Mortgage lending peaks in November

Total lending hit $6.79 billion in November, up from $6.2 billion the same month in 2018, and $5.2 billion in 2017, the data shows. 

Mortgage lending hit its highest level since June 2018 when borrowers received $6.8 billion for home loan purchases. 

The figures back up recent REINZ data and indicators that the housing market is resurgent heading into 2020. 

Both investors and first home buyers recorded the highest borrowing figures for the year in November.

Investor borrowing was strong in November reaching $1.36 billion, up from $1.09 billion in November 2018. 

First home buyers also put in a strong showing in November, they borrowed $1.24 billion, up from $1.02 billion the same month in 2018. 

Renewed confidence among first home buyers and investors, backed by low rates and the absence of a capital gains tax, are said to have boosted the Spring market. The new figures will be welcome news to advisers hoping for another upturn in the housing market next year.

High LVR lending also crept up last month. Lending higher than 80% LVR reached $690 million in November, up from $536 million in the same month last year.