Family of eight achieves dream of owning a home

"I just asked if we were ever going to be in a position to buy a home and, if not, what could we change," says Alex.

The answer surprised Alex.

"We were much closer than I ever thought we would be."

"Withdrawing both our KiwiSaver accounts to help fund a deposit and paying off a vehicle loan helped put home ownership within reach," says Alex.

Now, after nearly 10 years in a Kāinga Ora house, Alex and Santana have bought their first home.

Over the years, the family made sacrifices where they could, while still making sure their children had opportunities to enjoy themselves.

"We still tried to do things with the kids. We just found cheaper ways to do it."

The move to their new home means more than simply owning property. After years of fitting a family of eight into a small house, everyone finally has room to spread out.

And for Santana, one moment from the family's first week in their new home says it all.

"We got to sit down at a dinner table and eat as a family for the first time in a few years.

"It was everything I've dreamed of."

Looking back, Santana says having a stable Kāinga Ora home gave her family the foundation they needed while working towards their goal.

"I really cannot tell you guys how much I've appreciated having a home to be able to get us to where we are now."

Santana and Alex purchased their home with support from a Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, which is designed for first-home buyers who can afford regular mortgage repayments but may struggle to save a large deposit. The scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with a deposit of as little as 5%, with loans issued by participating banks and underwritten by Kāinga Ora.