SBQ ,If you have the 20 % deposit and can service a loan at 6.65 % , and also have about $ 700 spare on top of all your expenses a month yes you can get a mortgage.But call a mortgage adviser locally and ask how easy it is at the moment I think you will find it verifies what I'm saying .....
They have battened down the hatches , come back in 6 months see how things are travelling by and large .
In regards when was it easier definitely 6 months ago , But for sure , in the 1990's when you could get a 95 % loan-banks didn't have to "lend responsibly" Ie: check all your outgoings etc.
The banks don't want to ease up on their criteria when they can see how many mortgages aren't getting paid right now ,it would be good money after bad.
https://tmmonline.nz/article/9765170...nding-concerns