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New-to-bank lending freeze

NZFSG's Bruce Patten
Wednesday 17th of June 2020

Banks across the board have tightened their criteria for new borrowers, putting a strain on home buyers in the wake of Covid-19.

Advisers report Westpac was the last big bank to stop taking on new borrowers over 80%, changing its strategy last week. In most cases, customers are stuck with their existing bank, with no option to shop around.

Lenders are shying away from higher LVR borrowing and focusing on existing customers and processing hardship and deferral requests, advisers say.

"Literally no-one is doing over 80 new to bank at the moment, but it will open up again," says NZFSG's Bruce Patten. "But once the banks are comfortable with the housing market they will be all over them again."

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