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Checklist

Can I refinance? NZ checklist

Wondering whether a refinance chat is worth your time? Answer seven plain-English questions about timing, equity, credit, income, break costs, property use, and your goal. You will get a traffic-light style result and a short list of what to check next. Online Home Loans is referral only. We do not give mortgage advice. This tool does not approve or decline anyone.

Refinance readiness checklist

Seven quick questions. Traffic-light style result with plain-English next checks. Not a bank decision, quote, or approval.

Question 1 of 70%
Where are you with your current rate?

Expiry timing changes whether break costs come into the chat.

When Kiwis usually ask this

A refinance review often comes up when a fixed rate is ending, when equity or debt goals appear, or when the current deal no longer fits. Sometimes the tidy answer is a same-bank refix / lower rate chat instead. This checklist helps you arrive with clearer questions, not a decision made for you.

What this tool does not do

  • It does not run a credit check or talk to any bank.
  • It does not calculate an official break fee, LVR, or repayment.
  • It does not say you are approved, pre-approved, or declined.
  • It does not replace advice from a licensed NZ mortgage adviser.

Use it to prepare, then talk to a licensed broker about your actual numbers.

Common questions

Does a green result mean I can refinance?
No. The traffic light is an educational readiness sketch based on the answers you typed in. It is not a credit check, bank decision, quote, or approval. Only a lender can decide an application, and only a licensed adviser can advise you.
What does Online Home Loans do with this checklist?
Nothing automated is sent from this page. It runs in your browser to help you prepare questions. If you choose to enquire via /get-started, we refer you to a licensed New Zealand mortgage adviser. We do not give mortgage advice ourselves.
What if my result is amber or red?
It usually means there are common friction points to prepare for: mid-fix break costs, tighter LVR, recent credit or income changes. That is not a no. Gather the next-check items, then talk to a licensed broker who can set honest expectations for your file.
Should I refinance before my fixed term ends?
Sometimes the rate gap covers break fees and switching costs. Sometimes it does not. Ask your bank for a break-cost quote, then have a licensed adviser net that against a real offer. Online Home Loans will not tell you which way to go.
What should I bring to a broker chat?
Recent mortgage statement, rate and expiry, rough property value, other debts, income evidence, and any break-fee or cashback clawback details you already have. Perfect spreadsheets are optional. Accurate basics help a lot.

Related reading

More tools on the calculators hub. Ready when you are: start a short enquiry.

Talk to a brokerRefinance overview