PHOTO: PETER MEECHAM/STUFF Any increase in lending is likely to be small – but meaningful for those who can now get in to the market.

Looser home loan rules may clear the way for 4500 more houses to sell to first-time buyers each year.

From January, loan-to-value restrictions will ease for owner-occupiers and investors.

Up to 20 per cent of new loans will be allowed to be to owner-occupier borrowers with a deposit smaller than 20 per cent. At present, only 15 per cent of new lending can be to this group.

READ MORE VIA STUFF

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