KiwiSaver, First Home Grant, and First Home Loan Information

Are you thinking about buying your first home? There are some pretty cool funds available to help you afford your first mortgage, including accessing your KiwiSaver savings and the First Home Loan.

Here's how you can go about assessing if you are eligible for these savings and the process to go through to apply for them.

Please note: There are some changes in eligibility from region to region in New Zealand. So please feel free to contact us to discuss if further details are required.

The information below is for the region of Christchurch.

For first home buyers we’ve created a helpful guide which you can request a copy of here.

KiwiSaver

Whilst anyone can use their KiwiSaver savings to purchase their first home regardless of income and the properties cost, there are rules around when and how much you can withdraw.

• You must have been been contributing to your KiwiSaver savings for at least three years to be eligible.
• You can withdraw your KiwiSaver savings, but not the $1,000 kick-start government contribution or any tax credits received.
• KiwiSaver savings can only be used to purchase a property to live in and cannot be used to purchase a rental property.

If you've owned a home before, you may be eligible to access your KiwiSaver savings for a second time - it's a little detailed so call us on 0508 466 356 to chat if you'd like advice on the process.

At Advanced Mortgage Solutions we work with Koura Wealth KiwiSaver Scheme. Call us to discuss or Click Here to see what Koura Wealth KiwiSaver Scheme can offer.

You can learn more about how to use your KiwiSaver savings to buy your first home and get your application started here.

First Home Loan

The First Home Loan is designed specifically to help Kiwi’s or people holding a Permanent Residency visa that are looking to purchase their first home to live in.

The same income caps and purchase price caps apply as when applying for your First Home Grant (see below).

There are opportunities to use the First Home Loan a second time if you've owned a home before. It can be a detailed process, so call us on 0508 466 356 to discuss your ability to gain a second chance.

You can read more and apply here.

First Home Grant

The First Home Grant was discountinued on the 22nd May 2024 and is no longer available.

This from Kainga Ora:

"As of 1pm, 22 May 2024 and at the direction of the Government, we are unable to accept any new applications for First Home Grants. All applications lodged before then will continue to be processed and we will be in touch with customers about their applications when needed." 

If you'd like any advice or help with applying for the above, our team are Registered Financial Advisors and our advice to you is free.