Here’s the latest I can share based on current reporting.
Core update
- ANZ has tightened its investor lending policy in the wake of housing reforms and shifting risk appetite. The change commonly cited is a more conservative treatment of income and gearing in servicing assessments, which reduces the amount investors can borrow on new property purchases. This aligns ANZ with moves from other major lenders aiming to curb investor lending amid policy shifts.[1][5][10]
Key details from the latest reports
- New build vs existing property treatment: Post-12 May 2026 changes reportedly differentiate between new builds and existing investment properties in terms of negative gearing treatment within servicing calculations. Existing properties acquired before the cutoff retain eligibility, while some new-build scenarios become more scrutinized or restricted, impacting borrowing capacity for those applications.[1]
- Serviceability adjustments: The changes typically involve adjusting how rental income and other income sources are factored into servicing calculations, which can lower loan amounts approved for investors depending on property type and lender criteria.[5][1]
- Timing and scope: The literature suggests banks are implementing policy updates in response to policy announcements and market conditions, with several lenders moving in parallel. ANZ’s move has been described as aligning with broader regulatory expectations and market risk management practices.[10][5]
What this could mean for you (practical implications)
- If you’re an investor, expect possible reductions in the borrowing capacity for new investments, particularly for properties not classified as “new builds” under ANZ’s criteria. If you already own qualifying properties, those existing loans may retain eligibility under the updated framework.[1]
- For new applications, you may need to provide additional documentation and rely more on the precise structuring of the loan (property type, mortgage purpose, and portfolio composition) to maximize the likelihood of approval.[1]
- Consider evaluating the impact on your serviceability calculations using current ANZ guidelines or speaking with a broker to understand whether refis on existing, eligible properties remain favorable under the new rules.[10]
Would you like a concise briefing tailored to your situation (e.g., current portfolio mix, planned purchases, and location)? I can outline expected borrowing ranges and a checklist for preparing a compliant application, with citations to the latest reports.
Sources
ANZ tightens lending criteria for rental propery investors; lowers maximum LVR levels; stops lending to investors buying sections, apartments off the plan; removes combined collateral exemption for Auckland investors so no new loans above 70% LVR
www.interest.co.nzIt is the first major change from a big-four bank since latest housing reforms
www.mpamag.comThe bank's home lending was almost flat due to the decline in investor loans - but not for long
www.yourmortgage.com.auThe major bank has announced changes to its credit policy criteria for investor home loans with interest-only terms, less than a month after conceding that its tightening measures were “overly conse
www.brokerdaily.auANZ investor lending policy changes now mean post-12 May 2026 investment properties will only receive negative gearing treatment in serviceability assessments if they qualify as new builds. For investors, that shifts how much they can borrow under ANZ’s calculator and may change whether an applicati…
www.el-balad.comANZ, ASB and Westpac have now pulled the shutters down now on lending to investors over 60% LVR ahead of introduction of new RBNZ rules
www.interest.co.nzSYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd pledged on Tuesday to lend more to investors as it reported the lowest annualised growth rate in mortgage lending in more than two years due to "overly conservative" settings.
www.business-standard.comANZ has tightened its affordability criteria for investor lending and will only count 65% of rental income when assessing new mortgages, marking the first major change from a big four bank since the Government's housing reforms.
www.goodreturns.co.nz