Apply Now

Smarter Property & Finance Decisions Start Here

From expert mortgage tips to must-know market updates, Luminate is here to help you move forward with clarity.

luminate-financial-group-insights-blog

Latest Financial Insights

Search Articles
Filter by Topic
All Topics ▾
All Topics Property Investments (43) Property Development & Subdivisions (40) Refinancing (34) First Home Buyers (22) Luminate Services (12) Construction Financing (10) Deposits Explained (7) Insights (7) Non-Bank (7) Budget & Affordability (5) Explore (5) Getting Started (5) How It Works (5) Deposit & Savings (4) Eligibility & Schemes (4) Guide (4) Legal & Structure (4) Picking the Right Site (4) Planning and Zoning Rules (4) The Buyers Journey (4) The Development Process (4) What is Property Development? (4) After the Build (3) Costs & Fees (3) Councils and Consultants (3) Credit & Eligibility (3) Debt Consolidation (3) Equity & Property Value (3) Feasibility and Financial Modelling (3) Finance Structures for Investors (3) Foundations (3) Funding Your Development (3) Growing Your Portfolio (3) Interest Rates & Savings (3) Intro (3) Investment Goals (3) Investment Properties (3) Investment Strategy (3) Lending Switching (3) Life Changes & Refinancing (3) Market Conditions & Timing (3) Mindset & Education (3) Mortgage Basics (3) Picking The Right Location (3) Property Management (3) Property ROI (3) Property Types (3) Refinancing Basics (3) Rental Yields & Cashflow (3) Rules & Restrictions (3) Stakeholders & Key Players (3) Subdividing Land (3) Subdivision Basics (3) The Consents Process (3) The Refinance Process (3) Why Invest in Property? (3) Why Luminate Financial Group (3) Working Capital (3) Bridge Loans (2) Comparison (2) Discovery (2) Documents & Preparation (2) Risks (2) Starter (2) Success (2) Tax Rules (2) Advanced (1) Alternative Lending Solutions (1) Best Practices (1) Deep-Dive (1) Deposit Requirements (1) Emergency Property Finance (1) Employment Transition Finance (1) Equity Deposits (1) First Home Deposits (1) Investment Deposits (1) KiwiSaver Deposits (1) Lender Comparison (1) Optimize (1) Portfolio Lending (1) Property Compliance Funding (1) Property Development (1) Property Invesments (1) Savings Strategies (1) Use Cases (1) Why Choose (1)
Sort Articles
Building your dream home in New Zealand doesn't have to drain your life savings or force you into financial stress. With careful planning, smart decision..

Secrets to Budgeting Your Home Build Without Breaking the Bank

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Building your dream home in New Zealand doesn't have to drain your life savings or force you into financial stress....

Read Full Article
Compare minimum deposit requirements for first-home buyers and property investors in NZ. Understand LVR rules, lending restrictions, and how much you really need.

Minimum Deposit Requirements: First-Home Buyers vs Property Investors in NZ

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Not all property buyers face the same deposit requirements in New Zealand. The Reserve Bank's LVR restrictions create...

Read Full Article
Whether you're planning your first subdivision or expanding an existing development portfolio, this comprehensive guide breaks down each stage of the development journey.

The Property Development Process Explained: Your Step-by-Step Guide for New Zealand

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Property development in New Zealand can seem complex, but understanding the process helps developers navigate...

Read Full Article
Building a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make, yet many New Zealand families attempt to navigate the complex financing landscape without professional guidance.

Why You Might Need a Financial Advisor When Building Your Home in New Zealand

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Building a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make, yet many New Zealand families...

Read Full Article
Find out if you really need a 20% deposit to buy a house in NZ. Learn about lower deposit options, LVR rules, and how first-home buyers can get into the market sooner.

Do You Really Need 20% to Buy a House in NZ?

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

One of the biggest myths in New Zealand property ownership is that you absolutely need a 20% deposit to buy a house....

Read Full Article
Property development is one of the most dynamic and potentially rewarding sectors of the New Zealand real estate market. Whether you're a first-time investor or an experienced developer, understanding the fundamentals of property development is crucial for making informed decisions and maximising your investment potential.

Complete NZ Property Development Investor's Guide

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Property development is one of the most dynamic and potentially rewarding sectors of the New Zealand real estate...

Read Full Article
In New Zealand's competitive property market, successful land acquisition requires more than just finding a section you like – it demands strategic planning, thorough evaluation, and skilled negotiation.

How to Secure Land for Your Dream Home in NZ: Essential Tips for Success

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Finding and securing the perfect piece of land for your new home is often the most critical step in your building...

Read Full Article
Planning to build your dream home in New Zealand? With so many different types of home builds available, choosing the right construction method can feel overwhelming.

5 Build Methods to Consider for Your New Zealand Home

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Planning to build your dream home in New Zealand? With so many different types of home builds available, choosing the...

Read Full Article
Making the decision between building a new home or purchasing an existing property is one of the biggest choices you'll face as a prospective homeowner in NZ.

Should I Build or Buy a Home in New Zealand? The Ultimate Guide for Kiwi Homeowners

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Making the decision between building a new home or purchasing an existing property is one of the biggest choices you'll...

Read Full Article
Luminate Financial Group
Important Information
Useful Links

Luminate Financial Group Limited (FSP765531) is a licensed Financial Advice Provider (Class 2 FAP), authorised to provide regulated advice on home loans, commercial and business lending, and specialist finance.

Luminate Finance Limited (FSP449126) is registered under the Financial Service Providers (Registration and Dispute Resolution) Act 2008 to provide consumer credit contracts and non-consumer credit contracts. It is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider and does not offer regulated financial advice. Investment opportunities are available only to investors who meet specific wholesale investor criteria as defined in the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. These are not regulated offers and are not open to retail investors.

All lending is subject to credit assessment and responsible lending obligations under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. We follow the Responsible Lending Code to ensure loans are suitable and affordable for our clients.

¹Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Fixed rates are subject to change. Terms, conditions, lending criteria, fees, and charges apply. Images may be indicative only.

© 2025 Luminate. All rights reserved.