Kiwibank has dropped its one-year mortgage rate to its lowest in two years.
Interest rates fall Photo: 123RF
The bank is offering a one-year special home loan rate of 3.99 percent, for borrowers with a 20 percent deposit. Its standard one year rate is 4.49 percent.
This follows the Reserve Bank's decision earlier this month to hold the official cash rate unchanged, signalling it expects to keep rates low for longer.
Mortgage advisor Bruce Patten said banks were starting to factor in a flat housing market, a low cash rate and lower mortgage rates would provide more certainty for home owners.
"Previously we'd been saying to people if you're looking to fix [your interest rate], two and three years is still very good pricing but now we're very much in the space that you could comfortably fix for a short-term like one-year and be confident that in 12 months we won't see much of a difference."
Mr Patten expected the four big banks to follow suit and drop their short term rates.
"They may not advertise but under the table for existing clients they'll probably match Kiwibank's rate to retain their clients - and that's a good thing."
HSBC is also offering a one-year premier mortgage rate of 3.99 percent.