We work with you to achieve your property and financial goals

Whether you’re a first home buyer, property investor or business owner, our team will provide you with tailored professional advice and support to achieve your financial goals.

Our Promise Our Team

Why Us?

We take the hassle out of finding and applying for a mortgage

Finding the best mortgage deal isn’t straightforward. There are multiple banks, dozens of lenders all with different options, it can be difficult to know where to start.

As mortgage advisers with years of industry experience and relationships, we present your finances in the strongest, and fastest way to obtain your loan approval and source you the best deal possible.

Being a Lending Choice client means you have a lifelong relationship with us, with mortgage advisers who remember your personal situation and will always be available to support you with your financial needs.

Why Lending Choice, is the right choice for you!

Our financial advice is FREE.

The role of a mortgage adviser is to acquire new business for the lender, and present them with a lending proposal acceptable to their guidelines. In turn, we are paid directly by the lender. In the rare instance, we are required by the lender to charge you a fee, we will let you know upfront.

We work with the 4 main banks, and 17 other lenders.

We have years of experience working in the main banks, and enjoy relationships with all the reputable lenders. Our team knows each lender’s criteria, and keeps up to date with the changing loan subtleties so we can provide you with not only the right loan to suit you and your required timeframes.

Treat people as humans, not numbers.

With banks moving to digital channels, we understand how are clients are feeling more frustrated with the banking system. We enjoy dealing with clients face to face to their individual story and assist with their personal and financial needs. We work with clients all over New Zealand, and utilise technology to do so effectively.

Our Team

All our mortgage advisers are highly reputable and have  experience working inside of banks.

Adam Shepherd

Managing Director & Senior Mortgage Adviser
Specialities: Home & Investment Property Lending and Business Finance

p. 022 069 7255
e. adam@lendingchoice.co.nz

Adam Shepherd is a trusted banking advisor. Having owned and operated a successful banking franchise in Australia, this experience gave him valuable insight into both banking and small business ownership.

Born and bred in Brisbane, Adam met a Christchurch girl whilst working in the bank some 8 years ago. His now wife and young baby moved to Christchurch in 2016 where Adam has been using his banking skills and imparting valuable insight to help everyday Kiwis to achieve their both personal and business financial goals.

Having worked in two of the big corporate kiwi banks, ANZ and Westpac, Adam knows that no two individuals are the same so he takes the time to listen and uncover their needs. This ensures Adam is able to save his clients time, money and headache by securing them the best deal. His personal style gives his clients both comfort and confidence, important in what is to be a lifelong relationship.

When Adam’s not assisting clients, he’s likely be spending time with his wife and two boys who enjoy making the most of life in Canterbury.

Daniel McDonagh

Mortgage Adviser Support Officer

Specialities: Loan Processing, Compliance and Client Relations

p. 027 361 1473
e. daniel@lendingchoice.co.nz

Daniel hails from Ireland and has moved to New Zealand with his partner, Anna, bringing him closer to his sister who is based in Christchurch.

Daniel brings with him over 5 years’ experience working in the banking industry where he worked roles in for Bank of Ireland, KPMG Ireland, before kicking off his NZ career with a privately owned NZ finance company. His background involves Customer Service roles in Mortgages, Restructuring and Vehicle Finance.

Being a holder of a university degree in Law, Daniel has an eye for detail and compliance, and as a Qualified Financial Advisor in Ireland, he provides well rounded support in assisting the Mortgage Advisers at Lending Choice with their mission of helping Kiwis achieve their financial goals. The study doesn’t stop there for Dan, as he’s also furthering his education within the company by studying the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services.

In his spare time, ‘Dan’ enjoys socialising with friends, as well as playing both indoor soccer and Irish Gaelic Football for a local Christchurch team. Otherwise you may also find him in the local pub with his favourite “All Black”, a pint of Guinness.

Nina Gillespie

Mortgage Adviser
Specialities: Home Lending, Loan Structure Advice and Budgeting

p. 027 351 7592
e. nina@lendingchoice.co.nz

Nina Gillespie has been in banking and finance since 2006. Having started her career as a Mortgage Broker in Christchurch, Nina moved into a role with New Zealand Home Loans where she assisted numerous clients to become mortgage free faster.

Nina took the opportunity to move after the Christchurch Earthquakes to the West Coast where she became a lender with Kiwibank, before taking a Lending Trainer position with Westpac. Where for 4 years she helped develop lenders across the Tasman region.

Having a passion for natural products, Nina took the leap into self employment and started her own Natural Products business that was distributed to clients all over New Zealand. After doing this successfully for 6 years, Nina decided it was time to come back to the big city, Christchurch.

Nina met with the team at Lending Choice and decided this was the right place for her as she could impart her passion and skill to help kiwis not only obtain home loans, but guide them to achieve financial freedom sooner.

Away from helping clients, you’ll find Nina waking to the sunrise doing her yoga, walking the many beautiful Christchurch tracks or catching up with her friends and family over a refreshing beverage.

Why use a mortgage broker?

As mortgage brokers we have intimate knowledge of current interest rates and the application criteria for different lenders, this puts us in the best position to negotiate on your behalf.

What is a Pre-Approval?

A pre-approval gives you an indication from a lender of the maximum amount you can borrow. By getting a pre-approval you have the power to negotiate with confidence.

How does a mortgage broker get paid?

For a standard mortgage, a mortgage broker receives commission from the lender, as a percentage of the total loan. This means we work hard for you and the lender pays us for the result.

How much deposit do I need?

First home buyers need to have saved at least 5% deposit with 20% or more being the optimum. This can be made up from a KiwiSaver first home withdrawal and some first home buyers may also be eligible for a HomeStart Grant.

Can I borrow 100% of a property’s value?

Loan-to-value restrictions mean lenders typically only lend up to 80% for first home buyers and 40% for property investors. In many cases we can negotiate other percentages with different lenders.

How much can I borrow?

There are many factors that affect your ability to borrow such as your income, what part of the country you’re in, your assets, your debts, and your credit history. We work with you to get the best chance at lending for your situation.

Can I withdraw my Kiwisaver?

To be eligible to for the KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal Scheme you must:
– Be purchasing your first home;
– Have been a member of KiwiSaver for a minimum of three years;
– Have your KiwiSaver account with a KiwiSaver provider that allows saving withdrawals; and Intend to live in the property for at least six months

We recommend that you contact your KiwiSaver provider and check their individual policy on withdrawals for first homes. If you are eligible to withdraw money from your KiwiSaver, you may also be eligible for a first home deposit subsidy of up to $20,000.00 from Housing New Zealand – known as a HomeStart Grant.

When is the right time to refinance your mortgage?

Refinance timing is important and dependent on your personal situation, financial goals and the life cycle of your existing loan. Speak to us about your options, Freephone 0800 578 578.