Housing market can handle rates hikes – ASB

Housing market can handle rates hikes – ASB
Mortgage rates look set to climb, but most home-owners have a buffer, according to an ASB economist. (Image: Deposit Photos)
Andy Fyers
Mortgage borrowing has "gone nuts" and so have the debt-to-income ratios of borrowers, a new report says.However, by some measures borrowers are now more resilient to an interest rate shock than they were before the covid-induced housing boom.This analysis is in a report from ASB economist Mike Jones looking at the potential impact of higher mortgage rates in the coming years.It found that while there had been a massive spike in mortgage lending – up 45% in the past 12 months – the ratio of household debt-to-equity (gearin...

More Economy

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit
Economy

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit

Fulton Hogan paid a total dividend of $180.4m for 2025.

Duncan Bridgeman 05 Nov 2025
NZ's financial stability risks higher than in recent years
Finance

NZ's financial stability risks higher than in recent years

The RBNZ says global uncertainty and underperformance are key factors.

Staff reporters 05 Nov 2025
A blueprint to beat our economic malaise
Opinion

Peter Griffin: A blueprint to beat our economic malaise

NZ must trade talk for execution and invest in talent to escape its economic woes. 

Peter Griffin 05 Nov 2025
Less than 10% of Provincial Growth Fund loans repaid
Primary Sector

Less than 10% of Provincial Growth Fund loans repaid

Of nearly $366m paid out in loans, just over $34m has been repaid.

Michael Neilson 04 Nov 2025