FMA Disclaimer & Disclosure
Please read this important information about the nature of our services, our regulatory status, and how we operate under New Zealand law.
Last Updated: 06 February 2026
Important Notice
First Home Buyers Guide NZ operates as a referrer only under FMCA Section 389. We are not registered financial advisers. The information on this website is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Our Regulatory Status
First Home Buyers Guide NZ operates under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMCA) Section 389 referrer exemption. This is a specific provision in New Zealand law that allows us to refer consumers to financial service providers without being registered as financial advisers.
What This Means
We can provide educational information about home buying
We can refer you to mortgage advisors, lenders, and other service providers
We can provide calculators and tools for educational purposes
We cannot provide personalised financial advice
We cannot recommend specific financial products
Our role is to educate and connect you with qualified professionals who can provide the specific advice you need. We do not assess your individual circumstances or make recommendations about what you should do.
Not Financial Advice
Important Legal Statement
The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only. It does not take into account your personal financial situation, objectives, or needs. It should not be considered financial advice, and you should not rely on it when making financial decisions.
What We Provide
- General information about the home buying process in New Zealand
- Educational calculators that provide estimates only
- Guides and resources about mortgages, deposits, and property
- Referrals to qualified professionals
What You Should Do
Before making any financial decisions, we strongly recommend that you:
- Consult with a registered financial adviser
- Speak with a mortgage broker or lender about your specific situation
- Engage a property lawyer before signing any contracts
- Consider seeking independent legal and financial advice
Calculator Disclaimer
Our calculators (borrowing power, deposit savings, etc.) provide estimates based on the information you enter and general assumptions. They do not account for your complete financial situation, lender-specific criteria, or future changes in interest rates or market conditions. The results should be used as a guide only.
Commission Disclosure
We believe in complete transparency about how we are compensated. First Home Buyers Guide NZ receives commissions and referral fees from some of the service providers we refer you to.
Commission Structure
Mortgage Brokers
$200 - $500 per application
Lenders
$100 - $300 per settlement
Service Providers
Varies by provider
Important Points
- We disclose commission relationships before referral
- You pay nothing extra when using referred providers
- You are under no obligation to use our referred providers
- Commissions do not influence which providers we refer
Our Commitment
We only refer providers who we believe can genuinely help first home buyers. Our commission arrangements do not influence our recommendations, and we will always prioritise your best interests.
Partner Relationships
We work with various partners to provide you with a comprehensive home buying experience. Here\'s what you need to know about these relationships:
Independent Service Providers
All service providers we refer you to are independent businesses. We do not control their lending criteria, fees, or service quality.
Your Responsibility
We recommend that you conduct your own due diligence before engaging any service provider. This includes checking their credentials, reading reviews, and ensuring they are the right fit for your specific needs.
Accuracy of Information
We make every effort to ensure the information on our website is accurate and up-to-date. However, property markets, interest rates, and lending criteria change regularly.
Verification: We recommend verifying current interest rates with lenders directly and seeking current professional advice before making any commitment.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by New Zealand law, we provide our services "as is" without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for any decisions you make based on information from our website.
Your Protection
You can protect yourself by seeking independent professional advice and verifying information directly with relevant authorities before making financial decisions.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this disclosure, our regulatory status, or how we operate, please contact our legal team at legal@firsthomebuyersguide.co.nz