The National Bank has quietly put its floating mortgage rate up from 6.50 per cent to 7.25 per cent, relinquishing the moral high ground it claimed in October as the only trading bank to hold its rates low. BNZ has also announced an increase.

Homeowners with floating rate loans have even less excuse to leave their money sitting idle, as another major lender launches a redraw facility.

It's the Anderton factor. Just how much pull the Alliance leader has in the Coalition Government is one of the key things financial markets are watching for to determine the effects on the economy and interest rates.

The case of a woman who had a possible mortgagee sale sprung on her because of her ex-partner's debts has prompted the Banking Ombudsman to call for changes in consumer credit law.

With the election looming at the end of the week, some reshuffling by a couple of banks has been the only fallout so far from higher official interest rates.

As widely expected, the Reserve Bank raised the Official Cash Rate this morning for the first time, from 4.5 per cent to 5.0 per cent, and said it was time to ease back on the accelerator.

Developers or homeowners selling their property can now use a special home loan deal as an extra incentive.

A potential glut of new homes on the market means that real estate prices are unlikely to take off next year.

It may be too late to rethink your mortgage before the Official Cash Rate Review.

The days of the old-style Kiwi bach are numbered, with holiday homes now going for astronomical prices.

Increases in floating rate mortgages have spread across the market, with a string of non-bank lenders announcing rate rises last week.

Homeowners will soon have an even wider choice of mortgage lender as Wizard Financial Services joins the fray.

The National Bank is making a lone stand on its floating mortgage rate while all the other main trading banks fall into line with an increase.

Mortgage banker Cairns Lockie has reported a growing number of people faking their financial information in a bid to obtain mortgage finance.

What's been happening with house sales and what's around the corner? We update you on recent property reports.

Bank of New Zealand has taken the plunge, putting up its floating mortgage rate in what could turn out to be a round of rate increases.