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Find a Mortgage Broker in Dunedin

Get the money you need to buy your dream home in Dunedin with help from a local mortgage broker.
Updated 17 June 2026
Summary
  • Mortgage brokers hunt the home loan market to find you a good deal, as well as save a lot of time on form-filling. They can advise you on everything you need to know about taking out a mortgage and the house-buying process, as well as KiwiSaver withdrawals and grants if you qualify.
  • A Bank may have told you NO, but a mortgage broker has the contacts to very often turn that into a YES. 
  • Mortgage brokers know the key details about each lenders' criteria, and can recommend the right lenders for your situation.
  • The most important thing is to find a mortgage broker you're comfortable with. Hundreds are working all over Dunedin, and we've created this guide to help you navigate arranging a home loan.
  • Remember: Real estate agents you meet at open homes will probably recommend brokers. Many have existing relationships and get a commission for any business you give to their recommended mortgage broker. You don't need to engage them - you have full control of who you choose.

Our Dunedin Mortgage Broker guide covers:​​​ ​
​Important: Are you ready for a mortgage?
Our friends at LifeDirect Mortgages have a useful Mortgage Potential Calculator that gives you a clear snapshot of your borrowing ability in just a few clicks. Whether you're looking for a first home, refinance, moving home or an investment property mortgage, simply enter a few details, and you'll see:
  • Your estimated borrowing amount
  • Monthly, fortnightly, and weekly repayments
  • Your deposit and income breakdown
  • Tips to improve your mortgage readiness

It's easy to use, with clear visuals to help you understand your position. You do not need to enter any personal information.​​

Know This First: The Process of Working with a Mortgage Broker

  1. ​Once you've decided to contact a mortgage broker, you will have an initial assessment. This is a meeting where you share details about your financial position and what you want to achieve.
  2. After that, the mortgage broker will provide a comparison of the best-suited home loans you qualify for - this often means they will create a shortlist of the home loans most relevant to you.
  3. Once you've considered the home loans, you will decide on one and make an application. The mortgage broker does this on your behalf; you'll need to provide the information they ask.
  4. Once the application is submitted, the lender (i.e. bank) will come back with their decision - it will, in most cases, be an approval or decline. 

Useful Tools to Help Plan a Mortgage

How Much Does a Mortgage Broker Cost?​

  • There are no upfront costs or service fees. Mortgage brokers make their money from commissions paid to them by the banks.
  • You won't necessarily pay more for your mortgage either. Mortgage brokers work the same as travel agents who earn commissions from airlines and hotels etc.
  • It is up to you to decide which bank and mortgage deal you want - the mortgage broker will be paid by the lender you pick.
  • Industry insiders suggest this can be as high as 1% of your loan amount; your broker could earn $5,000 from a $500,000 mortgage. But the law states that mortgage brokers are not required to disclose commission payments.

What should I ask a mortgage broker to make sure I get the best deal and service?

As individual mortgage broker expertise and access to deals will vary around Dunedin, you can get comfortable by asking two essential questions: 
  1. How many lenders do you work with? The more lenders (i.e. banks) the broker has a relationship with, the higher the chances you'll get the best deal. A good answer is at least five banks, but the more they cover, the better for you. 
  2. What are your fees and commissions? You can ask that, even if they are not legally obliged to tell you. If they do, it will probably create trust and help you understand a little bit more about how mortgage brokerage works.

Dunedin Mortgage Brokers - 5 Things to Know Upfront

  1. Mortgage brokers may not work with every bank, so it's important to ask upfront what lenders won't be included so it's clear what you are comparing.
  2. Cross-selling is being reported; this involves you being recommended insurance policies by a mortgage broker or one of their associates. As insurance is very lucrative; there may be a lot of pressure to buy. You are under no obligation to and our guides to life insurance, contents insurance, home insurance and income protection insurance outline what you need to know. 
  3. You may also be recommended conveyancing services by a related law firm. You are under no obligation to hire the lawyers suggested by your mortgage broker.
  4. If a real estate agent is insisting you use their recommended mortgage broker, you don't have to. You don't even need to use a mortgage broker at all.
  5. Many banks promote mortgage deals with free holidays, cashback and various other perks if you go with them direct. If you go with a mortgage broker, you won't receive these perks.
​

Trusted Dunedin Mortgage Brokers Available Right Now

​Our list below covers Dunedin and the surrounding areas. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Dunedin, ​their location, and data extracted from reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services, mortgage forums and other sources. We've also included LifeDirect Mortgages, our paid partner - see the disclosure note below.

Beyond standard mortgage clients, the brokers below all have experience with non-standard and 'complicated' requests. This can include single-income and self-employed situations.

Know this: You don't need to go with the first broker you talk to. More importantly, you're in no way obliged to use the mortgage broker a real estate agent recommends, even if you buy your home through them.

Disclosure: LifeDirect is a paid MoneyHub partner
  • LifeDirect Mortgages pays to partner with us, including for exposure on co-branded guides that their team contributes expertise to and helps us edit. The other brokers below don't pay to be listed - they're chosen on service and public reviews.
  • We rate LifeDirect Mortgage' work (consistently top-rated Google reviews, nationwide service by phone and video, and a focus on getting loans approved), but you're never obliged to use any broker we list. This guide is designed to help you approach any mortgage broker with confidence.​ 

Stephen Robinson - LifeDirect

LifeDirect's Stephen Robinson began his banking career in 1999 and has held roles across home lending, business and commercial banking, as well as owning and operating his own asset finance business. He brings a creative approach to structuring lending, paying debt off faster and minimising interest costs for Dunedin clients.

What customers like:
  • Broad financial background covering home, business and commercial lending
  • Strategic loan structuring focused on reducing debt faster and paying less interest
  • Creative thinking to find a path forward when an application is not straightforward

Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Next Home and Investment Property Loans
  • Business and Commercial Finance
  • Mortgage Restructuring

Contact details

Mortgage Link Otago

Mortgage Link Otago is one of Dunedin's longest-standing brokerages, established in 1996 and now a team of around twelve advisers covering all of Otago. The firm has won Mortgage Link NZ Adviser of the Year four times (2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020) and offers non-bank options for clients who do not fit mainstream lending criteria.

What customers like:
  • Thorough, sound advice with quick responses, even outside usual working hours
  • Explains the whole process and checks in constantly so clients always know where things stand
  • Works hard behind the scenes with the banks to secure a good deal
  • A team approach means someone is always available to help

​Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Residential, Business and Commercial Lending
  • Refinancing and Restructuring
  • Equity Release and Insurance

Contact details

Loan Market Dunedin

Loan Market Dunedin is the local office of New Zealand's largest mortgage adviser group, with a team whose advisers bring decades of banking experience and have helped thousands of Kiwis into homes and investment properties. Their philosophy is that a mortgage is a relationship, not a transaction, with hundreds of 5-star reviews to back it up.

What customers like:
  • Professional and quick to respond, making the process stress-free from first chat to getting the keys
  • Patient and supportive with first home buyers navigating a daunting process
  • Always working to get the best deal possible, with options and advice explained clearly
  • Easy to deal with remotely for clients outside Dunedin

Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Refinancing
  • Investment Property Loans
  • Self Employed Home Loans

Contact details

MortgageMe

MortgageMe is a locally owned Dunedin firm founded by Daryl Taylor, who has over 25 years in financial services, and co-owned by Becky Runga. Built on a "people over profit" philosophy, it has grown into one of Dunedin's most reviewed and trusted advice businesses, with additional offices in Oamaru and Hawke's Bay.

What customers like:
  • Clear, prompt and professional communication, with every step explained in simple terms
  • Generous with time, answering questions on weekends and outside standard hours
  • Breaks down a daunting process so first home buyers feel at ease
  • Knowledgeable on refinancing and securing the best available deal

Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Next Home Loans
  • Investment Property Loans
  • Refinancing and Insurance Advice

Contact details:
  • Google Rating: 5/5
  • Address: 155 Princes Street, Dunedin 9016
  • Website: MortgageMe
  • Contact number: 03 471 5861

Swift Mortgages

Swift Mortgages, established in 2013 and part of the New Zealand Financial Services Group, opened its Dunedin office with advisers Shweta Karne and Amol Prakash. The team works with a network of around 20 lenders and has built a strong following among first home buyers, including clients based outside Dunedin buying locally.

What customers like:
  • Trustworthy, kind and thorough from the first phone call through to settlement day
  • Patient with every question, keeping buyers confident and informed
  • Well-established connections with solicitors and property managers that make the process seamless
  • Sticks with clients over long house hunts, with support on approvals and advice throughout

Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Construction Loans and House & Land Packages
  • Investment Property Loans
  • Refinancing, Insurance and KiwiSaver Advice

Contact details:

MoaMoney

MoaMoney is a Dunedin-based mortgage, KiwiSaver and investment advice firm led by director Asher Ingram, a regular commentator on lending rules in the Otago Daily Times and RNZ, among others. A particular specialty is helping Kiwis living overseas secure New Zealand home loans when banks will not qualify offshore income.

What customers like:
  • Responsive, communicative and knowledgeable, even getting deals done over holiday periods
  • Makes the numbers work on deadline sales when other brokers cannot
  • Knows the ins and outs of complicated lending, including for overseas-based buyers
  • Explains everything clearly and secures sharp rates

Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Refinancing
  • Investment Property and Holiday Home Loans
  • Overseas Income Lending, KiwiSaver and Investment Advice

Contact details:
  • Google Rating: 5/5
  • Address: Floor 1, 252 Cumberland Street, Dunedin 9016
  • Website: MoaMoney
  • Contact number: 027 380 3734
​

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a mortgage broker in Dunedin?

Start by asking how many lenders they work with. A mortgage broker who covers four or more banks gives you a meaningfully better chance of finding the right deal compared to one who only works with two or three. Beyond that, look for someone who listens - a good broker will want to understand your full financial picture, not just your deposit size.

Check their Google reviews, but pay attention to the specifics - look for reviewers mentioning clear communication, fast turnaround, and honest advice. You can also ask the broker directly about their experience with situations like yours, whether that's a first home purchase, self-employment income or refinancing.

Most importantly, you don't have to commit to the first broker you speak with - a short phone call will usually tell you whether they're the right fit. If a real estate agent recommends a specific broker, you're always free to choose your own.

Can a mortgage broker get me a better rate than going directly to a bank?

Sometimes, but not always. Mortgage brokers can access deals across multiple lenders, which means they can compare rates and structures you might not find by walking into a single bank. They also know which banks are actively competing for new business at any given time, which can work in your favour to get the best interest rate.

However, banks occasionally offer exclusive deals - discounted rates or account-free fee structures - to customers who come to them directly. Such offers may not be available via brokers. A good broker will tell you upfront if going direct to a specific bank would be better for your situation.

Where brokers consistently add value is around their advice; they are required to be impartial, provide options and recommendations based on your own unique financial situation. Given that they also deal with almost every lender, they have a broader knowledge of which bank works well for you and your situation. Some banks may be better for start-up companies or when you are buying with family or friends. A good mortgage broker removes the friction from getting the right outcome for you.

Do mortgage brokers charge fees?

In most cases, no. Mortgage brokers are paid commissions by the lender (i.e. bank) you end up choosing, so their service is free to you. Industry estimates suggest brokers earn up to 0.90% of the loan amount - meaning a $600,000 mortgage could generate a $5,400 commission for the broker.

There are some situations where a broker may charge a fee - for example, if your application is particularly complex, or if you're using a non-bank or specialist lender. A reputable broker will disclose any fees before you commit to working with them.

Can a mortgage broker help if a bank has declined me?

Yes - this is one of the strongest reasons to use a mortgage broker. A bank decline doesn't necessarily mean you can't get a mortgage. It often means that a specific bank's lending criteria didn't fit your situation at the time.

Mortgage brokers understand each lender's specific policies and risk appetite. Where one bank sees a problem, another may see an acceptable application. This is especially true for self-employed applicants, those with irregular income, buyers with smaller deposits, or people with minor credit history issues.

A good broker will also explain why you were declined and what, if anything, you can do to strengthen a future application. This might mean waiting a few months, restructuring your finances, or simply applying to a lender whose criteria are a better match. If no lender is currently a fit, an honest broker will tell you that rather than wasting your time.

What documents do I need to bring to a mortgage broker?

Having your documents ready from the start will significantly speed up the process. Most brokers will need:
  • Proof of identity: A current passport or New Zealand driver's licence.
  • Proof of income: Your last three payslips if you're an employee, or two years of financial statements and tax returns if you're self-employed.
  • Bank statements: The last three months of statements for all your accounts, including savings, everyday, and any existing loan accounts.
  • KiwiSaver withdrawal amount: Your latest balance, particularly if you're planning to use KiwiSaver funds for your deposit or if you're a first-home buyer.
  • Details of existing debts: This includes credit cards (even if the balance is zero - the available limit matters), personal loans, student loans, hire purchase, and buy now pay later accounts.
  • Evidence of your deposit: Bank statements or a gifting certificate if part of your deposit is a gift from family.

If you're purchasing a specific property, bring the listing details and any sale-and-purchase documentation. Self-employed applicants may also need a letter from their accountant confirming income. Your broker will tell you if anything else is needed based on your situation.

Can a mortgage broker help if I'm self-employed?

Yes - and for self-employed borrowers, a mortgage broker is arguably more valuable than for anyone else. Banks assess self-employed income differently from PAYE earnings, and the calculations can be surprising.

You might have made $150,000 last year, but after the bank applies its add-back formula and accounts for business loan repayments, your assessed income could come back at $70,000.

A mortgage broker who regularly handles self-employed applications knows which banks are flexible on income calculations, which will accept one year of financials instead of two, and how to present your business story in a way that gives lenders confidence. Our guide to self-employed mortgage applications explains the full process.

I'm self-employed - do I need an accountant before talking to a mortgage broker?

Not always, but it can help - banks typically want two years of accountant-prepared financial statements, and applications without them are significantly weaker. If you've been filing IR3 returns without an accountant, a mortgage broker can tell you whether that's enough for your situation or whether you need basic accounts prepared first. Many accountants offer mortgage-ready packages for $500–$1,500.

Getting this sorted before you apply can be the difference between approval and decline, and it often unlocks lower interest rates that more than cover the accounting cost. Start by talking to a broker who will tell you exactly what you need.

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