OCR Holds at 3.25% — What This Means for Your Christchurch Design and Build Plans

What the Latest OCR Announcement Means for Your Build?

The Reserve Bank has just announced it will hold the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 3.25%. For anyone planning to build a new home in Christchurch — or currently working through the design and build process— this news is well worth paying attention to.

As Christchurch builders, we know how interest rates and lending conditions can impact our clients. Whether you’re budgeting for a first home, an investment property, or your dream forever home, changes to the OCR flow through to mortgage rates and, ultimately, what your build might cost you long term.

Why the OCR Matters

The OCR influences how much banks charge to lend money. When it goes up, interest rates often rise. When it drops, loans typically become cheaper. By holding the rate steady, the Reserve Bank is signalling that, for now, the cost of borrowing will remain where it is.

Stability Is Good for Building

A stable OCR is great news for both builders and homeowners. It means fewer surprises in borrowing costs, and that gives everyone — from suppliers to homeowners — more confidence to plan ahead.

At Hallmark Homes, we’ve been in the industry for 30 years, so we understand the rise and fall of these rates. We’ve seen how even small fluctuations in lending rates can affect decision-making. Right now, we’re in a window where rates are still lower than they’ve been in recent years but not expected to drop dramatically in the short term. This creates a sweet spot for those ready to lock in build contracts and move forward with confidence.

Design and Build in Christchurch with Certainty

With interest rates still relatively low and land more accessible than ever, now is the perfect time to set your build plans in motion. If you’ve been thinking about designing and building in Christchurch, there’s real opportunity in acting sooner rather than later.

As inspiration, take a look at one of our most popular plans — The Oakbridge — recently brought to life as a bespoke home tailored to our clients’ lifestyle. You can read more about their journey in our latest blog: Modern Luxury, Made Personal.

Our Take as Local Christchurch Builders

We believe your home should be a reflection of your lifestyle — not the economy. That said, we know timing can make a big difference to your budget. With the OCR on pause and more rate cuts possibly on the horizon later in the year, it’s a good time to take stock and ask: are you ready to get started?

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, this might be your sign to move forward with your new build while the financial climate is working in your favour.

Explore Your Options: Browse through our different series of house plans to find your perfect match:

• Headstart Series – Timeless designs that blend traditional charm with modern functionality, perfect for growing families

• Hallmark Series – Sleek, modern homes featuring clean lines and open-plan living for today’s lifestyle

• Prestige Series – Luxury designs with high-end finishes and spacious layouts for those wanting something truly special

Or learn more about our proven building process to understand how we bring your vision to life from concept to completion.

If you have any more questions, check out our FAQ’s section or get in touch with us today to start your building journey!