House price inflation is accelerated further in May, according to the latest Quotable Value figures.

As expected Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard left his benchmark official cash rate (OCR) unchanged but warned of upside inflation risks and that there is no scope for easing interest rates in the foreseeable future.

Despite Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard's hawkish words threatening a further rate cut when he last reviewed interest rates in late April, a message reinforced in two subsequent speeches, economists expected him to leave rates unchanged on Thursday.

Despite Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard's hawkish words threatening a further rate cut when he last reviewed interest rates in late April, a message reinforced in two subsequent speeches, economists expected him to leave rates unchanged on Thursday.

TSB Bank has been increasing its mortgage market share through the recent rate war.

The government has extended its mortgage insurance scheme aimed at helping low to middle income earners buy their own homes to other lenders besides its own Kiwibank.

NZ Loan, which is particularly targeting first-home buyers finding it difficult to get into the housing market and those with tarnished credit records, including discharged bankrupts.

Bank of New Zealand held its share of the mortgage market steady at 16.2% in the March quarter, despite ceasing to be so aggressive with its home loan offerings.

Bank of New Zealand held its share of the mortgage market steady at 16.2% in the March quarter, despite ceasing to be so aggressive with its home loan offerings.

Raising commission rates, as Pioneer Mortgage Services has done, isn't the only way a lender can demonstrate it supports mortgage brokers, says Roger Poulter at Pacific Home Loans.

House price inflation is accelerating again, according to the latest Quotable Value figures.

Westpac's strategy of standing aside from the price war in the New Zealand mortgage market doesn't seem to have hurt it much.

Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard refused to rule out further rate hikes.

Non-bank lender Pioneer Mortgage Services has seen National Bank's move to cut trail commissions paid to mortgages as an opportunity to reinforce its support of the broker network.

Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard is likely to keep interest rates where they are when he reviews his official cash rate (OCR) on Thursday.

Mortgage broking and finance company New Zealand Finance Holdings has reported a 71% jump in annual net profit to $2.8 million for the year ended March 31, beating its own December forecast by nearly $300,000.