Home loans

Are you looking to buy your first home, upgrade, build, or invest in property? At Lemon Tree Finance, we're not just about securing a loan; we're dedicated to helping you make the right financial decisions that pave the way for your future success in the property market. Let's find the perfect home loan solution for you!

Use our mortgage calculator

Use our calculator to get an idea of what your payments could be based on your deposit.

Let us assist you

What type of home loan situation are you in?

First time buyer

We're here to be your personal guide. We'll explain your loan options clearly, and help you understand what you can truly afford. We simplify the entire journey, empowering you to make confident decisions and secure the best loan to make your homeownership dream a reality and affordable.

Buying an investment property?

Ready to expand your portfolio or jump into property investment? We'll clarify the jargon, simplify the entire process, empowering you to make smart, confident financial decisions and secure the best loan to achieve your investment goals and maximise your potential.

Refinancing your current home loan.

Refinacning could save you money, unlock equity, or simply give you better terms. We'll simplify the complexities, clearly explain your refinancing options, and help you understand how a new loan could benefit your financial situation and secure a better option.

Building or developing.

Securing the right finance for construction can be a complex undertaking, with unique challenges and specialised loan structures. We'll breakdown your construction loan options, and help you navigate the stages of financing a build or development.

How we work with you.

We make it simple and transparent.

Applying for a home loan can feel overwhelming. We cut through the complexity, providing clear, easy-to-follow steps and open communication. This ensures you get a straightforward, jargon-free experience, leading to effective results for your homeownership goals.

We tailor solutions to your goals.

Whether you're aiming for lower repayments, want to pay off debt faster, or are planning for long-term growth, we'll customise your home loan strategy. We know "one-size-fits-all" lending simply doesn't work because your situation is unique.

Help you achieve financial freedom sooner.

We help you structure and manage your home loan debt effectively. This ensures you're not just borrowing, but actively using your finance as a tool to build wealth and achieve financial independence faster.

A man in a suit points to a document on a desk while a woman with long hair smiles and signs it. They are seated indoors next to a laptop, suggesting a business or office setting.

A sea of mortage jargon and options

Navigating the world of home loans and mortgages can feel overwhelming, can't it? The financial markets can seem like a maze, filled with different loan options, complex terms, and enough jargon to make your head spin. It's easy to feel lost in the sea of interest rates, fixed vs. variable options, LVRs, and countless other details. Trying to figure out what's truly the best fit for your individual circumstances can be a real challenge.

That's where we come in. At Lemon Tree Finance, we understand that securing a home loan isn't just about borrowing money – it's about making informed financial decisions that set you up for long-term success and peace of mind. We cut through the complexity, explain the options clearly, and guide you through the process, ensuring you feel confident and empowered every step of the way.

Our goal is to help you find not just a loan, but the right loan that aligns with your financial goals and dreams.

Frequently asked questions for home loans.

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.

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 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 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.

Who we work with

We're partnered with some of New Zealand's most renowned, trusted and reputable lenders.

Contact us

Simplifying your home loan journey

We'll 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 that help you achieve your homeownership goals.

Get in touch with us today and let's make your property dreams a reality.