Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you’ll make. Having the right advice at the right time can make the process smoother, save you money, and give you confidence in your decisions.
This guide explains what financial advice means in New Zealand, how it applies to mortgages, and why working with a mortgage broker like Taranaki Home Loans is often the best place to start.
What Financial Advice Means in NZ
In New Zealand, “financial advice” refers to guidance you receive when making decisions about financial products such as mortgages, insurance, or investments. Advisers must be licensed and follow the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) rules to ensure advice is fair, clear, and in your best interests.
Mortgage brokers provide a form of financial advice focused on home loans. They compare options across banks, explain loan structures, and help you choose the right approach for your situation. At Taranaki Home Loans, our advice is free to clients, we’re paid by the lender once your loan is in place.
Why Mortgage Advice Matters
Mortgages are complex. Rates change, bank policies differ, and loan structures can save or cost thousands over time. Good advice makes a difference in areas such as:
Without advice, many buyers stick with a single bank or miss out on savings.
Free vs Paid Advice
In NZ, most mortgage brokers provide free advice to clients. This is because banks pay them directly for arranging the loan. Importantly, this does not mean advice is biased. Licensed brokers must act in your best interests and explain why a particular lender or structure is recommended.
Some financial advisers charge fees for complex cases. but in most situations, especially for first-home buyers or refinancing using a broker won’t cost you anything. Taranaki Home Loans will never cost you a cent.
Ongoing Value of Advice
Financial advice is not just a one-off service at the start. Mortgages last decades, and market conditions change. At Taranaki Home Loans, we provide ongoing support:
Monitoring bank rate changes.
Checking whether refinancing or restructuring could save you money.
Advising when your fixed term is about to expire.
Helping you adapt your loan as life changes — such as starting a family, moving house, or investing.
This active loan management ensures you don’t miss opportunities that could improve your financial position.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Financial advice gives you clarity, confidence, and often better outcomes when buying or refinancing a home. In New Zealand, mortgage advice from a broker is free for clients and ensures you get a fair comparison across banks.
At Taranaki Home Loans, we provide reliable advice upfront and ongoing loan management after settlement. If you’d like personalised mortgage advice, contact us today.
It’s guidance from a licensed adviser about financial products such as mortgages, insurance, or investments.
Yes, most mortgage brokers like Taranaki Home Loans provide free advice, as banks pay their fees.
Yes. Advice helps you understand your options, compare banks, and avoid costly mistakes.
Yes. Brokers are licensed to provide mortgage-related financial advice and must act in your best interests.
A broker compares multiple banks, negotiates on your behalf, and supports you throughout the process.