KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal application
If you have been a member of KiwiSaver for at least 3 years, you may be able to make a withdrawal from your savings to put towards buying your first home.
Guidance notes for applying
We recommend you read the guidance notes below and only complete the form if you have previously owned a home or land in New Zealand or overseas and no longer do.
You do not need to complete this form if you:
- have previously withdrawn funds from KiwiSaver to buy a home, as you are not eligible for a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal.
- are a first home buyer who has never owned a home or land in New Zealand or overseas. Please apply directly to your scheme provider.
- are a current home or land owner or currently registered on a property title in New Zealand or overseas, as you are not eligible for a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal.
Supporting documentation
You will need the following supporting documents to complete your application:
- a copy of your birth certificate, passport or driver licence.
- a settlement statement (if you have sold a property within the last 3 months).
Eligible members are able to make a withdrawal from their KiwiSaver scheme, complying fund or exempt employer scheme, to put towards the purchase of a first home, provided they have been contributing to KiwiSaver scheme for at least 3 years.
You can withdraw:
- your contributions
- your employer’s contributions
- government contributions
- interest you have earned
- fee subsidies (if you got these).
However, at least $1,000 must remain in your KiwiSaver account.
Not all complying superannuation funds permit withdrawals for this purpose. You will need to discuss this with the trustees of your complying fund.
If you are a previous homeowner in New Zealand or overseas you may apply for the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal, but Kāinga Ora will need to determine whether you meet the following additional eligibility criteria:
- you have not received the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal before
- you do not currently have an interest in property or land
- you do not have realisable assets totalling more than 20% of the house price cap for an existing or older property in the area you are buying in.
Realisable assets are belongings that can be sold to help pay for your home such as:
- money in bank accounts
- shares, stocks and bonds
- investments in banks or other financial institutions
- building society shares
- boat or caravan (if the value is over $5,000)
- other vehicles (such as classic motorbikes or cars not being used as your usual method of transport)
- other individual assets valued over $5,000
- money already paid to or held by a real estate agent, solicitor or developer as a deposit on a home
For example, if you are buying a house in the $400,000 cap area, your realisable assets cannot be worth more than $80,000. Note only the house price cap for buying an existing/older property is used to determine the acceptable level of realisable assets.
If you meet the eligibility criteria you will still need to apply through your scheme provider.
We recommend that before you apply you refamiliarise yourself with KiwiSaver:
- check what type of scheme you belong to
- who your scheme provider is
- how long you have been contributing to the scheme
- how much you have been contributing.
You can talk to your employer, check any statements you may have received from your provider or talk to KiwiSaver directly on 0800 549 472.
KiwiSaver Scheme
A KiwiSaver scheme is a retirement savings scheme providing members with annual member tax credits from government. Members choose to pay 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% or 10% of salary or wages, and their employer is required to pay 3%. The scheme name will include the word KiwiSaver.
Complying Fund
A complying fund is a registered employer sponsored superannuation scheme that allows members to choose to lock in a percentage of their salary in an account that may be accessed on the same terms as a KiwiSaver scheme.
A member should contact their fund providers to find out if first-home withdrawal is permitted. The member may also continue to contribute to an unlocked account.
Applications will normally be assessed within 10 working days of Kāinga Ora receiving it, provided it is complete and all supporting documents have been provided.
Privacy Statement
You agree that Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities can use the information provided by you in your application to:
- assess if you qualify for the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal determination as a previous homeowner
- assist in future research and evaluation of the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal determination.
You agree that Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities can request information about you from the following persons and/or agencies and you authorise them to give information they hold about you to Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities:
- Your KiwiSaver scheme provider or your complying fund provider.
- Any authorised agent who has submitted an application on your behalf.
This information will be held by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities and any other authorised persons and/or agencies in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.
You have the right to access, or request the correction of any information held by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities about you or your KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal determination.
Kuo fakafo‘ou ‘a e peesí: 17 Fēpueli 2026