ANZ Bank has stepped up its commitment to mortgage brokers by becoming the first bank to offer brokers extensive ongoing training programs.

Australia-based mortgage broking franchisor Mortgage Choice has posted a record A$5.2 million (NZ$5.8 million) pre-tax annual profit after years of losses and declared a maiden dividend.

A surge in building consents for new apartments in October drove the total number of homes approved to its highest level in more than 26 years.

Although all the banks have become acutely aware of the risks inherent in the leaky homes syndrome, few have implemented specific policies to deal with it.

The housing market continued its buoyancy in October with both the number of sales and the median house price rising.

Investors in nine Waltus property syndicates voted overwhelmingly in favour of being taken over by Urbus despite some vigorous opposition.

Homeowners can look forward to stable mortgage rates through to the end of next year, according to Reserve Bank forecasts.

St Laurence is proposing a major restructuring of its Queen St syndicate which will enhance the return for investors.

Most economists believe the Reserve Bank will leave the Official Cash Rate where it is when it releases its Monetary Policy Statement on Wednesday.

New Zealand’s housing market should continue to enjoy solid growth for a relatively long time but it isn’t in danger of overheating, according to National Bank.

Waltus is fighting back against opposition to it merging a further nine syndicates into Urbus Properties.

William Cairns wonders about mortgage products of the future.

Disability income in Australia drags down Tower's profits.

Tower remains convinced it has a future in Australia despite its operations there being the main cause behind its expectation of reporting a $40 million plus loss in the year to September.

Whangarei accountant Brian Moyle is again calling foul at the Waltus management company’s latest plans.

Wizard Home Loans plans to lobby the Government for better disclosure on lending rates.