Articles tagged with First Home Buyers
Reserve Bank Cuts OCR Again to 2.25%, Boosting Kiwi Economy in 2026
1 week ago | 83 viewsThe Reserve Bank has lowered the Official Cash Rate to 2.25%, marking the ninth reduction since July 2024, which is boosting economic activity and supporting forecasts of falling inflation and rising growth. This easing of rates is benefiting households by increasing mortgage renewal opportunities and enabling more Kiwis to purchase their first homes, with 23,600 first-time buyers in the past year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights that these positive economic trends offer hope and improved financial choices for New Zealand families and businesses.
Tags: Nicola Willis Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate OCR New Zealand inflation economic growth mortgage lending first home buyers Kiwi familiesReserve Bank Eases Lending Restrictions for First Home Buyers, Finance Minister Welcomes Move
1 month ago | 269 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis has praised the Reserve Bank's plan to relax lending restrictions, aiming to assist first home buyers in achieving home ownership. The Reserve Bank is considering increasing the limit on new lending to owner-occupiers with less than a 20% deposit to 25%, potentially aiding more first-time buyers. Additionally, the proposal includes raising the amount banks can lend to residential property investors with deposits under 30% from 5% to 10%, following the introduction of debt-to-income restrictions to enhance banking system resilience.
Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Reserve Bank lending restrictions first home buyers property ladder Kiwis loan to value DTI restrictions banking system