Advisers already under pressure over bank turnaround times and the rising number of mortgage applications can expect more of the same as house prices flatten.

As turnaround times at the major banks show little sign of improvement, FAMNZ wants clear service level agreements introduced.

Mortgage lending in May was back to March levels at $8.6 billion after taking a dip in April. Two years ago, that figure was $5.8 billion.

ASB economists say the extent of further interest rate falls is now up in the air and the OCR could bottom out at 3%.

BNZ is offering small businesses unsecured loans of up to $50,000 on digital only applications through its new Merchant Flexi Loan.

Kiwibank is stepping out of its comfort zone and starting a new lending programme for start-ups.

Advisers selling mortgages and insurance through misleading or fraudulent activities are coming under the beady eye of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).

Falling interest rates and house prices leading to better mortgage affordability is drawing first home buyers into the market in increasing numbers.

Economists expect the OCR to be kept on hold at its meeting next month as GDP came in at 0.8% for the first quarter of the year – higher than most forecasters had predicted.

Inflation is expected to break through the RBNZ’s top line of 3% in the next quarter, intensifying its headache.

Fintechs offering cheap mortgages without advice to borrowers won’t make mortgage advisers redundant.

Easing mortgage rates mean more affordable stand-alone houses are appealing to home buyers again.

Westpac has upgraded its GDP growth expectations from 0.4% to 0.7% meaning a strong case for the RBNZ to leave the OCR unchanged at its July review.

Banks’ general security agreements could come under scrutiny from the Commerce Commission.

A new fintech is offering residential floating mortgages funded by KiwiSaver scheme Generate at rates well below the major banks.

While lower mortgage interest rates are allowing more first home buyers to get into the market, ASB says there is a case for holding a predicted further interest rate cut in July.