The New Build LVR Exemption in NZ

Properties purchased off-the-plan or within 6 months of Code of Compliance (CCC) are exempt from RBNZ LVR restrictions. This is the cleanest path to high-LVR lending for first-home buyers and investors who can find suitable new builds.

The question

Should I buy a new build to access the LVR exemption?

Factors that matter

› Definition of "new build" — off-the-plan or within 6 months of CCC issue
› How long the exemption applies — typically purchase + first owner-occupier sale
› Banks still apply servicing tests — exemption only relaxes LVR, not income tests
› Construction-loan structure (progressive drawdowns) vs turnkey contracts
› Master Build / New Home guarantees — additional consumer protection

Talk it through with an adviser

Your numbers matter — an adviser from Evolve Group Limited (FSP711891) can model this scenario against current carded rates and your servicing position.

Get Matched

Important: how to read this information

This website is operated by Evolve Group Limited (FSP711891), a Licensed Financial Advice Provider regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (NZ). The information published here is general in nature and is not personalised financial advice. For personalised advice that takes your circumstances into account, request to be matched with one of our licensed mortgage advisers via the enquiry form.

Rate accuracy. Rates shown across this site were observed at 21 May 2026, 12:27 pm from each lender's published carded-rate page (linked per row). If a lender has updated their rates since that timestamp, the authoritative source is the lender's page, not our derived snapshot. Carded rates are advertised rates — the rate you ultimately receive depends on your application.

CCCFA + Responsible Lending Code. Final lending decisions are made by the lender under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 and the MBIE Responsible Lending Code. Lenders apply servicing-test rates (typically around 8% post-2023), debt-to-income caps (RBNZ DTI 6× owner-occupier / 7× investor from 2024), and Loan-to-Value Ratio limits. Carded rates are not an offer or a pre-approval.

Disputes. If you have a complaint about advice received through this site, contact Financial Services Complaints Limited (FSCL) on 0800 347 257 or info@fscl.org.nz.

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