The Official Cash Rate has been reduced again (as widely expected), this time by 0.25% to 3.50%.

While some banks have already reduced their floating rates as a result of this announcement, we're watching closely to see how (and if) fixed interest rates will respond. The impact of global trade uncertainties, like Trump's tariffs, also adds a layer of complexity to where rates might head. We're also seeing movement on the swap curve: 

![Screenshot 2025-04-09 153501.png](https://mydash.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/Screenshot_2025_04_09_153501_1026f30c78.png)
_1-year swap rates: The downward trend is a key indicator of potential reductions in fixed mortgage rates._

Regardless of how interest rates settle, taking proactive steps towards your financial goals is always a smart move. Even with these wider economic shifts, you can still take charge of your financial situation. This latest OCR move is a good reminder to review your options, whether you're aiming for your first home, considering investment, or just want to ensure you have the best mortgage deal.

[Book a free, no obligations, chat](https://calendly.com/tella-advisors/chat-with-a-mortgage-expert-15min) with one of our home loan specialists today.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.


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Reserve bank cuts OCR again

Have you noticed the buzz in the property market lately? There's a sense of change in the air, with agents reporting increased activity and developers starting projects again. This isn't just talk – it's a genuine shift, and we're seeing some interesting trends emerge. Let's delve into what's happening and how you can make the most of it.

### **Here’s what we’re seeing:**
- **Real Estate Optimism:** Agents are reporting a noticeable improvement, with increased activity and faster sales.
- **Developer Confidence:** Property developers are restarting projects after a two-year pause, signalling renewed confidence.
- **Lender Aggression:** Banks are actively competing for business, leading to a more favourable lending environment.
This combination of factors presents exciting opportunities for those looking to buy or refinance.

While we're not seeing the historically low 3% interest rates (and likely won't again), rates below 5% are significantly better than the 40-year average of 7%. Notably, over the past few months, we've seeing banks becoming more flexible with loan approvals, making it easier to get that home loan.

Looking ahead, the global landscape remains uncertain, with events like gold now above USD$3,000/ounce which is a sign of investors rushing to safety. However, within our industry, we expect:
- **Further OCR Cuts:** We align with bank economists who predict the Official Cash Rate will fall to 3-3.25% by year's end.
- **Lower Fixed Rates:** It's possible longer-term fixed interest rates (3-5 years) could drop to or below 5% by the end of the year, driven by both economic factors and banks' need to grow their portfolios.

![Screenshot 2025-04-02 095358.png](https://mydash.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/Screenshot_2025_04_02_095358_642d0c6d2f.png)
_2-year swap rates: The downward trend is a key indicator of potential reductions in fixed mortgage rates._


### **What This Means for You:**

**Increased Borrowing Potential:**
- The current lending environment can open doors to increased borrowing capacity, allowing you to pursue your property goals.

**Strategic Savings Opportunities:** 
- Potential further interest rate reductions present opportunities to optimise your mortgage and reduce long-term costs.

**Proactive Decision-Making:** 
- Understanding these market dynamics enables you to make informed, timely decisions to maximise your financial position.

### **Your Next Steps:**
- [Book a free chat](https://calendly.com/tella-advisors/chat-with-a-mortgage-expert-15min): Let's discuss your specific situation and develop a tailored plan. 
- **Stay Informed:** Keep an eye out for our updates as the market evolves.
We're here to guide you through these market shifts and help you capitalise on the opportunities. 

Whether you're looking to buy, refinance, or simply understand your options, we're ready to assist. We're committed to providing you with clear, actionable advice to help you achieve your homeownership and financial goals.

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Maximise your savings: Navigating today's mortgage market

It’s that time of year where our team get out to the beach, or out on the mountain biking tracks spending time with our family and friends.

We'll be soaking up the sun and recharging our batteries, but let's talk about our wins for this year.

Before we dive into holiday mode, we want to thank you for being a part of our journey. This year, we've celebrated countless homeownership victories with you.

### **Here are a few highlights:**
- **Global Homeownership:** We helped a New Zealand family based in Timor-Leste secure a home loan for an investment property in New Zealand to return back too (one day). We’ve helped clients all over the world, but Timor-Leste was the most surprising request. 
- **Age is No Barrier:** Our oldest client to be approved a home loan with a bank was a remarkable 72-year-old. 
- **The Next Generation of Homeowners:** We’ve helped many young individuals and couples into home ownership. It seems 25-years old is the average starting age for our first home buyers embarking on their property journey.
- **Rural NZ has been busy:** Timaru, Tokomaru, Taumarunui, Marton, Mangawhai, Kaiaua, Hikirangi and Renwick to name a few places, we have definitely seen more purchases this year outside the main centres. 
- **Most unlikely approval:**  It started with an email: “Its a proceeds of crime sale, and is selling as is where is by the court appointed lawyer.  It needs ‘some’ work but they are selling quite a bit below CV. All offers must be in tomorrow by 10am”. We got them approved, with 90% lending for first home buyers and they moved in a bit over a month later, ready to start the work.  

### **Let’s make 2025 your best year yet.**
Need help with your home loan? Contact us on 0800 4 TELLA (0800 4 83552) when you’re back into the swing of things or [book a free, no-obligation consultation](https://calendly.com/tella-advisors/chat-with-ben) for the New Year. We're here to help you achieve your homeownership dreams.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. Here’s hoping for a sunshine summer, plenty of BBQ’s and a time filled with laughter, love, and relaxation.  

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That's a Wrap

A new digital portal that allows people to apply for home loans via the OneRoof property website has been launched by New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) and home loan provider Tella.

The portal sees OneRoof broadening its offering, meaning Kiwis can now use the real estate platform to see out their entire property journey from start to finish. Whether it’s reading all the latest real estate industry news, seamlessly search for their new home, finding out what it could be worth, or arranging home loan financing, it will now be available all under the one roof.

Chief of OneRoof, Greg Hornblow, says: “As one of the country’s leading property portals, OneRoof continues to innovate and simplify the property journey for Kiwis. The property industry is constantly evolving and we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in this space. Since launching just a few weeks ago, we’ve seen a large number of users interacting with the calculator and completing the home loan application process.

“We’re pleased to be offering a new tool that aims to simplify the property buying process for home buyers, homeowners, and investors, providing a quality user experience and opening the door to a new era of property purchase and investment in New Zealand.

“OneRoof empowers consumers by equipping them with the right insights so they can make informed decisions. By combining our company values and goals with that of our home loan partner Tella, we believe we can positively revolutionise the property sector for Kiwis,” says Hornblow.

Tella CEO, Andrew Chambers, says: “Having a strong real estate platform as a partner was always on the cards, and over the last couple of years, it’s been a pleasure building that relationship with OneRoof. The two businesses are both market leaders in tech innovation within their segments and look forward to a successful partnership in bringing the two together for an amazing user experience.”

OneRoof Home Loans, powered by Tella, can be accessed at [OneRoof.co.nz](https://www.oneroof.co.nz/advice/home-loans).

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OneRoof and Tella launch new digital home loans portal for Kiwis

Exciting news for homeowners and anyone considering buying a home! We're approaching the **27th of November**, and most experts predict the **OCR will drop to 4.25%**. This could mean lower interest rates and potential savings!!

However, there's a twist: While this is great news, it's important to remember that **fixed mortgage rates are influenced by debt swap rates**, which has been creeping upwards in recent weeks. This means even though the floating rate might drop, fixed rates could go the other way.

![Screenshot 2024-11-20 104741.png](https://mydash.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/Screenshot_2024_11_20_104741_8f0218357c.png)

**So, what does this mean for you?**

If you've been waiting for mortgage rates to drop further, it might be a good idea to lock in a rate today before they potentially increase. Click [here](https://calendly.com/tella-advisors/chat-with-a-mortgage-expert-15min?) to book in a time to chat with one of our mortgage experts – we can help you find the best option for your situation. 

**Positive Market Trends**

Real estate agents are also reporting a more positive outlook, with buyers and sellers connecting and properties selling faster. While house prices may remain flat, there's a renewed sense of activity in the market. With increased buyer activity and properties selling faster, now is a great time to seize the opportunity and secure your dream home.

**Refer a Friend and Earn $250!**

Know someone who's looking for a mortgage? Refer them to Tella, and if they take out a home loan before 31/01/2025 of over $100,000 directly through Tella, you'll receive a $250 bonus. It’s our way of saying thanks for spreading the word.

**Ready to take the next step?**

Let's unlock your homeownership dreams!  [Book a free, no obligations, chat](https://calendly.com/tella-advisors/chat-with-a-mortgage-expert-15min) with one of our home loan specialists today.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.



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Does an OCR drop automatically mean lower home loan rates?

### Lower Interest Rates

Interest rates are finally heading in the right direction after a period of steady increases. This is largely due to the Reserve Bank’s efforts to manage inflation and global economic factors influencing interest rates.

### Easier to Qualify for a Home Loan

The government has made it easier to qualify for a home loan by relaxing the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA) regulations. This means lenders can take a more holistic view of your financial situation, increasing your chances of approval.

### What this means for you

- Lower Monthly Repayments: Enjoy more financial freedom with reduced mortgage payments.
- Increased Borrowing Power: Qualify for a larger loan to purchase your dream home or invest in your property.
- Potential to Refinance: If you have an existing mortgage, explore refinancing options to take advantage of lower interest rates.
- Faster Approval Process: Streamlined processes can lead to quicker loan approvals, saving you time and hassle.

### Understanding the Bigger Picture

To give you a better understanding of how interest rates work, it's helpful to know that banks fund their loans through a mix of deposits, equity, and wholesale debt. 

The cost of wholesale debt, measured by interest swap rates, has fallen significantly in recent months (see 1 year swap rate graph below). This is the primary driver of the decline in home loan rates.

![Screenshot 2024-08-13 115747.png](https://mydash.blob.core.windows.net/strapi-uploads/assets/Screenshot_2024_08_13_115747_4d67a7ed54.png)

### Next Steps

Ready to take advantage of these positive market conditions? Book a [free, no obligations, chat](https://calendly.com/tella-advisors/chat-with-a-mortgage-expert-15min) with one of our home loan specialists today to explore your options.  

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Lower Interest Rates & Easier Approvals: Tella's here to help.

We're excited to announce the arrival of our newest member to the Tella family! 

Please join us in warmly welcoming [Jose George](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkgeorge/) as our newest Mortgage and KiwiSaver Financial Adviser.

**Expanded Services at Tella**

Many of you know Tella as your go-to source for expert home loan advice. We're excited to share that we've expanded our services to include comprehensive KiwiSaver guidance. With Jose on board, we can now help you navigate both your home ownership and long-term savings goals.

**Meet Jose George**

Jose brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as the General Manager of Canstar New Zealand and with a strong background in banking. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to provide exceptional service to our customers.

**KiwiSaver Expertise**

Whether you're looking to optimise your existing KiwiSaver plan or just starting your savings journey, Jose can help you:
Choose the right KiwiSaver provider based on your goals and risk tolerance.
Develop a personalised savings strategy to maximise your future financial security.
Understand how KiwiSaver contributions can work alongside your mortgage plans.
Accredited with Milford, Pathfinder, Kernel, and Generate, Jose has the expertise to advise on a wide range of KiwiSaver options.

**Get in Touch**

Looking to discuss your home loan and KiwiSaver goals in one convenient place? Jose is here to help!  Reach out to him to schedule a free, no obligations chat [here](https://calendly.com/jose-tella/chat-with-a-homeloan-kiwisaver-expert).

**Jose George**
<br>Mortgage and KiwiSaver Financial Adviser
<br>Email: jose@tella.co.nz
<br>Phone: 021 1405 293

Once again, a warm welcome to Jose! We're excited for him to share his knowledge and expertise with all of you. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Jose with any questions or to [schedule a meeting](https://calendly.com/jose-tella/chat-with-a-homeloan-kiwisaver-expert).

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Tella gets the Canstar treatment

_**Please Note:** This newsletter was originally published on 21st May 2024. While the information presented here may still be valuable, some aspects may be outdated._
<br>


**Cash Bonus for Staying Put:**

Did you know you could potentially receive a cash bonus for simply keeping your mortgage with your current bank?  This could be a great way to get a better deal with your bank (and cash in your pocket!), without actually having to refinance.

While the specifics vary by bank and loan size, the banks are offering up to 0.90% of the loan amount for new customers. For existing customers, it's typically around 0.50% to 0.70%, taking into account the fact that you avoid refinancing costs like legal fees or valuations by staying put.

Here are some client examples: Last week, three of our clients received cash bonuses of $3,100, $5,000, and $7,540 for staying with their current banks.

Think of it as a thank you for your loyalty, and an incentive to stay for another 3 years!

**How It Works (The Simple Version)**

The specifics can vary depending on the bank and your loan details, but here's the general idea:
If you've had your home loan with your current bank for 3+ years and are out of the original contribution timeframe, you might be eligible for a cash payment.
The amount typically isn't as high as new customer incentives, but it can still be a significant amount of money.
Best part? You don't have to deal with refinancing costs like legal fees or valuations.
Tella Wants to Help You Find Out

There is one bank out there pre-empting and offering upfront. Others you have to ask. So if you have been loyal to your current bank for 3-4 years now with your home loan, it wouldn't hurt to ask and have some extra cash in your account at the moment.

At Tella, we believe in informed decision-making when it comes to your home loan. Whether you're a new borrower or a loyal customer looking for the best deal, we can help you navigate the options.

We're happy to do the legwork for you and help you maximise your savings!

**P.S.** Remember, bank incentives and offers can change frequently. This email provides a general overview as of 20th May, 2024.

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Want free cash to stay with your bank?

_**Please Note:** This podcast was originally published on 13th May 2024. While the information presented here may still be valuable, some aspects may be outdated._

Today's episode covers:

- **Interest rates falling:** While you're not seeing this so much in published rates, negotiated rates continue to ease off. 
- **Cash is king:** Banks are all using cash incentives to both drive new business and also to hold existing customers. We don't see this very often and it shows the competitive nature of the market we're in. Now is not the time to just roll over your fixed-rate loan.
- **Auctions vs negotiated sales:** Auctions causing pain for first-home buyers with low deposits.
- **Creative agents:** Agents are getting creative with marketing costs to close the deal and get the sale done. 

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Falling interest rates and cash incentives

**Double the Recognition for Innovation and Excellence**

Our amazing team was recognised for their dedication and innovation, bringing home two prestigious awards: Innovator of the Year and New Brokerage of the Year.  These awards validate our commitment to pushing boundaries with technology and providing exceptional service, solidifying our position as a leading player in the New Zealand mortgage industry.

**Experience the Award-Winning Difference with Tella**

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, looking to refinance, or simply want to explore your mortgage options, Tella is here to help! We offer:
- Expert guidance every step of the way: Our team of qualified mortgage advisors provides personalised one-on-one support.
- Innovative Technology: User-friendly platform that simplifies mortgage comparison and application.
- A more empowering mortgage experience: We believe in transparency and providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions.

**Let's Make Your Homeownership Dreams a Reality**

Visit our website at [tella.co.nz](https://tella.co.nz/) or book a free consultation [here](https://calendly.com/tella-advisors/home-loan-expert-chat?) with one of our mortgage experts today! We're here to help you navigate the mortgage process with confidence.

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Double Award Winners at the NZ Mortgage Awards!