Get the
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Checklist

Why Mortgage Pre-Approval Matters

Pre-approval is your ticket to house hunting with confidence. It tells you how much a bank is willing to lend, keeps you within budget, and shows real estate agents and sellers that you’re a serious buyer. In competitive NZ markets, having pre-approval can help your offer stand out.

What Lenders Really Look For

When assessing pre-approval applications, lenders focus on more than just your deposit:

• Income stability – Regular employment, consistent hours, or reliable business income.

• Spending habits – Patterns of saving vs. overspending, including discretionary expenses.

• Existing debts – Student loans, credit cards, car loans, and buy-now-pay-later services.

• Deposit source – Savings history, KiwiSaver, or gifted funds.

• Credit history – Timely repayments, no defaults, and a track record of responsibility.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with approval in hand, you could trip up by:

• Letting pre-approval lapse – Most approvals are valid for about 90 days.

• Making big purchases – A new car, furniture, or credit card debt can reduce your borrowing power.

• Assuming it’s final – Pre-approval is conditional; lenders reassess once you’ve chosen a property.

👉 Next Step

With your pre-approval secured, you’re ready to start the exciting part: house hunting. Use the checklist to stay focused and avoid missing key details at open homes.