banks, more choices
Plus a network of over 1,000 peer-to-peer lenders
Not only do we have access to more banks than other brokers, but we have a community of over 1,000 peer-to-peer lenders for a custom solution if you don't quite fit the bank's box.
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Keep up to date with the latest
As you can imagine, interest rates are a hot topic in our newsletter (among plenty of other stuff). To keep up with the ever-changing landscape of interest rates, join our mailing list and receive updates in your inbox.
What is the OCR?
OCR stands for Official Cash Rate and is the rate of interest which the central bank charges on overnight loans to commercial banks. The OCR influences the price of borrowing money in New Zealand and provides the Reserve Bank with a means of influencing the level of economic activity and inflation. The OCR gets reviewed 7 times per year.
How does the OCR affect interest rates?
Market rates are generally held around the OCR level, which can mean that rates increase or decrease in line with OCR movement. But it’s just an indication and it’s important to note that the OCR is not the only factor affecting New Zealand interest rates. Movements in overseas rates can lead to changes in interest rates even if the OCR has not changed. And similarly, interest rates charged by the banks can increase or stay the same, even if the OCR drops.
Can I break out of a fixed interest loan to take advantage of falling rates?
It might be possible to break out of a fixed loan before the term is up, but you’re likely to be charged a break fee for doing so. This is because the bank is incurring a loss by you breaking the term early. This loss is passed on to you in the form of a break fee. There are some instances where it’s worth breaking your fixed term, but it could also end up costing you more in the long run. Every situation is different so get in touch with one of the team to help you work out what’s best for you. Check out our interest rates page for more info on break fees.
Should I fix my loan?
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding to lock in a rate for a fixed amount of time. Will you be selling in that time? Do you prefer the certainty of a fixed rate or the flexibility of a variable rate? Will you feel regret if rates dropped and you were stuck on a higher rate? Our advisers can help you work out the best solution for your lifestyle, so get in touch with one of the team.
What interest rates can I get with a Squirrel peer-to-peer Home Loan or Business Property Loan?
Our rates are variable and are currently as follows:
Home Loan: 4.95%
Business Property Loan: 6.95%
Joel
Auckland, [New Zealand]
JB was super helpful, proactive and prompt. He quickly understood what I needed from this loan, researched the market and gave me a clear range of choices. After we discussed how to proceed, he made it happen super quick. Well done.J
Gaelyn
Auckland, [New Zealand]
It was easy from start to finish. I felt well informed and my needs were exceeded. A very simple and satisfying process.G
Jacque
Christchurch, New Zealand
I dealt with Faye Foster as my mortgage broker to help purchase my first home. She was really supportive, encouraging, friendly and approachable and had great communication. I would recommend Faye to anyone seeking a broker, she helped me own my first home.J
Don
Napier, New Zealand
Lindsay was absolutely awesome. We had a couple of hurdles on the way which Lindsay solved admirably. i have no hesitation in recommending Squirrel to all. Thank youD
Bricks
, New Zealand
We needed a solution to a complex property purchase and refinance. Squirrel and in particular Lindsay Hill was out standing in getting everything sorted even with very demanding timelines.B
Grant
Auckland, [New Zealand]
Working with Lindsay was great. He was very professional and easy to work with. We felt that he would go the extra mile to help us out.G
Zahid
Takanini, [New Zealand]
Had a great experience with squirrel Sam was very helpful and made sure we where updated and knew what was happening every step of the way. Would highly recommend!Z
Liqi
Kumeu, New Zealand
I would like say Peimin was very helpful and patient with me as i had a lot of questions to ask especially with being the first time i used squirrel.L
