Best mortgage brokers in New Zealand

Not all brokers are created equal. The best do more than find you a loan, they make sure you understand your options, advocate on your behalf, and guide you through every step of the buying process. Here’s what to look for in a broker who’ll truly support your home-buying journey:

• Glowing client reviews: Consistent 5-star feedback across platforms like Google is a great indicator of reliability and service.
• Proven experience: Look for brokers with at least five years in business, they’ve weathered the rate changes and know how to navigate tricky applications.
• Industry recognition: Awards from NZ Adviser or membership with industry bodies like Financial Advice NZ show professionalism and ongoing education.
• Transparency: A trustworthy broker will explain how they’re paid, what products they work with, and which lenders they deal with.
• Communication: You want someone who picks up the phone, replies to emails promptly, and is available when you need them most (i.e. when putting in an offer), not someone who vanishes when things get complicated.

To keep things fair and genuinely helpful, we compared mortgage brokers in each main centre using publicly available data, including Google reviews, years in business, and recent industry awards. We only included brokers with a strong local presence, at least 100 verified reviews, and consistently high client satisfaction.

Note: This list is fully editorial - Trade Me has no commercial relationship with any of the brokers featured and no one has paid to be included.

Finding the right mortgage broker is part research, part gut feeling. Here's how to separate the exceptional from the merely adequate:

• Ask how they’re paid. Most brokers earn a commission from lenders (usually 0.5–0.7% of your loan amount, plus a small ongoing fee). It doesn’t cost you directly, but it’s worth knowing how they’re incentivised. A good broker will explain their commission structure openly and how they keep your best interests front and centre.
• Check which lenders they work with. Many brokers only deal with a select panel of lenders, which can limit your options. A broader panel means more choice, more flexibility, and a better chance of finding a loan structure that suits your situation, especially if you have non-standard income, a smaller deposit, or you’re after niche lending products. It’s well worth asking who they work with and how they decide which lender to recommend.
• Check they’re registered. Every adviser must be listed on the Financial Service Providers Register. It takes seconds to verify and confirms they’re legally qualified to give advice. Bonus points if they’re members of Financial Advice NZ as it signals ongoing training and ethical standards.
• Pay attention to their communication. During your first chat, notice how they explain things. Do they take time to break down complex terms or rush straight to rates? Responsiveness is key. If they’re slow to reply early on, this could be a red flag as it’s unlikely to improve under pressure.
• Meet a few before deciding. Just like choosing a real estate agent, chemistry counts. You want someone you feel comfortable with, someone who listens, educates, and advocates for you. If a broker feels pushy or too slick, trust your instincts and keep looking.
• Check the fine print. Some brokers charge a fee if you break a fixed-term loan they arranged. This does catch people out and can add up, so it’s worth checking this before you lock anything in.

Bonus tip: Ask for examples or case studies similar to your situation, whether that’s low-deposit first-home loans or investment refinancing.

• Squirrel (formerly The Home Loan Shop)
• Home Loan Factory Mortgage Brokers Wellington
• Bozinoff Mortgages | Michael Anastasiadi
• Lendal Mortgages
• Futurebound