The Reserve Bank of NZ’s loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions are the most significant regulatory constraint on home lending in New Zealand. They determine how much deposit you need, who can lend to you, and at what rate. This section explains every aspect of LVR lending.
Understanding LVR Rules
- LVR Restrictions NZ Explained — the full RBNZ framework, current limits, and exemptions
- LVR Restrictions 2026 NZ — current year specifics and recent changes
Deposit Options
- 20% Deposit Mortgage NZ — the standard benchmark and why it matters
- Low Deposit Mortgage NZ — what’s available below 20%
- 10% Deposit Home Loan NZ — high-LVR lending at 90% LVR
- 5% Deposit Home Loan NZ — the First Home Loan route
Using Family Help
- Gifted Deposit NZ — how bank treat family gifts; what documentation you need
- Bank of Mum and Dad NZ — guarantor mortgages and equity gifts explained
LVR Exemptions
- LVR Exemptions NZ — new builds, bridging loans, and other carve-outs
Debt-to-Income Rules
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Restrictions NZ — the RBNZ DTI framework, the 6× income cap, and how it limits borrowing
Also in Mortgages
- First Home Loan (Kāinga Ora) — the government-backed 5% deposit scheme
- How Much Deposit Do I Need? — by property price and location
- Getting a Mortgage in NZ — the full application process