Buying guide
Interest rate predictions from NZ economists: 2026 & 2027
We don’t have a crystal ball, but we’ve got the next best thing - the opinions of bank economists
AI summary
New Zealand economists from banks like ANZ, Westpac, and ASB predict interest rates will continue rising through 2026 and 2027, with a consensus that the bottom of the cycle has passed.
The Official Cash Rate (OCR) is also forecast to climb, though predictions on its peak vary. Expert strategies for mortgage holders differ, including:
- Fixing for one year
- Splitting loans across different terms
- Choosing longer terms for certainty
Homeowners should seek professional advice from a mortgage broker.
| Bank | Current - June 2026 % | Late 2026 (% | Early 2027 (%) | Late 2027 (%) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANZ | ANZ | 4.7 (June) | 4.7 (June) | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Westpac | Westpac | 4.69 | 4.69 | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing |
| ASB | ASB | 4.69 | 4.69 | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing |
| BNZ | BNZ | 4.65 | 4.65 | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Flat or increasing | Flat or increasing |
| Consensus | Consensus | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing | Increasing |
Our summary of interest rate predictions from the experts
ANZ
Westpac
ASB
Source: ASB Home Loan Rate Report 10 April 2026
BNZ
Kiwibank
A note about advertised interest rates*
| Forecaster | Current OCR (Actual) | 2026% Dec quarter | 2027 Dec quarter | 2028 % | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBNZ | RBNZ | 2.25 (June 26) | 2.25 (June 26) | 2.8 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| ANZ | ANZ | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 | - | - | ||
| Westpac | Westpac | 3.0 | 3.0 | 4.25 | 4.25 | - | - | ||
| ASB | ASB | 3.25 | 3.25 | 3.25 | 3.25 | - | - | ||
| BNZ | BNZ | 2.75 | 2.75 | 4.0 | 4.0 | - | - |
Our summary of OCR forecasts
The million dollar question: How long should I fix my mortgage?
Opes Partners say the 1 year rate is a great option
Gareth Kiernan at Infometrics argues for shorter term fixes *with a caveat
New Zealand's biggest bank says interest rates are headed downard.
Tony Alexander reckons the three year is the rate
Nicole Pervan, GM of home lending at Kiwibank says it’s all about you
Jarrod Kerr, Chief Economist at Kiwibank, recommends splitting:
Consider break even analysis
The Reserve Bank plays a big part in influencing retail interest rates.
Get expert advice first
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