ASB brings back investor LVRs

The bank has pre-emptively moved to bring back LVRs, a move it said would "support first home buyers".

ASB chief executive Vittoria Shortt said: "ASB believes a balanced and sustainable housing market is in the best interests of all New Zealanders. While we appreciate the RBNZ taking the time to consult, this is about helping Kiwis build their financial futures during exceptionally challenging times so we are choosing to take this step now."

Shortt said the pandemic had not impacted the property market "as anticipated", and said ASB was "witnessing rapid growth in lending volumes".

"The number of applications we’re receiving is at an all-time high, up 70% on this time last year, and while the proportion of first home lending is up, we have observed since Covid-19 a rapid increase in lending for investors. If this increase in investor demand continues it could lead the country down a potentially unsustainable path," Shortt said.

"Our focus at ASB is on working with the Government on offering first home buyers opportunities to get onto the property ladder. That’s why we’re immediately committing to requiring investors to have a 30% deposit rather than the current 20%. Pre-approvals already in place are unaffected.

"For us, it is about being a prudent and responsible lender. We all have to play our part and we’re confident Kiwis looking to buy their first home will welcome this move," Shortt added.

ASB's decision comes after the bank introduced debt to income ratios on mortgages in September. 

The bank is testing borrowers on DTIs due to people accessing "higher levels of borrowing".