Articles tagged with Property Ladder

KiwiSaver Contribution Increase Boosts Retirement Savings for 1.8 Million Kiwis

3 weeks ago | 260 views

Nearly 99.5% of KiwiSaver contributors have accepted the increased default contribution rate from 3% to 3.5%, enhancing their retirement savings and financial security. This change affects about 1.8 million employees, with contributions rising from 6% to 7% of wages when including employer matches, and will increase further in 2028. The higher contributions are projected to significantly boost retirement funds, helping young New Zealanders both in retirement and in purchasing their first homes.

Tags: KiwiSaver Nicola Willis New Zealand retirement contribution rates financial security superannuation wages property ladder employee deductions

Reserve Bank Eases Lending Restrictions for First Home Buyers, Finance Minister Welcomes Move

9 months ago | 902 views

Finance 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