mortgagehq
NZ Top Brokerage & Adviser 2024
As selected by NZ Adviser
Rising to the Challenge
The 2024 rankings for the top brokerages in New Zealand have been released by NZ Adviser, highlighting standout performers in the industry. Industry expert Jackson notes that standout firms are those that possess:
- the size of the total loan book;
- average settlements per loan writer;
- total settlements over the last year; and
- the conversion rate to clients
While New Zealand is home to a host of top notch advisers, NZ Adviser's best mortgage advising firms of 2024 are celebrated for shining above the competition. This year's 26 top-ranked mortgage advising firms have carved out a competitive edge by navigating market complexities adeptly to achieve position client results.
We are proud to be named Top Brokerage 2024 by NZ Adviser and celebrating our adviser – Zhiyang Cheng who was named the 2nd Top Adviser of 2024.
Story Behind NZ Top Brokerage
When Blandon and Andrew began their business partnership, they shared frustrations with the industry’s shortcomings but approached their work differently.
Andrew focused on marketing and strategy for mortgage advisers, often noticing that clients were neglected. Blandon, initially working with insurance, found his passion in property investing, helping families build equity through smart mortgage use.
After branching out independently, Blandon and Andrew met by chance in late 2015 and began collaborating to help people save on mortgages and make smarter property investments. Their own poor experiences with banks and brokers highlighted the need for better client support and information in New Zealand.
They started by developing online mortgage calculators and property investment tools but quickly realised that people also needed expert guidance. Their goal was to create a team of advisers focused on client needs rather than commissions. mortgagehq advisers are salaried to ensure unbiased advice.
In 2020, they shifted their focus to education by launching a YouTube channel and a Podcast, which now boasts over 12,000 subscribers. They also authored the book ‘Three Property Formula’ and developed a range of online courses priced between $7 and $3,997, all aimed at helping clients accelerate their financial goals.
“When hiring advisers at mortgagehq, we emphasise a client-helping culture and long-term relationships. We maintain regular contact with clients every 6-12 months to ensure they receive excellent service and appropriate mortgage advice.”
Today, mortgagehq has a team of over 40 staff in Halfmoon Bay, East Auckland. They take pride in having over 500 five-star reviews on Google, reflecting their commitment to treating clients as individuals, not just numbers. While they don’t promise perfection, they do promise to prioritize their clients’ needs above all else and help them find the right solutions.
The mortgagehq Journey
Founded to provide transparent advice and low rates to kiwis
We recruited a few more friends…
Blandon was our first broker to hit 100mil! Named Top adviser by NZ adviser
As we mature, we realized getting lower interest rate for refinancing was not enough. We needed to offer great advice.
It wasn’t long before it was 3 years! Can you spot the OG’s?
Our very own Brandon and Blandon on top 10! Now that’s confusing!
The same year, we made the whole company go to the property school! Because we want everyone to walk to the talk by investing in properties themselves.
iRefi no longer communicated what we do. We saw offering great mortgage advice was our primary mission. It was time for a rebrand.
Shifting to our new office at the top of marina. The BIGGEST financial commitment we made.
Blandon was once again in the top broker list.
We saw not 1 not 2 not 3 but 4 of our adviser in the top 50 advisers! That was quite the achievement for us as a company because that was… 80% of our advisers 😛!
We launched our own book.
In the same year we launched wealthhq! A focus for first home buyers and introducing other products like Kiwisaver and Insurance.
Our secret weapon emerged – Zhi, the nation’s 4th top broker.
We also took out every top award at our aggregator awards night! What an awesome year.
What a year! Another 4 advisers hitting the top 50 list.
Our vision became clearer and our mission became stronger. As we matured as a company so did our values. Some of our OG team members moved on, and new talent set new standards.
mortgagehq crowned as the top brokerage in New Zealand, a culmination of our relentless pursuit of excellence
At mortgagehq, we are driven by performance, people, and continuous growth. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating a supportive environment for our clients and each other.
Top Brokerages Have Top Advisers!
Meet Zhiyang Cheng - Our Senior Adviser
“Most people see mortgages as a burden, a liability that weighs them down. The word mortgage literally means ‘death pledge’. But I, along with the entire mortgagehq team, have a different perspective. We see mortgages as a powerful tool, one that can be harnessed to create wealth, achieve financial freedom, and secure a prosperous life.
At mortgagehq we believe in having skin in the game, so it’s important for us to walk the walk with our clients. My journey in property investment has led me to expand my family’s assets for a better future for my mother and sister. I manage a diverse portfolio that includes landbanks, multi-unit properties in the region, and home-and-income properties in central Christchurch. I’m not just an adviser; I’m an active property investor and I’m currently working on a 6-lot development. The diversity of my investment choice has given me hands-on experience in managing renovations, securing social housing contracts, and navigating the complexities of property development.
But it’s not just about me. The true measure of success is the ability to replicate results for my clients. And I’ve done that for many who have taken initiative based on my advice. They’ve transformed equity into portfolios that secure their financial future. One of my proudest achievements was assisting a single mother, who was told she couldn’t grow her portfolio after her second property, to build a portfolio worth over $5 million.
I’m passionate about helping my clients achieve their financial goals and reach the ultimate milestone of financial freedom. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, seeking the optimal mortgage structure, or a seasoned investor looking to expand your portfolio, I’m here to offer advice every step of the way and secure the best terms for your deal.
As your mortgage adviser, I’m committed to putting your needs first and providing honest, resourceful, and value-driven advice. I don’t just broker deals – that’s a given. I provide personalized, expert advice, which is what sets me apart.
I’m not one to beat around the bush. I communicate directly and help my clients understand their financial position’s strengths and weaknesses. I love seeing my clients acquire good assets or set up the right structure. Each success is a cause for celebration in our entire office.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing Table Tennis, computer games, and browsing property listings.”
– Zhiyang Cheng
Zhiyang's Journey
Zhiyang, an ex-national table tennis player embarked on his promising journey into the finance service industry. With a keen interest in building wealth and a desire to help others achieve their financial goals, Zhiyang was determined to make a significant impact in the sector.
Zhiyang’s dedication and passion did not go unnoticed. He joined mortgagehq, where he was privileged to work directly with Blandon Leung, a renowned financial adviser. Under Blandon’s guidance, Zhiyang gained invaluable insights and knowledge into the intricacies of the financial advisory world.
Embracing his passion for finance and drawing upon his experience, Zhiyang took the next big step in his career and started his journey as a Junior Advisor. His diligence, commitment, and adept financial acumen led to his remarkable achievement of being ranked among the Top 50 Advisers in New Zealand.
In a triumphant display of dedication, Zhiyang reached new heights in his career by settling a whopping $170 million in mortgage settlements. His outstanding performance and tireless efforts to provide exceptional service to his clients led to his remarkable rise as the Top #4 Adviser in all of New Zealand.
Consistently demonstrating his exceptional skills, Zhiyang once again solidified his position among the elite by being named the Top #4 Adviser in New Zealand for the second time. His unwavering commitment to his clients and his desire to provide them with the best financial advice has kept him at the top of his game.
Zhiyang’s journey from his initial foray into the finance industry to becoming one of the top advisers in New Zealand is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and his constant desire to learn and grow in his field.
Client Reviews
Both Zhiyang C & Kevin P have been a great team. They've provided awesome support & solutions to this novice. We're really happy & fortunate to be working with them as well as learn from this extremely knowledgeable and smart mortgagehq team & community as we build our portfolio
Had very good experience with MHQ to refinance and restructure my mortgage. Guys really know what they are doing and super helpful. They offered tailored advice focused on my long term goals. Were really efficient to find refinancing options and assisted in finalizing right loan structure. I am very pleased with the outcome. It has not only alleviated short term mortgage stress but has set me up to achieve long term goals. Thank you MHQ team
Our prior broker moved on and passed us onto Mortgagehq at a critical time during our build. We were nervous about the change! But it's safe to say it was a blessing in disguise. They are very knowledgeable and client focused. Thanks @raywang and @blandonleung for navigating us through the process.
I recently used MortgageHQ to refinance a property and particularly wanted to give a big shout-out to Simon McDonald for all the help and support he provided in helping me navigate the many forms and bank documents that are now required due to the CCCFA rules. While the advisors often get the credit and accolades for fronting the business, it is the support staff that make the difference between a good and a great customer experience. For his excellent customer service and attention to detail, Simon deserves a big shout out.
The team at mortgagehq provided the experience and knowledge that my wife & I were missing, and helped give us options to plan for a goal, instead of a wait & see approach. So far the experience with them has been excellent.
Zhiyang and the team at Mortgage HQ were very knowledgeable, professional and made the entire process easy. Without a doubt will be recommending to anyone buying or refinancing.
Huge thanks to the team at Mortgage HQ for their help and guidance in purchasing our first investment property. Great services, tools and knowledge in property. Would highly recommend them.
Till next, Thanks MHQ
The most important financial concept - The Mortgage Lifecycle
After talking with well over 5,000 people, we found that most people’s passive income goal was around $80,000 per year. So the Mortgage Lifecycle was created as a pathway from your first home through your first investment property and all the way to earning $80,000 of annual portfolio profit from property investments.
Unfortunately, the Mortgage Lifecycle is not the default path, most Kiwis never leave Stage 1. Instead of building a plan (or following ours) every 3-7 years they upgrade their home maxing out their mortgage again – this is the exact problem we are helping clients solve by introducing them to this concept.
Each stage in the Mortgage Lifecycle suggests a goal to work towards – which also acts as the ‘gateway’ into the next stage. Meaning that as soon you achieve your goal for Stage 1 you are then ready to work towards achieving your goal for Stage 2.
Check out Blandon’s video explanation here
"If you set the right goals. You can achieve them and enjoy your rewards."
Blandon Leung – Co-Founder of mortgagehq
Everyone loves big goals. But. Big goals don’t help you take immediate action.
- You may dream of a life where you are 100% confident your kids eat healthily, are well educated, and you can help them into their first home.
- You may dream of starting a business. And you imagine starting from a position of strength, like being mortgage-free.
- You may not care much about money as a goal. But dream of the freedom to follow your passions.
- You may dream of becoming a developer and building homes for Kiwis to live in.
But how do those dreams help you today, and tomorrow? They don’t. Use the Mortgage Lifecycle to break down big goals into actionable steps.
Entry point: Working full time and have some Kiwisaver.
You may find getting into your first home a near-impossible task and you may feel like life is not fair. Maybe you’re making little to no effort to progress financially, or perhaps you are saving frantically but feel like prices are going up faster. Your aim while in stage 0 is to gain control over your own finances through income allocation, setting up the right goal and having a proper plan in place. This will then get you into your first home significantly faster.
Goal: Build up a 10-15% deposit.
Win: Get the exact roadmap to get your friends in for a BBQ 3-5x faster.
Case Study: Martini and Vaea
Client Background
Vaea and Martini was your typical hardworking Kiwi family working in the public sector earning $80,000 – $90,000. They had 3 amazing children ranging from 9 – 18 and they resided in Hamilton.
Before
The objective – Owning a home for them meant security. It meant progress, it meant you own something you can call your own and enjoy with your friends and family.
The problem – Putting together a deposit seemed impossible. They felt like they have been saving forever but saw very little in their bank account, and property prices always seemed to be rising faster than they could ever save.
The facade – They told everyone that family was a priority and that was why they didn’t go for it. Truth be told, internally they felt defeated, and ashamed and did not feel like they had much control over their financial life.
After
The solution – Decided to get a strategy session with an hq adviser. They set up the right financial foundation by implementing income allocation in their spending habits. They also put a proper plan in place for their deposit goals and learned about what position they needed to be in before the bank would lend them money.
The result – Instead of waiting for another 3 years like they initially thought, they were able to get into their first home within 6 months with some proper guidance and advice from wealthhq and mortgagehq!
The celebration – They felt ecstatic. They took back control over their finances and were now making progress towards the future that they wanted.
Entry point: Owning your first home.
The honeymoon phase of owning a home is over. You now realize what you own is not a home, but a 30-year mortgage that you are a slave to and the bank owns you. Your aim while in stage 1 is to reduce your mortgage as fast as possible. This then creates two options for you. Either continue paying it down with your income, or recycle your home’s equity and start building your investment portfolio which can pay your mortgage off for you.
Goal: Build $150,000 or more of usable equity.
Win: Save hundreds of thousands of dollars of interest by slashing your mortgage-free timeline by 10-20 years.
Case Study: Aaron & Shirley
Client Background
Aaron and Shirley were a young professional couple – an engineer and accountant in Christchurch, who were soon to have kids.
Before
The objective – They wanted to follow their friend’s footsteps, to buy in prestige school zones and buy a house with a modern ‘island bench’ kitchen.
The problem – Not sure what to prioritize, whether to upgrade their home now or later. Their mortgage was already hard enough as it is and it didn’t seem to go down. They didn’t want to sacrifice the lifestyle that they had.
The facade – Felt confused and overwhelmed with the different directions they could take. They wanted to keep up with their friends, but were worried about taking on additional debt.
After
The solution – Decided to get a strategy session with an hq adviser. Their new goal was to upgrade without increasing their loan significantly. They ended up with a plan to immediately pay down their mortgage faster, got a small top-up to renovate their kitchen and started reinvesting their equity instead. So when they upgraded later, they had rental income to pay for some of the additional debt.
The result – They are on track to pay off their ’30-year mortgage’ within just 10 years without sacrificing their lifestyle and they can see how much faster they would build their equity faster to upgrade later without big debt stress.
The celebration – Felt determined and proud of their progress. Got clarity on when and how they could achieve their financial goals.
Entry point: $200,000 or more of usable equity* or cash.
Realising you can recycle equity out of your home into an investment property is a great moment to have, but caution, rushing into an investment property is not the fastest way to success. Your goal while in stage 2 is to buy properties that fulfill a specific goal in your larger plan. We’ve seen many people make property decisions that slowed them down significantly – unable to get finance additional properties for growth. We navigate you through this by looking ahead at how this investment will affect your future options. Will this purchase allow you to go on and buy another property – or will it stop you in your tracks?
*Usable equity in your home (Value of home x 80% Less your mortgage)
Goal: Buy your first 3 investment properties that will later transform into $80,000+ net cash flow.
Win: Sleep easy knowing you have created your financial safety net and certainty you’ll reach financial freedom.
Case Study – Keung and Candy
Client Background
Keung and Candy were a young professional couple in Auckland with 2 kids in daycare. Keung ran a consultancy firm with high growth and Candy was an architect.
Before
The objective – Wanted to build wealth to give their kids as many financial options as possible and retire their parents.
The problem – Time was money for them and they were simply too busy. Although earning more than the majority of their friends and had a lavish lifestyle, they had very little time for their kids, let alone the extra mental capacity to think about how to build their wealth.
The facade – Often overworked and at times burnt out. Felt like they were running on a hamster wheel to maintain what they had.
After
The problem – Decided to get a strategy session with an hq adviser. Got clarity on what their financial future should look like and what they needed to focus on. They put a plan in place to maximize their financial position to build wealth, set up tax-efficient structures and freed up more cash flow.
The result – Built a $2.1million property portfolio in 18 months to set up their financial future, knowing they are on the right path towards $150,000 passive income.
The celebration – Gained clarity and control of their financial future. Finally felt like their money was working for them instead of the other way around.
Entry point: 1 million dollars of property investment equity*.
Over time your plans change, the environment changes and bank policies change. Even if you followed a plan you need to continually reassess how you’ve allocated your capital. What are your new big goals? How can we transform your portfolio to achieve these goals? Do you need to trade properties (sell to buy again)? Do you need to restructure your mortgage to reduce cross-securities? Has your portfolio become lazy (high value but relatively low cash flow)? Your goal while in stage 3 is about carefully reshuffling lending, properties, and strategies to ensure your hard work is going to pay maximum dividends in the years to come.
*Total equity in your investment portfolio (Value of Portfolio Less Mortgages against Portfolio)
Goal: Unlock maximum cash flow from your portfolio while maintaining capital gains.
Win: An optimized portfolio that is achieving your new goals, whether that be cash flow so you can quit your job, or opportunities for large equity gains.
Case Study – Josie and Sandeep
Client Background
Josie and Sandeep were hardworking Kiwis – an IT consultant and Lecturer in Wellington. They had 3 beautiful kids and one about to move out.
Before
The objective – Had built a sizeable property portfolio over the years. They felt it was time to upgrade their home, work a little less and live partly on their investments.
The problem – They were asset-rich cash poor. Although lots of equity, the income wasn’t there. Still had to work to service the loan and the bank wouldn’t lend them more money to upgrade their home.
The facade – Although all their friends looked up to them, they felt stuck and defeated. Even though they seemed to be financially better off than many, in reality, they had fewer options because the interest rates were rising on their big mortgage.
After
The solution – Decided to book a strategy session with an hq adviser. They learnt how to set up a proper exit strategy. They also further expanded their knowledge in property investing and realize they can replace some of the lower-performing assets with higher cash flow assets.
The result – A mortgage restructure gave them both more financing options and cash flow. They also had a 2-year plan in place to turn their negative cash flow portfolio into positive $100,000+ passive cash flow and later downsize to their dream retirement home.
The celebration – They finally started to see how they can enjoy the fruit of their labour. Felt in control again and got clarity on exactly how to achieve what they wanted.
What stage are you in?
Take the quiz below to discover what mortgage lifecycle you are currently in.
Chat with us!
Contact details:
0800-733-462
support@mhq.co.nz
1 Ara-Tai Road, Half Moon Bay
