Smarter Debt.
Faster Freedom.

Lemon Tree Finance is your partner in accessing the best finance across home, business, commercial, and asset needs. We don't just secure loans; we provide the expertise to structure and manage your debt intelligently, enabling you to achieve financial freedom faster and with more confidence.

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Our expertise

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How we work with you

We make it simple and transparent.

Finance can be overwhelming. We cut through the complexity, providing clear, easy-to-follow steps and open communication, ensuring a straightforward and jargon-free experience with effective results.

We tailor solutions to your goals

We take the time to understand your financial goals and provide customised strategies, whether it’s structuring your loan for lower repayments, paying off debt faster, or planning for long-term growth. We don’t deal in ‘one size fits all lending’ because everyone is different.

Help you achieve financial freedom sooner

We help you structure and manage your debt effectively, ensuring you’re not just borrowing money but using it as a tool to build wealth and achieve financial independence faster.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to use a financial advisor for a home loan?

Most financial advisors for home loans are paid a commission by the lender, so there is typically no direct cost to the client. Fees may apply in specific cases, such as for complex lending, non-bank loans, or if a loan is repaid very early. Any potential fees will be disclosed upfront.

How does a financial advisor help me get a better interest rate or loan terms?

Financial advisors have access to a wide range of lenders, allowing them to compare rates and find niche policies that suit your needs. They can also use their relationships and expertise to negotiate for better interest rates, cashback offers, and terms on your behalf. Beyond just the rate, they strategically structure your loan with a mix of products to reduce interest costs and align with your long-term goals. They provide ongoing support to ensure your loan remains optimised for your financial situation.

How long does the process take

The timeline for a home loan application can vary, but generally follows these steps:

  1. Preparation (1-2 days): You gather and provide your financial information and documents to the advisor.
  2. Assessment (1 day): Your advisor reviews your information and recommends a strategy.
  3. Bank Application (5-10 business days): Your advisor submits the application to the lender, who then issues an outcome.
  4. Final Approval: After you provide any remaining documents, the bank issues a final, unconditional approval.
  5. Settlement: Your solicitor organizes the final signing and funds transfer on settlement day.

The total time can depend on the complexity of your application and how quickly you provide the required documents.

How Much Deposit Do You Need in NZ?
First Home / Owner-Occupied
  • Deposit: 20% or more gets you the best rates. A 10–19% deposit may be possible with a Low Equity Margin (LEM). Deposits of 5–9% are possible through the First Home Loan scheme.
  • How you can fund it: Your deposit can come from KiwiSaver, savings, a First Home Grant, or family gifts.
Investment Property
  • Deposit: A 35% deposit is the standard requirement. A smaller deposit (20-34%) may be possible with some lenders, or by using existing equity.
New Builds
  • Deposit: Banks can lend with a 10% deposit for new builds, as they are often exempt from LVR restrictions.

Minimum deposit requirements depend on your individual situation, but we'll work to maximize your options.

What types of business loans are available in New Zealand?
Term Loans
  • A lump-sum loan repaid over a fixed term (1-5+ years).
  • Used for expansion, buying equipment, or a business.
Commercial Property Loans
  • Lending secured against commercial buildings.
  • Used for buying offices, warehouses, or shops.
Asset & Equipment Finance
  • Finance for vehicles, machinery, tech, or tools.
  • Often a lease or hire purchase.
Business Line of Credit / Overdraft
  • Revolving credit to manage cash flow.
  • Only pay interest on what you use.
Development & Construction Loans
  • Staged lending for commercial builds or property development.
  • Structured as progressive drawdowns.
Franchise & Business Purchase Loans
  • Finance to acquire or buy into a business or franchise.
  • Often includes working capital and equipment.
Lender Types
  • Main banks (strict but cheap)
  • Non-bank lenders (flexible, faster, slightly higher rates)
  • Specialist business lenders & private funders
How does asset finance work, and is it a loan or a lease?

Asset finance can be structured as either a loan or a lease. A Hire Purchase (HP) is a loan structure where you eventually own the asset, while an Operating Lease is a lease where you use the asset but do not own it. The best option depends on your business goals, such as whether you want to own the asset for tax purposes or prefer lower payments and the flexibility to upgrade often. Both options allow you to acquire equipment, vehicles, or machinery without paying the full cost upfront.

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Your finance future starts here

Many people find the finance process confusing and time-consuming. We cut through the complexity, breaking it down into clear, easy-to-understand steps. Our transparent communication ensures you always know where things stand—no surprises, no jargon, just results.

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