Free Resource

Home Equity Calculator

Use our free calculator to discover how much equity you could access for renovations, investments, or lifestyle.

What could your equity do?

Your home is more than just a place to live - it's a powerful financial asset. Here are the three most common ways Kiwis use their usable equity.

Renovate & add value

Turn your current home into your dream home. Use equity to fund a new kitchen, bathroom, or extension - often increasing your property's value even further.

Invest in property

Use your usable equity as a deposit for an investment property. Let your home's growth help you build a portfolio without needing a large cash savings deposit.

Lifestyle & consolidation

Need to reset? You can access equity to consolidate higher-interest debts (like credit cards) or fund major life goals like travel or a new vehicle.

4 ways to build equity

Market appreciation

While you can't control the market, owning in high-demand areas allows your asset to grow passively over the long term.

Pay down principle

Every repayment chips away at your debt. Increasing your payments by even $50 a fortnight can significantly speed up your equity growth.

Strategic renovations

Focus on changes that add tangible value, like modern kitchens or extra bedrooms. Avoid over-capitalizing on features buyers won't pay for.

Shorten loan term

Keeping repayments the same when rates drop effectively shortens your term, paying off debt faster and expanding your equity gap

Equity FAQ's

What actually is equity?

Simply put, equity is the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is valued at $800,000 and you owe $400,000, you have $400,000 in "Total Equity."

How do i access my equity?

You can access your equity by "topping up" your existing home loan. Instead of saving cash for years, you borrow against the value you've already built up in your house. The bank gives you the funds (for a renovation, deposit, etc.), and your mortgage balance increases by that amount.

What is "Usable Equity" vs. "Total Equity"?

While you might own $400,000 of your home, the bank usually won't lend you the full amount. They need a safety buffer.

• Total Equity: The full value you own.

• Usable Equity: The amount the bank will actually let you borrow.

In NZ, this is typically up to 80% of your home's value (for the house you live in). Our calculator works this out for you automatically!

Does accessing equity increase my repayments?

Yes, because you are increasing your loan size. However, home loan interest rates are typically much lower than personal loans, car loans, or credit cards. This makes using equity one of the cheapest ways to borrow money for big projects.

Can I use equity for anything?

Almost! Common uses include renovations, buying an investment property, buying a new car, or even a holiday. As long as you can afford the new repayments, banks are generally happy to approve these "top-ups."

Ready to put your equity to work?

The numbers are just the start. Let's chat about how to structure your lending safely and effectively to achieve your goals. Book a free call with an adviser today

More Resources

Rate comparison tool (Live)

See what NZ lenders are actually offering right now. Compare rates and terms in one place. Updated hourly so you're always looking at current numbers.

Mortgage repayment calculator

Find out what your mortgage repayments could be. Play with loan amounts, rates and terms to see what fits your budget

Should I refinance?

A Kiwi Guide to Refinancing. Find out if it's the right move for you.

Refinance Calculator

Compare your current mortgage rate against the latest offers from New Zealand lenders. Discover how much you could save each month and over the life of your loan.