First home buyer help
Written by Jessica Ford
Helping you into home ownership
Real Stories, Real Results
Buying your first home can feel like climbing a mountain—but it is possible.
Check out this short video testimonial from one of our amazing first-home buyer clients who made it happen! They started with a dream and a lot of questions, and now they’re in their very own home.
Government Support to Get You There
If home ownership feels out of reach, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. There are some fantastic government-backed initiatives designed to help first-home buyers get on the property ladder. These schemes can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Let’s walk through three key options available:
1. KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal
If you've been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years, you may be eligible to withdraw a portion (or most) of your balance to go towards your first home deposit.
To qualify, you'll need to:
Be buying a property you intend to live in (not a rental)
Request an eligibility letter from your KiwiSaver provider
If you’ve owned a home before but are now in the same financial position as a first-home buyer, you might still qualify as a second-chance buyer. In this case, you’ll need to apply through Kāinga Ora for confirmation before approaching your KiwiSaver provider.
2. First Home Loan
The First Home Loan allows you to buy a home with as little as 5% deposit. The key difference? This loan is underwritten by Kāinga Ora, which makes it easier to qualify, even if you haven’t met your bank’s standard lending criteria.
Your 5% deposit can be made up of:
Your KiwiSaver withdrawal
Personal savings
A gift from close family
Any money already paid toward the purchase
First Home Partner contribution (if applicable)
These loans are available through select lenders including Westpac, Kiwibank, Co-operative Bank, SBS and Unity. Like other support schemes, there are income and house price caps to meet.
3. KiwiBuild
KiwiBuild aims to make more affordable homes available to first-home buyers. These properties are priced below market rate and available via a ballot system.
Key features:
Homes are built new, with size options from studio apartments to three-bedroom houses
You must meet income and ownership criteria and live in the home for at least three years
Pre-approval is essential before entering a ballot or making a purchase
Need a Hand Navigating It All?
Government support can make a massive difference—but it can also feel like a maze. If you’re not sure what you qualify for or where to begin, a chat with a financial adviser can help you figure out the best path forward.
Let’s talk. I’d love to help you understand your options and take the stress out of your home-buying journey.