How to hit your financial and property goals this year

If your goals for this year include buying your first home, paying down your mortgage faster, or saving for an investment property, now is the perfect time to get serious about your finances.

To help you make the most of 2025, we’ve compiled a list of budgeting tips tailored to the local market and your current property stage. Let’s make this the year you achieve your homeownership dreams!

Map out your financial destination

Before you can achieve your property goals, you need to know exactly what you’re working towards. Are you saving for a first-home deposit? Planning to pay off your mortgage quicker? Or building a nest egg for an investment property?

Write down your specific goal and break it into milestones. For example, "Save $50,000 for a deposit" could translate to saving $1,000 per month over four years (which can feel much more achievable!) Set a realistic timeframe to keep you motivated.

Audit your spending habits

A financial audit might sound intimidating, but it’s the cornerstone of a smart budget. Reviewing your spending helps identify areas where you can cut back and redirect funds toward your property goals.

Use budgeting apps like PocketSmith or mybudgetpal to get an easy-to-read breakdown of your spending. Other things to consider include…

• Switching to energy providers offering better rates.
• Reviewing subscriptions and cancelling the ones you no longer use.
• Pack lunches instead of dining out during the week.
• Allocating your income using the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings/debt reduction.

Build a savings strategy that works for you

Saving for property is more than just stashing cash in a savings account until you have enough. Instead, you need a tailored approach that maximises your efforts.

First-home buyers: Take the time to understand the KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal process and explore the First Home Loan option to support your home-buying journey.

Homeowners: Talk to your adviser about refinancing to see if there are better loan options available for you.

Investors: Set up a separate account for your property fund and make automated contributions on a regular basis.

Make your mortgage work for you

If you’ve already entered the property market, optimising your mortgage can speed up your progress toward financial freedom.

• Switch to fortnightly repayments to pay off your loan faster.
• Talk to your adviser to see if your bank offers an offset account and whether it could be a good fit for you.
• Review your home loan annually to ensure it still meets your needs. Your adviser can help you explore your options.

Plan for unexpected costs

Whether you’re saving for a home or managing an existing mortgage, unexpected expenses can derail your plans, so having a solid emergency fund can act like a safety net. 

The aim is to build an emergency fund covering three to six months of living expenses. Treat this as non-negotiable and separate from your property savings.

Stay motivated with regular check-ins

Saving for property or paying off a mortgage isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Regularly reviewing your progress will keep you on track and help you celebrate small wins.

• Set monthly or quarterly financial check-ins.
• Use visual tools, like a goal tracker or vision board, to remind yourself of your endgame.
• Reward yourself for hitting milestones (in a budget-friendly way!).

Seek expert guidance

Buying property or managing a mortgage can feel overwhelming at times. That’s where professional advice can make all the difference. Loan Market Queenstown is here to help you navigate the process, whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned investor.

What We Offer:

• Tailored advice on mortgages and refinancing.
• Strategies to maximise your borrowing potential.
• Expert insights into the Queenstown property market.
• Advice around KiwiSaver and how this ties in with your financial strategy

Ready to kickstart your property journey?

Whether you’re saving for your first home, paying down your mortgage, or eyeing your next investment, the team at Loan Market Queenstown is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact our Queenstown mortgage advisors today for a free consultation, and let’s turn your property dreams into reality this year!