Home Improvement Loans

A home improvement loan is an unsecured personal loan you can use for renovations and upgrades — from kitchens and bathrooms to insulation, roofing, flooring or landscaping. Apply 100% online, get an instant personalised quote in about 7 minutes, and if approved and signed during processing hours we aim to pay funds the same day.

Common uses include kitchens, bathrooms, heat pumps, insulation, double glazing, re-roofing, painting, decking and outdoor areas, accessibility upgrades, urgent repairs and more. Funds go to your bank account so you can pay materials and contractors directly.

You can apply for $2,000–$40,000 over 6 months to 5 years, subject to lending criteria and affordability checks.

No. Nectar home improvement loans are unsecured — there’s no security over your home and no PPSR registration.

Personalised fixed rates currently range from 11.95% p.a. to 29.95% p.a. Fees include a $240 establishment fee and a $1.75 administration fee per repayment. There are no early repayment fees. See the full breakdown on our Rates & Terms page.

Yes. You can obtain a personalised quote first (soft credit check), then final approval follows quick verification. You can finalise your builder or quotes before or after you accept your loan, as long as the loan still fits your affordability.

No. Because the loan is unsecured, we pay in one lump sum to your account. Many customers keep part of the loan in a separate account for staged payments to tradies.

DIY is fine where it’s legal and safe to do so. For regulated work (e.g., electrical, gasfitting, plumbing, structural), you’ll need qualified trades and any required council consents.

Consent isn’t required to apply for a loan, but you’re responsible for obtaining any required building or resource consents. If your project scope changes, keep your budget realistic (see top-up options below).

Yes — you can include a reasonable contingency in your amount. If your costs increase later, you can apply for a top-up (subject to responsible lending checks).

Yes. You can use funds for improvements to a property you own, including a rental, provided the loan meets affordability and lending criteria.

Often yes. If affordability allows, you can include debt consolidation within your loan so you have one fixed repayment plan.

Most people receive a personalised quote in around 7 minutes. If approved and you e-sign during processing hours, we aim to pay funds the same day. Bank cut-off times and extra information requests can affect timing.

Have your NZ driver licence or passport, internet banking access (fastest) and details about your employment, income, expenses and living situation. Digital verification speeds things up.

Checking your rate uses a soft credit check and won’t affect your credit score. Making on-time repayments may help build your credit over time.

Yes — you can repay early or make extra repayments anytime, with no early repayment fees. Paying sooner reduces total interest.

It depends on your timeframe, equity and total cost. A mortgage top-up can offer lower rates but usually extends repayment over many years, increasing total interest. An unsecured home improvement loan keeps the project separate with a fixed term and no security over your home. Compare options and planning tips in our Home Improvement Loan Guide for New Zealand.

Start with scope, get at least two quotes, and add a 10–15% contingency for overruns. Break the budget into materials, labour, council fees and “nice-to-haves”. See practical ideas in DIY or leave it to the experts? Where to save & splurge and room-specific tips in How To Finance Your Kitchen Renovation The Smart Way.

No. You can apply and get a personalised quote first (soft credit check). Having estimates helps you choose the right amount and avoid shortfalls. For planning and financing options, see the Home Improvement Loan Guide for New Zealand.

DIY can save money for non-regulated work (painting, landscaping, cosmetic upgrades). Use licensed trades for structural, electrical, gasfitting and plumbing, and check warranty requirements. Read DIY or leave it to the experts? Where to save & splurge for a good decision framework.

Some projects require consent (especially structural work). You’re responsible for approvals; build time and fees into your plan. For a broad overview of project planning and options, see our Home Improvement Loan Guide for New Zealand.

Yes — heat pumps, insulation, double glazing, solar and ventilation are common uses. These can cut running costs and improve comfort. Learn more in Solar Loans to power your home.