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Back to school 2026 and buying a home in the right school zone

Back to school 2026 and buying a home in the right school zone

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

A quiet driver of home loan decisions in New Zealand

Every year around back to school, I notice the same shift in...

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Settlement day

Home loan settlement dates to avoid in 2026

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Settlement day should be simple. Keys in hand, stress gone, move on.

But settlement is a chain of banks, lawyers,...

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town houses

The 2026 housing market: steady, political, and quietly shifting

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

After several turbulent years, the New Zealand housing market is entering 2026 on more stable footing. Prices have...

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Complete guide to the professional team you need when buying your first home in New Zealand. Learn the roles, costs, and how to choose mortgage advisers, lawyers, inspectors, and more. Expert insights from Luminate Financial.

Your Team for Buying a First Home in NZ: Complete Guide

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

When you imagine buying your first home, it can feel like a simple equation. There's you, possibly your partner, the...

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Are you ready to buy your first home in New Zealand? Complete readiness assessment covering finances, lifestyle, emotional preparation, and timing. Expert guidance from Luminate Financial advisers.

Am I Ready to Buy? NZ First-Home Buyer Assessment 2025

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Buying your first home is exciting, but are you ready? Not just financially, but emotionally, practically, and...

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Should first-home buyers purchase now or wait in New Zealand's 2025 market? Complete guide covering timing, readiness assessment, market conditions, and expert decision framework from Luminate Financial.

Buy Now or Wait? Guide for NZ First-Home Buyers 2025

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Buying your first home is a major life milestone, but deciding when to make the move can feel overwhelming. With...

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Should you rent or buy in New Zealand? Complete comparison guide for first-home buyers covering costs, benefits, and when each option makes sense. Expert insights from Luminate Financial advisers.

Renting vs Buying in NZ: Guide for First-Home Buyers 2025

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For many Kiwis, the dream of homeownership starts with a simple question: should I keep renting, or is it time to buy...

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Learn the 5 most important lessons first-home buyers wish they knew before purchasing in New Zealand. Avoid common mistakes with expert insights from Luminate Financial advisers.

5 Lessons First-Time NZ Home Buyers Wish They Knew

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Buying your first home in New Zealand should be one of life's great milestones. A moment filled with excitement, pride,...

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Complete checklist of documents needed for a home loan in New Zealand. Learn what lenders require for identity, income, debts, and deposit verification. Save time with our detailed guide from Luminate Financial.

Home Loan Documents Checklist for NZ Buyers – 2025 Guide

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Applying for a home loan can feel like a big task, especially if you've never done it before. You've saved your deposit...

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