Banks count credit card limits at 4% of the total limit per month regardless of your balance.
Why 6.5%? The RBNZ requires banks to stress-test mortgages at approximately 2% above the prevailing rate. With 1-year fixed rates around 4.39-4.49% (March 2026), the stress-test rate is approximately 6.5%. Speak with Ben for a personalised breakdown.
⚠️ These are indicative estimates only. Living expense figures used here are modelled benchmarks — every bank applies their own Household Expenditure Measure (HEM) or internal benchmark, which may be higher or lower than what's shown. Your actual borrowing power will depend on your full financial picture, the lender, and their current credit policy. Speak with Ben for a precise, lender-specific assessment.
| Gross monthly income | - |
| Less: PAYE tax and ACC (IRD 2025/26) | - |
| Less: KiwiSaver (4% employee contribution) | - |
| Net monthly income | - |
| Less: base living costs | - |
| Less: dependant costs | - |
| Less: credit card commitment (4% of limit) | - |
| Less: other loan repayments | - |
| Less: rates & insurance (allowance included) | - $600/mth |
| Monthly surplus for mortgage | - |
| Borrowing capacity at 6.5% over 25 yrs | - |
| Term | Best Rate | Lender(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months | 4.49% | ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank |
| 1 year | 4.39% | TSB |
| 18 months | 4.59% | Various |
| 2 years | 4.69% | BNZ, TSB |
| 3 years | 4.99% | BNZ, TSB, Westpac |
| 5 years | 5.29% | BNZ, TSB, Westpac |
| Floating | ~7.39% | Varies |
Special rates require 20% or more equity. Source: interest.co.nz - Contact Ben for live negotiated rates.
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These figures are a guide only. Ben will compare rates across all major NZ lenders at no cost to you.