Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions clients ask most.
Cost, banks, approvals, timelines and everything in between. If your question isn’t here, get in touch — I’ll answer personally.
No. My advice is free to you — the bank pays me a commission for arranging your lending. You’ll always be told exactly how much I earn on your loan before you sign anything.
Base Mortgages holds accreditation with all major New Zealand banks (ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank, Co‑operative, SBS, TSB) plus specialist non‑bank lenders — so we compare across the market rather than push one product.
A bank’s staff can only offer that bank’s products and policies. As an independent mortgage adviser, I compare multiple lenders, negotiate on your behalf and act in your interests — not any single bank’s.
For straightforward applications, pre‑approval is typically 5–10 business days after we submit. Complex cases (self‑employed, new to NZ, construction) can take longer — I’ll set clear expectations up front.
Yes. Self‑employed lending is one of my specialities. I know how each lender treats retained earnings, add‑backs and shareholder salary — which means we go to the bank most likely to say yes.
I work with clients across New Zealand — by video call, phone and email. Most of my clients never step into an office.
Next step
Question not answered here?
Get in touch and I’ll reply personally within one business day.