Can you afford to buy your first home?

The loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions have created a lot of discussion about the affordability of buying your first home.

Here is some helpful advice to help you determine if you’re ready to take your first step onto the property ladder.

How much deposit will you need?

Most lenders will require you to have a 20% deposit for your home loan. For example, if you wish to purchase a home worth $400,000, you would require an $80,000 deposit.

However, most lenders have loan products to borrow up to 90% of the property value. Reserve Bank regulations allow for 10% of a lender’s home loan customers to have an LVR of over 80%.

If you don’t have a 20% deposit and need to borrow more than the 80% threshold you should speak to a mortgage adviser who can talk you through your options.

Housing New Zealand also offers a Welcome Home Loan that requires a 10 percent deposit rather than the 20% deposit.

Budget

Create a budget to determine what you can realistically afford to spend on mortgage repayments. Your budget should include all your regular outgoing expenses along with estimates for the cost of ownership of a home (insurance, rates, interest on your mortgage, applicable body corporate charges and maintenance for your home). These costs will vary depending on where you live and the type of home you wish to buy.

Use a budgeting tool such as that on www.sorted.org.nz to help.

Mortgage calculator

Once you’ve worked out your budget, you can use a home loan repayment calculator to get an idea of what your mortgage repayments would be. Mortgage-express.co.nz has some useful tools you can use.

It’s probably a higher figure than you are used to paying in rent but the benefit is that instead of being an expense, your mortgage repayment is paying off a capital investment.

If you’re happy that you can afford to pay this amount each month, then you can start looking at financing.

Pre-approved finance

Approach lenders to get finance pre-approved so that you know what price range you can look at for your new home.

Mortgage advisers

Mortgage advisers can help you find the best deal from lenders. Remember, mortgage advisers’ fees are paid for by the lender, not you.

Mortgage Express General Manager, Sarah Johnston says, A Mortgage Express mortgage adviser has the knowledge and expertise to find the best option to suit your individual needs.

Your first home is one of the most significant investment decisions you will make and we’re here to make sure that you know the different ways you can structure your loan and what the different lenders will offer you.”

Financing your first home

Along with your savings, there are other sources of income that can help to supplement your first home deposit.

For instance, if you meet certain criteria you may also be able to secure a FirstHome grant of up to $20,000 through Housing New Zealand.

KiwiSaver members should also look into the scheme’s deposit subsidy and savings withdrawal options.

You may also like to consider entering a shared ownership agreement with friends or family if you don’t have enough savings or a high enough income on your own.

Finding your new home

Now that you’ve got your finances sorted and know how much you can afford to invest in your first property, it’s time to find your dream home. Check out harcourts.co.nz for our latest listings in your area.