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Find a Mortgage Broker in Palmerston North

Get the money you need to buy your dream home in Palmerston North 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 Palmerston North, 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 Palmerston North 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 Palmerston North, 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.

Palmerston North 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 Palmerston North Mortgage Brokers Available Right Now

​Our list below covers Palmerston North and the surrounding areas. We have selected these based on their history of longstanding service within Palmerston North, 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.​ 

Teresa Payne - LifeDirect

LifeDirect's Teresa Payne was named the 2018 Loan Market Client Services Manager of the Year for New Zealand and prides herself on customer service. Based in the lower North Island, she works with Palmerston North clients via video, phone and in person to help with first homes, investment properties and refinancing.

What customers like:
  • Award-winning customer service recognised at a national level
  • Helps buyers get the right deal for their situation, not just any deal
  • Works alongside a wider team of advisers so support is always available

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

Contact details

Jorja Woodward - LifeDirect

LifeDirect's Jorja Woodward brings 20 years across banking, real estate and mortgage broking, with a focus on making buyers feel confident and supported through their home buying or investment journey. No question goes unanswered, whether you are a first home buyer, next home buyer or experienced investor.
What customers like:
  • 20 years of experience across banking, real estate and mortgage broking
  • Keeps buyers feeling confident and supported at every step
  • Helps restructure existing lending to unlock future plans
Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Next Home Loans
  • Investment Property Loans
  • Mortgage Restructuring
Contact details

Taylored Mortgages

Taylored Mortgages was founded in 2021 by Jen Taylor, who brought over 15 years of banking experience and won Young Gun of the Year at the 2022 New Zealand Mortgage Awards. The firm has grown into Palmerston North's most reviewed brokerage, with hundreds of 5-star reviews and a second office in Levin.

What customers like:
  • Professional, friendly and timely, even with offers submitted two days before Christmas
  • Great advice at mortgage review time, approaching the bank on clients' behalf
  • Coaches buyers to get application-ready, then secures pre-approval without problems
  • The whole team explains everything clearly so first home buyers feel supported

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

Contact details

Youm

Youm is the same team that has been providing lending advice to the Manawatū since 1987, with advisers Craig Seton, Brent Jaslarz and Simon Lees bringing over 60 years of combined experience. Youm is not aligned with any bank, so the advice is independent and clients keep coming back purchase after purchase.

What customers like:
  • Guides clients across multiple purchases and refixes over many years
  • Answers every first home buyer question patiently without making anyone feel silly
  • Seamless communication, organised finances and follow-ups at exactly the right moments
  • Handles tricky situations like bridging a sale into a new build

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

Contact details
  • Google Rating: 5/5
  • Address: 40 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North 4410
  • Website: Youm
  • Contact number: 06 358 4006​

Stellar Mortgages

​Stellar Mortgages is a boutique Palmerston North firm led by director Leonie MacNamara, whose long banking background (including Kiwibank and Westpac) pairs with plain-talking communication. The team works around clients' schedules, including evenings and weekends, and also services the Bay of Plenty.

What customers like:
  • The best first step for first home buyers with no idea where to start, with realistic advice and no pressure
  • Honest guidance that tells you when you will be ready and how to get there
  • Clear, direct and practical advice explained in plain language
  • Outstanding communication that makes a stressful process feel manageable

Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Refinancing
  • Investment Property Loans
  • Debt Consolidation

​Contact details

Toby Ferreira Mortgages

​Toby Ferreira Mortgages is a Palmerston North brokerage with a combined 50 years of mortgage expertise across the team. Toby's banking background runs deep enough that clients he helped as a bank adviser in 2011 sought him out again once he went independent, and he meets clients whenever suits, including evenings.

What customers like:
  • Attentive and helpful after buyers had little luck dealing directly with the bank
  • Fast, efficient and a great communicator who secures fantastic deals
  • Clear guidance and constant communication that got first home buyers in within three months
  • Keeps messy situations clear, concise and easy to follow, with quick responses

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

Contact details

Mortgage Link Manawatu & Rangitikei

​Mortgage Link has been providing mortgage broking in the Manawatū since 1991, making it one of the region's longest-standing brokerages, and is part of the nationwide Mortgage Link group, one of New Zealand's first mortgage adviser networks. The team, including Gina Nicol and Jiju Joy, covers home lending and insurance across Palmerston North, Feilding and the Rangitikei.

What customers like:
  • Warm, professional advisers who check in regularly and turn first home dreams into reality
  • Made a last-minute joint application work with clear guidance and patience
  • Explains every step and finds creative solutions, including funding a vehicle within a home loan
  • Supportive and always available to answer questions

Services include but not limited to:
  • First Home Buyer Loans
  • Refinancing and Fixed Rate Reviews
  • Investment Property and Construction Loans
  • Debt Consolidation and Insurance

Contact details
​

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a mortgage broker in Palmerston North?

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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