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.

Mortgage broker Kieran Trass is surprised how many people start investing in property by default, rather than making a conscious decision.

Homes throughout the country have become more affordable over the past 12 months, with most improvements in North Island regions.

Spring mortgage deals have been thinner on the ground than usual, although there are still some specials being advertised.

Fixed interest rates have continued to rise over the past month, but only slightly compared with the sharp moves seen in August.

House prices are only likely to rise around three per cent in the next 12 months, although the number of sales will probably pick up by 10 to 15 per cent over the same period.

The public's confidence is under fire, with the property market's usual spring pick-up just not happening.

Calls are intensifying for interest rates to be left alone at the next Official Cash Rate review.

Floating mortgages are looking comfortable at current levels after the Reserve Bank decided to leave its interest rates unchanged.

The latest in an occasional series on reducing your mortgage.