Trading up, down or relocating

Ready to make your next move? Whether you're upsizing, downsizing,  relocating to Nelson-Tasman, buying a bach, or simply after a change, we make financing your next property straightforward so you can focus on finding the right home. As experienced Nelson-Tasman mortgage brokers, we'll negotiate the best rates and guide you through every step.

For our Nelson-Tasman clients, our Richmond office is next to the Library for face-to-face advice. We also work with clients virtually and with those based elsewhere in New Zealand.

Common situations we help with

Sizing up

Need more bedrooms, a bigger section, or space for a home office? We help you understand how much additional borrowing your income supports and structure your loan to keep repayments manageable.

Downsizing 

Selling up and scaling back? Even with a smaller home, you may need a mortgage or want to restructure your lending. We’ll assess your equity, explore your options and map out the costs so you can move forward with confidence.

Renovating

Thinking of extending, updating, or doing a full remodel? If your home has built up equity, there may be more options available than you think. We'll help you work out what's possible and find the right way to finance it.

Relcoating to Nelson Tasman

Moving from another region? We can arrange pre-approval before you arrive, so you're ready to make offers with confidence. We know the local market and can connect you with other professionals you'll need.

Selling and buying at the same time

Timing a sale and purchase is stressful. We advise on bridging finance options, and help structure things so you're not left scrambling between settlement dates.

Accessing your equity

If your current home has grown in value, that equity can work as a deposit on your next property. We calculate what's available and structure borrowing across both properties if needed.

Your equity and borrowing power

Your borrowing capacity depends on your income, existing debts, and how much equity you have in your current property. Lenders assess these differently. We will assess what lender will be the best for your situation.

If your property has increased in value since you bought it, you've built up equity that can work as a deposit on your next property. This might mean you can purchase before selling, giving you time to find the right property without the pressure of tight deadlines.

We can calculate your usable equity, explain your options clearly, and make sure you go in with a clear picture of what's realistic.

Book a meeting to find out your borrowing capacity 
Illustration of person juggling coins

Why use a mortgage adviser for your mortgage?

Buying your second, third, or fourth home or financing a renovation or extension - comes with different challenges than your first mortgage. You might be bridging between properties, juggling sale timelines, or leveraging existing equity - situations where having an expert in your corner makes all the difference.

And because a property move often prompts bigger financial decisions, we can also help with the things that sit alongside your mortgage - whether that's making sure your insurance cover reflects your new borrowing, reviewing your KiwiSaver settings, or taking a broader look at your financial position. It's worth getting those pieces right at the same time.

See our mortgage journey for a step-by-step guide to how we work.

What we handle for you

Pre-approval

Get conditional approval before you start house hunting.

Rate negotiation

We compare offers across multiple lenders and push for better deals.

Loan structuring

We advise on structures that suit your situation and goals.

Paperwork and coordination

We manage the application process and keep everything on track.

Bridging finance

We arrange short-term finance to cover the gap if required.

“I've refinanced mortgage through Castle Trust several times now. Stu's friendly approach and industry knowledge\experience has been invaluable to me. He's always managed to provide the right solution for my Mortgage needs as well as providing good ideas & advice regarding future financial planning. I would highly recommend using the team at Castle Trust Financial Planning..”

Mark B

Meet our mortgage experts

Our mortgage team of Stuart Pope, Chevaun Marshall, Rebecca Gray and Melaine Riley bring years of professional and personal experience helping clients move into their next home. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, renovating or relocating from across the country, we've guided clients through every variation of the process.

Ready to make your next  move book your 
FREE initial consultation now
Stuart Pope
Mortgage Adviser
mortgages@castletrust.co.nz

Stuart is a senior Mortgage Adviser with over 25 years in the lending industry. Known for his strategic loan structuring and clear communication, he supports clients from first-home buyers to investors. A member of Financial Advice NZ, Stuart is dedicated to smart, client-focused lending solutions.

More about Stuart
Stuart Pope, mortgage advisor
Stuart Pope
Mortgage Adviser

Stuart is a highly experienced mortgage adviser with over 25 years in the lending industry. He’s worked with clients ranging from first-home buyers to seasoned investors and is known for his positive approach and expert knowledge.

After running a successful mortgage brokerage, Stuart became a tutor for the NZQA Certificate in Money Management before returning to mortgage advice.

He now helps clients navigate the lending process with clarity and confidence, from initial application through to long-term planning. His focus is on building the right loan structure and achieving the best outcomes, especially in complex or multi-property scenarios.

Stuart’s deep understanding of the lending landscape means he can find smart, personalised solutions to suit a variety of financial goals.
He is a member of Financial Advice New Zealand and remains committed to staying current with industry trends and best practices.

Book with Stuart
Chevaun Marshall
Mortgage Adviser. BBus, CPA
mortgages@castletrust.co.nz

Chevaun is a Mortgage Adviser and Chartered Accountant (CPA), with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting. She combines lending expertise with financial insight to help clients, from first-home buyers to investors, make confident, well-informed decisions that support long-term financial goals.

More about Chevaun
Chevaun Marshall, mortgage advisor
Chevaun Marshall
Mortgage Adviser. BBus, CPA

Chevaun is a qualified Mortgage Adviser and Chartered Accountant (CPA) with a background in property, lending, and accounting. She holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and previously worked for a large property investment firm in Brisbane.

Her dual expertise in finance and accounting gives her a broad perspective on how lending decisions impact overall financial strategy.
Chevaun works with a wide range of clients, from first-home buyers to experienced investors, offering clear advice, tailored loan structures, and a strong attention to detail.

She is passionate about helping clients make confident, informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

Based in Nelson, Chevaun balances her mortgage work with running her own business and raising a busy family with two young children.

Her practical, relatable approach makes her a trusted partner for clients navigating today’s property and lending landscape.

Book with Chevaun
Melanie Riley
Mortgage Adviser
mortgages@castletrust.co.nz

Mel is a Mortgage Adviser holding her New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services and has over a decade of experience in the financial services industry. With a background in business ownership, she helps clients confidently navigate home lending –  from first homes to refinancing.

More about Melanie
Melanie Riley
Melanie Riley
Mortgage Adviser

Mel has been part of the Castle Trust team since 2014 and holds her New Zealand Level 5 Certificate in Financial Services. She began her journey with Castle Trust in a client support role, gaining hands-on experience in insurance, investments and mortgages while completing her financial adviser qualifications.

Before moving into financial services, Mel owned and operated a successful retail business in Motueka. This experience gives her a practical understanding of the financial challenges individuals and families face, particularly around home lending and budgeting.

Over the past decade, Mel has supported hundreds of Castle Trust clients through key life stages. As a mortgage broker, she brings deep technical knowledge and a strong client-first approach to every interaction.

Mel helps clients feel confident and informed as they navigate the lending process, whether they’re buying their first home, refinancing, or planning their next move.

Book with Melanie

Frequently asked questions

Not necessarily. Depending on your equity and income, you may be able to purchase first and sell later. We can advise on bridging finance options and help you understand the risks and costs involved.
This is common and we can help structure your offer appropriately. We'll also advise on how to strengthen your position if you're competing against unconditional buyers.
Typically 5-10 working days once we have your documents. We recommend starting this process before you begin seriously looking at properties.
Our service is free to you, we're paid by the lender when your loan settles. If any fees ever apply, we'll tell you upfront.
Castle Trust Team

Your better financial future starts here

Your better financial future starts with a conversation with one of our financial experts. We offer 30 minutes free consultations to help give you peace of mind that we can help you where you need it most.
Book now

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