New Zealand to Ease Mortgage Lending Rules as Housing Market Stabilizes

New Zealand’s central bank announced plans to relax its mortgage loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions starting December 1, 2025, citing improved housing affordability and stability in the property market. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) stated that after a prolonged decline, house prices are now within sustainable levels, prompting an adjustment to lending policies.

Under the new policy, banks will be allowed to issue up to 25% of new loans to owner-occupiers with deposits smaller than 20% of the property’s value — up from the current 20% limit. This move is expected to increase access to home financing and support first-time homebuyers. Acting Assistant Governor Angus McGregor said that easing LVR settings would “improve market efficiency and access to credit,” while ensuring that lending growth remains sustainable.

The RBNZ noted that mortgage lending growth remains moderate and the share of high-risk loans has stayed low. According to the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, home prices are now 16% below their 2021 peak, and in September 2025, prices dropped 1.5% year-over-year, reflecting a cooling but stable market environment.

McGregor emphasized that the timing was right to review the central bank’s default settings, given that the housing market has adjusted to more sustainable levels. The bank also reaffirmed that debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions introduced last year will remain in place to maintain financial resilience and limit potential risks during future market corrections.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the change, noting that easing mortgage restrictions would make it easier for Kiwis, particularly first-home buyers, to enter the housing market. The move is seen as part of the government’s broader effort to balance financial stability with housing affordability.