A non-bank mortgage is a home loan provided by a lender that isn’t a registered bank — such as a building society, credit union, or specialist lending company. In New Zealand, non-bank lenders are regulated under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) and must lend responsibly. They typically offer more flexible lending criteria than mainstream banks, making them a genuine alternative for borrowers whose situations don’t fit standard bank policy.

Yes. Non-bank lenders in New Zealand are regulated financial institutions. They must comply with the CCCFA, which requires responsible lending practices including affordability assessments. Many non-bank lenders are also licensed by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as Non-Bank Deposit Takers (NBDTs). Working with an FMA-licensed financial adviser like us adds another layer of protection, as we’re required to act in your best interests.

Non-bank lenders typically charge higher interest rates because they accept borrowers that banks won’t — which means they take on more risk. The rate difference varies depending on your situation, the lender, and the loan-to-value ratio. We’re always upfront about the costs, and we structure every loan with a plan to transition you to a bank at a lower rate as soon as your circumstances allow.

Some non-bank lenders require a minimum of 10% deposit for owner-occupied properties, though some scenarios may require more. For investment properties, 20–30% is more common. The deposit required depends on your overall financial position, the property, and the lender. We’ll give you a clear picture of what’s needed when we assess your situation.

Yes, and this is something we actively plan for. We structure every non-bank mortgage with an exit strategy — a clear set of steps to get you refinanced onto a bank mortgage at a lower rate. For most clients, this happens within 12 to 24 months. We’ll tell you exactly what needs to happen (improving credit, filing financials, building equity) and help you get there.

Absolutely. Self-employed borrowers are one of the most common groups we help. Non-bank lenders offer low-documentation (low doc) home loans that accept alternative proof of income such as an accountant’s letter, GST returns, or business bank statements. You don’t need two years of filed financials like the banks require.

In many cases, yes. Outstanding tax debt is one of the most common reasons banks decline an application, but non-bank lenders take a different view. In some cases, the non-bank loan can be structured to consolidate your IRD debt, clearing it as part of the mortgage and simplifying your finances. Talk to us and we’ll assess whether this is an option for you.

Get in touch with us. A bank decline isn’t a reflection of your ability to afford a home — it’s a reflection of the bank’s criteria. We’ll review what happened, assess your situation across our panel of non-bank lenders, and tell you honestly whether there’s a viable path forward. There’s no cost and no obligation for an initial assessment.

It varies by lender and the complexity of your situation, but non-bank approvals are often faster than bank approvals. Some lenders can provide conditional approval within a few days, with full approval typically within one to two weeks. Bridging finance can sometimes be arranged even faster. We’ll give you a realistic timeline when we assess your situation.

We’re based in Christchurch but work with clients across all of New Zealand. Everything is handled remotely — phone, email, and video call — so your location doesn’t limit your options.