Reviews collected under Lending Room — the team behind Zooma
Don't wait years to save for the renovation you want. Apply once with Zooma and we match you to lenders who specialise in home improvement finance. Rates from 8.99% p.a. with no impact on your credit score from our check.
Most applicants hear back the same business day. Not sure you qualify? Check here →
From a new kitchen to a full extension, we match you to the right lender for your renovation project.
Two of the highest-value renovations you can make. Finance the full project including materials, labour and fittings.
Adding a bedroom, garage or living space. Finance larger projects with loan amounts up to $250,000.
New flooring, painting, insulation or interior fit-out. Finance the full scope of your interior upgrade.
Improve your home's energy efficiency with finance for heat pumps, solar panels and insulation upgrades.
Outdoor decking, landscaping, fencing or a pool. Extend your living space outside with a renovation loan.
Apply once and our team will match you to the right lender for your specific renovation project.
One application reaches lenders who specialise in home improvement finance. No credit score impact from our check.
We run one soft credit check that does not affect your score. Once matched, some lenders accept our check while others may run their own.
Access competitive rates from specialist lenders — often better than using a credit card or store finance at 20%+ p.a.
Use your home equity as security for better rates, or borrow unsecured for smaller projects without tying an asset to the loan.
Checking your options costs nothing. You decide whether to proceed once you have seen your approval and are happy with the terms.
One short form. We find the right lender for your project — whether it is a new kitchen or a full extension.
Tell us the type of project, the estimated cost and a bit about your situation. It takes around 5 minutes. No need to have quotes finalised — an estimate is enough to get started and we can adjust as the project is confirmed.
We run a single soft credit check with zero impact on your score and assess your full situation. We then identify the lender best suited to your renovation loan — whether that is unsecured for smaller projects or secured against your property for larger ones.
We come back with your approval. If it works for you, we guide you through to settlement. Funds go directly to your account — use them with any tradesperson or supplier of your choice. No obligation at any stage.
Estimate your renovation loan
Adjust the sliders to see what your renovation loan might cost.
Guide only. Actual rates depend on your profile and lender criteria. Rates 8.99–29.95% p.a. (AIR). Broker fee up to $1,500 and lender establishment fees up to $450 may apply.
Most employed New Zealanders with a stable income and good credit record can apply.
Full-time, part-time or self-employed with regular, verifiable income paid into a NZ bank account.
NZ citizens and permanent residents welcome. Open and employer-specific work visas with 13+ months remaining also accepted.
We assess your situation before approaching any lender. Apply and we will let you know where you stand.
From small interior upgrades to full extensions. Loan amounts from $3,000 to $250,000 across terms of 6 to 84 months.
Takes about 5 minutes. No credit score impact at this stage and no obligation to proceed.
Get Started — 5 MinutesReal feedback from New Zealanders we have helped find the right loan.
Everything you need to know before you apply.
Still not sure? Talk to our team
Yes. A personal loan is one of the most common ways to finance a home renovation in New Zealand. Rates start from 8.99% p.a. through Zooma — often significantly cheaper than a credit card or store finance.
Loan amounts range from $3,000 to $250,000 depending on your situation, income and lender criteria. Terms from 6 to 84 months. Larger projects may benefit from a secured loan using your home equity.
Not necessarily. We work with both homeowners and renters. Homeowners may be able to use equity as security to access better rates, but unsecured personal loans are also available without property ownership.
No. We run a soft credit check during our assessment which does not appear on your credit file or affect your score.
It depends on your situation. A mortgage top-up spreads costs over your full mortgage term — often 20+ years. A personal loan has a fixed shorter term, so you pay less total interest even at a slightly higher rate. For most projects under $100,000, a personal loan works out cheaper overall.
A broker fee of up to $1,500 applies when your loan is successfully funded. Lender establishment fees of up to $450 may also apply. There are no upfront fees to apply.
Home renovation loans in New Zealand come in two main forms: unsecured personal loans and loans secured against your property. The right choice depends on your project size, whether you own your home and what rates you qualify for.
Unsecured personal loans are the most common option for renovations under $50,000. They are faster to arrange, require no valuation and can be funded within days. Rates start from 8.99% p.a. through Zooma's panel — competitive with most bank personal loan rates and significantly cheaper than credit cards or store finance.
Secured loans use your home equity as collateral. Because the lender has reduced risk, rates are often lower — but the process takes longer and your property is at risk if you cannot repay. For larger projects this trade-off may be worth it.
Renovation costs vary enormously depending on scope. Here are typical ranges for common projects to help you plan your loan amount:
A mid-range kitchen renovation typically costs $15,000–$50,000 depending on size, materials and whether structural changes are involved.
A standard bathroom renovation ranges from $8,000–$25,000. Ensuites and bathrooms requiring plumbing relocation sit at the higher end.
A single-room addition or garage conversion typically starts at $40,000 and can exceed $150,000 for larger structures.
Heat pump installation typically costs $2,000–$6,000 per unit. A full insulation upgrade for an average NZ home ranges from $3,000–$8,000.
A timber deck ranges from $5,000–$20,000 depending on size and materials. Landscaping, pools and outdoor kitchens add significantly.
Zooma can arrange renovation finance from $3,000 to $250,000. Our team matches you to the right lender for your project size and financial situation.
If you already have a home loan, your bank may offer a mortgage top-up to fund renovations. This sounds simple but has important trade-offs:
Spreading renovation costs over your remaining mortgage term (potentially 20+ years) means significantly more interest over time even at a lower rate. A $30,000 renovation rolled into a 25-year mortgage costs more in total interest than a 5-year personal loan at a higher rate.
A dedicated personal loan has a fixed term — typically 2–7 years — so you pay off the renovation faster and pay less total interest. Repayments are predictable and the loan does not affect your mortgage structure.
For smaller projects, 0% balance transfer cards can work if repaid before the promotional period ends. Store finance often reverts to 25%+ p.a. if not fully repaid — read the terms carefully.
For most renovation projects between $5,000 and $100,000, a personal loan through Zooma's panel offers the best combination of speed, flexibility and total cost. Apply in 5 minutes and we'll come back with the right match.
One application. Lenders who specialise in home improvement finance. Rates from 8.99% p.a. No credit score impact.
