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Unveiling the Art of Loan Structuring: Crafting Your Financial Destiny

June 13, 2024

Embarking on a borrowing journey, whether it's for a dream home, a thriving business, or personal ventures, is akin to navigating a complex maze. The secret lies in how you orchestrate your loan arrangement—a delicate dance between interest rates, repayment terms, and loan features that can either propel you towards prosperity or lead you astray.


Here are five compelling reasons why mastering the art of loan structuring is your ticket to financial empowerment.

1. Affordability Alchemy: Crafting a Plan That Fits

Picture loan structuring as a tailor-made suit, perfectly tailored to your financial physique. Getting it right means sculpting a repayment plan that snugly fits your income, expenses, and lifestyle. By weaving together the threads of your financial reality, you create a tapestry of affordability—where monthly instalments align harmoniously with your capabilities. But beware of the consequences of a misfit design: financial strain, missed payments, and the looming spectre of default.


2. Interest Rate Alchemy: Unlocking the Golden Ratio

In the realm of loan structuring, interest rates are the alchemist's elixir—transforming borrowing costs into golden opportunities. Each fraction of a percentage point can sway the balance of your financial fate. Will you delve into the depths of research, comparing rates from every corner of the lending landscape? Or will you embrace the stability of fixed rates, shielded from the whims of market fluctuations? In this dance of numbers, the savvy borrower unveils the secrets of interest rate alchemy, ensuring their borrowing journey remains a quest for prosperity.


3. Loan Features: Unleashing Financial Freedom

Think of loan structuring as a buffet of options, each dish offering a unique flavour of financial flexibility. Offset accounts, redraw facilities, and extra repayment options—these are the tools at your disposal to craft a loan that suits your lifestyle like a bespoke suit. An offset account may sprinkle a dash of interest reduction, while a redraw facility serves up the freedom to dip into your extra repayments when needed. By weaving these features into your loan structure, you unlock a world of financial control and adaptability.


4. Tax Tango: Maximizing Your Financial Symphony

In the symphony of finance, loan structuring is the conductor, orchestrating the harmony between borrowing and taxation. For investors, the arrangement of your loan can compose a tax concerto, with deductible interest expenses as the sweet melody. But navigating the intricacies of tax implications requires a skilled guide—a financial maestro who can decipher the notes and harmonize your loan structure with your tax strategy. With their expertise, you can ensure that every financial move is a step towards tax optimization and wealth accumulation.


5. Charting Your Financial Odyssey: Sailing Towards Long-Term Dreams

Imagine loan structuring as plotting your course on a grand voyage—a journey towards the distant shores of financial freedom. Each decision you make sets the sails, guiding you closer to your long-term aspirations. Will you opt for a swift passage, choosing a shorter loan term to reach debt-free horizons sooner? Or perhaps you'll navigate with a steady hand, balancing repayments with investments for future prosperity.


As you embark on this odyssey, remember: that the key to success lies in the art of loan structuring. By weaving together affordability, interest rates, and loan features, you create a tapestry that aligns seamlessly with your financial ambitions. This is not just about securing a loan; it's about sculpting a pathway towards your dreams.


But navigating these uncharted waters can be daunting. That's why it's essential to seek guidance from financial navigators—those skilled in the art of financial strategy. With their expertise, you can chart a course that leads to financial stability and unlocks the treasures of your long-term goals.

So, hoist the sails and set forth on your financial odyssey. With proper loan structuring as your compass, the journey ahead is filled with promise and possibility. 

Here are some examples of home loan restructuring specific to New Zealand:


1. Fixed vs Floating Split

A common approach is splitting the loan into fixed and floating rate portions. For example, having 60% fixed for 3 years and 40% on a floating rate.[2] This allows taking advantage of lower floating rates while locking in stability with a fixed portion.


2. Staggered Fixed Terms

Instead of fixing the entire loan for one term, you can split it into multiple fixed rate terms of different lengths. An example would be 20% fixed for 1 year, 20% for 2 years, 20% for 3 years, etc.[2] This staggers when portions need to be refixed, providing more flexibility.


3. Revolving Credit Portion 

Part of the loan can be structured as a revolving credit mortgage to offset the balance and make interest savings by keeping funds in that portion. For instance, 40% on revolving credit and 60% fixed for 2 years.[2] Useful for those with irregular income.


4. Interest-Only Periods

Restructuring to have interest-only repayment periods can reduce initial payments but extends the loan term. An example would be 20% interest-only for 2 years, 80% principal and interest for 25 years.[2] Helpful for short-term cash flow issues.


5. Reviewing Payments

Major New Zealand banks like Kiwibank recommend reviewing and potentially restructuring payments annually or when circumstances change, such as a new job, child, etc. Options include increasing payments, switching to interest-only, or deferring repayments.[2]


6. Refixing Terms

When a fixed rate term ends, homeowners can refix for another fixed term or switch part of the loan to a floating rate, as per examples like "60% refixed for 2 years, 40% floating".[3]


The right restructuring approach depends on your specific financial situation and outlook on interest rates. Consulting mortgage advisers is recommended to determine the optimal structure for your needs.[4][5]


Citations:

https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/personal-banking/home-loans/guides/making-changes-to-your-loan/

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