Big banks say no to 40% investor deposits

Craig Sims

ANZ last week revealed it would no longer lend to investors above 60% LVR. 

The bank said there had been a record level of mortgage lending over the past two months, with a third of loans going to property investors. 

It said 40% deposits would "help bring balance to the housing market".

The lender has also asked the Reserve Bank to impose a 60% limit on investor loans. 

The nation's biggest bank looks to be an outlier in its treatment of investors, as the other members of the "big four" are not adjusting their settings.

ASB and BNZ are limiting investors to 70%, as the Reserve Bank signals plans to reintroduce LVR speed limits in March. 

ASB's executive general manager for retail banking, Craig Sims, said: "We believe a balanced and sustainable housing market is in the best interests of all New Zealanders, and we are committed to playing our part in helping first home buyers get onto the property ladder. As part of this, we made changes to our lending criteria last month, requiring a greater deposit from investors. We continue to monitor developments in the housing market and we regularly review our credit settings, and will make changes as appropriate."

A BNZ spokesman said there were "no plans to make any changes at this stage", with LVR limits "remaining at 70% for investors". 

Westpac said it has "no plans to change our deposit requirements for residential investors". A spokesman added: "We have taken a consistent and responsible approach to lending throughout the year, and did not change our lending criteria when the RBNZ removed its LVR "speed limit" restrictions in April."