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Debt consolidation

Bring your debts together and breathe a little easier.

If you're paying off credit cards, store cards, a car loan or buy now, pay later alongside your mortgage, combining them into your home loan may lower your monthly repayments. We'll help you work out whether it makes sense, and how to clear the debt rather than just move it.

Juggling too many repayments?How much could I save?
Bringing debts together

At a glance

One repayment

instead of several

Lower rate

than most cards and personal loans

$0

usually what our advice costs for home loans

How it works

Debt consolidation in a nutshell

One repayment

Your other debts are paid off and added to your home loan, so you have one lender and one repayment to manage.

A lower interest rate

Home loan rates are usually much lower than credit card or personal loan rates, so more of each repayment may go towards the debt itself.

It uses your equity

You'll need enough equity in your home, and your lender will assess your income and spending, just as it would for any home loan.

Example

What consolidating may look like.

Illustrative only, using a home loan rate of 5.5% over 25 years. Your rates, fees, lender criteria and situation will differ.

Is it time to talk?How much can I borrow?

Sam and Alex have $30,000 of other debts.

Credit card ($12,000)about $400 a month
Car loan ($18,000)about $600 a month
Current repaymentsabout $1,000 a month
Added to their home loanabout $184 a month

If they keep paying $1,000 a month towards it, they may clear it in about 3 years. Paying only the minimum over 25 years may cost more interest in the long run.

How we help

From many repayments to one

  1. 1

    Look at the full picture

    We list your debts, rates and repayments, and check how much equity you have.

  2. 2

    Compare your options

    A top-up with your current lender, a switch to a new lender, or another approach, with the costs laid out.

  3. 3

    Make it happen

    We handle the application and paperwork, and your other debts are paid off at settlement.

  4. 4

    Stay on track

    We help you set up repayments so the debt is cleared sooner, not spread over decades.

Talk to Mortgage Pundit

Before you decide

Things to think about

Total interest, which may be higher if you spread short-term debt over a long home loan term.

Keep your repayments up, paying more than the minimum where you can.

Close the cards you've paid off, so the debt doesn't build up again.

Break fees, if you change your loan during a fixed term. Check with your current lender first.

Valuation and legal costs, if a new lender asks for a registered valuation or you switch lenders.

Your credit file, which lenders will check. Tell us early about any missed payments.

Struggling with repayments right now?

If you're falling behind, talk to your lender early. You may also get free, confidential budgeting help from MoneyTalks on 0800 345 123.

Feel stuck with your bank?

Questions we hear often

Debt consolidation questions

Still have a question?

Call us or book a time. There’s no obligation.

Call 0800 PUNDIT
Which debts can I consolidate?

For most people, personal debts such as credit cards, store cards, personal loans, car loans, buy now, pay later and overdrafts.

I'm self-employed and have tax arrears. Can I consolidate them?

It's harder, and each case is assessed on its merits. Main banks may not lend to clear tax debt, and lenders generally won't fund unpaid PAYE. Some non-bank lenders may consider other tax debt, such as income tax or GST, usually with good equity and a plan to move back to a bank later.

Will consolidating lower my repayments?

Often, yes, because home loan rates are usually lower and the debt is spread over a longer term. But a longer term may mean more interest overall, unless you keep repayments up.

Can I consolidate if I have missed payments?

Possibly. It depends on how recent and how serious they are. Some lenders may be more flexible than others, including non-bank lenders.

Do I need to switch lenders?

Not always. Your current lender may agree to a top-up. We'll compare that with other lenders, so you can see which may leave you better off.

Should I close my credit cards afterwards?

Usually, yes. Some lenders may require it as a condition of the loan, and it stops the debt building up again.

Do I pay for your advice?

For home loans, usually not. In most cases the lender pays us when your loan settles. Business lending carries a fee, and we'll let you know what it is before we start.

Ready to simplify your repayments?

A free, no-pressure chat may show you whether consolidating could leave you better off.

Talk to Mortgage PunditCall 0800 PUNDIT