Home ownership / First Home Decision Tool

First Home Decision Tool

Kāinga Ora offers several products to help New Zealanders into home ownership. If you are thinking about buying a home, use our tool to see what you could be eligible for.

Complete the steps below, then click See if we can help to find out which products you could be eligible for.

 

1
of 3 steps
Will you be buying a home as an individual, or as 2 or more people?
Do you have household dependents?

A person who has dependents has the responsibility for part-time care or full-time care of a child/children or other dependents. In most cases dependents will be children, but this definition applies equally to dependent adults in the household.
How much income have you earned (before tax) in the last 12 months?
How much individual income have you earned (before tax) in the last 12 months?
How much combined income have you earned (before tax) in the last 12 months?

If you are applying as a multi-generational household, a higher income cap may apply. Contact the team on 0508 935 266 or at firsthome.enquiries@kaingaora.govt.nz to discuss your household circumstances.

A Multi-generational household is defined as a household that normally lives together and is made up of either:

• 3 or more generations (eg grandchildren, parents and grandparents living together)
• 2 generations with multiple related family units (or cousins living together with their families).
2
of 3 steps
Do you have KiwiSaver?
How many years have you contributed to KiwiSaver?

If you're unsure how long you've been in KiwiSaver, find out at the KiwiSaver website.
3
of 3 steps
Will you be purchasing an existing home, or a new build/land?

Start your questions for a step closer in your home ownership journey.

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Your answers

Buying a home as an Individual

Buying a home as two or more people

Income is under $95,000

Income is between $95,000 and $150,000

Income is over $150,000

Income is under $150,000

Income is over $150,000

Combined income is under $150,000

Combined income is over $150,000

You're not a member of KiwiSaver

You're a member of KiwiSaver

You've been in KiwiSaver for 3 years

You've been in KiwiSaver for 4 years

You've been in KiwiSaver for 5 or more years

You want to buy an existing home

You want to buy a new home

See if we can help

Complete

First Home Grant

The First Home Grant provides eligible first-home buyers with a grant to put towards the purchase of a home.

As a member of KiwiSaver, you need to be making regular KiwiSaver contributions for at least 3 - 5 years.

Check all eligibility criteria

First Home Grant

Because you’ve been making KiwiSaver contributions for 3 years, and looking to by an existing home, you may be eligible for a First Home Grant of up to $3,000.

Check all eligibility criteria

First Home Grant

Because you’ve been making KiwiSaver contributions for 3 years, and looking to buy a new property, you may be eligible for a First Home Grant of up to $6,000.

Check all eligibility criteria

First Home Grant

Because you’ve been making KiwiSaver contributions for 4 years, and looking to buy an existing property, you may be eligible for a First Home Grant of up to $4,000.

Check all eligibility criteria

First Home Grant

Because you’ve been making KiwiSaver contributions for 4 years, and looking to buy a new property, you may be eligible for a First Home Grant of up to $8,000.

Check all eligibility criteria

First Home Grant

Because you’ve been making KiwiSaver contributions for 5 years, and looking to buy an existing property, you may be eligible for a First Home Grant of up to $5,000.

Check all eligibility criteria

First Home Grant

Because you’ve been making KiwiSaver contributions for 5 years, and looking to buy a new property, you may be eligible for a First Home Grant of up to $10,000.

Check all eligibility criteria

First Home Loan

With a First Home Loan you only need a 5% deposit. First Home Loans are issued by selected banks, building societies, and credit unions, and underwritten by us, Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities.

Check to see if you’re eligible

First Home Partner

You may be eligible for First Home Partner, where Kāinga Ora can make a financial contribution to purchase and share ownership of the home with you.

 

Check to see if you’re eligible

KiwiSaver Withdrawal

As a KiwiSaver member, you may be able to withdraw all, or part, of your savings to put towards buying your first home. If eligible, you can withdraw KiwiSaver savings (including tax credits).

Find out more

KiwiBuild

If you’re thinking of buying a new home, KiwiBuild may be able to help.

Check to see if you’re eligible

See if there are any KiwiBuild homes in your area

It looks like you may not qualify for some of the First Home products

From the information that you have provided in the tool above, you may not be eligible for the First Home Grant, First Home Loan or First Home Partner. Please check your answers and read the eligibility criteria for each product.

Check the First Home Grant criteria

Check the First Home Loan criteria

Check the First Home Partner criteria

Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is intended to help you understand the First Home Grant, First Home Loan, First Home Partner and KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal and is indicative only. It is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity. All reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information. The eligibility criteria or other policies applicable to the First Home Grant, First Home Loan, First Home Partner, or first-home withdrawal may be changed, deleted, added to or otherwise amended without notice. The information contained on this page should not be construed as legal or professional advice and you should take advice from qualified professional people.

Page updated: 5 October 2021