First Home Buyers Guide NZ
Practical guidance to help first-home buyers understand deposits, KiwiSaver, pre-approval, property research and home loans.
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you may make, but knowing where to start is not always easy.
Between saving a deposit, using KiwiSaver, getting pre-approved, researching properties and arranging a home loan, there can be a lot to understand before you are ready to buy.
This guide brings together the key information first-home buyers commonly need throughout the buying journey, so you can understand your next step and avoid common mistakes along the way.
FIRST HOME BUYER GUIDE SECTIONS
Start With The Part Of The Buying Journey You’re Up To
Whether you are still working out your deposit, preparing for pre-approval, researching properties or trying to understand home loan options, these guide sections help you move to the next step.
Home Deposit Guide
Work through savings, KiwiSaver, gifted deposits and low deposit lending so you can understand what may count towards your deposit.
Explore The Deposit Guide →
Getting Pre-Approved
Learn what mortgage pre-approval means, what lenders usually assess and how to prepare before making offers.
Read The Pre-Approval Guide →
Finding A Property
Understand how to research the market, compare property options and think about location, property type and budget.
Explore Property Guides →
Making An Offer
Learn about finance clauses, purchase agreements, auctions and what to consider before signing an offer.
View Offer Guidance →
Due Diligence
Work through building inspections, insurance, solicitor review, property checks and other steps before going unconditional.
Understand Due Diligence →
Home Loans
Understand loan structures, repayments, fixed and floating rates, offset accounts and what happens around settlement.
Explore Home Loan Guides →POPULAR FIRST HOME BUYER RESOURCES
Helpful Guides For The Details Buyers Often Miss
Once you know the stage you are working through, these supporting guides help explain the details behind KiwiSaver, grants, lender documents, low deposit lending, market research and the home loan process.
KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal
Learn how KiwiSaver may help with your first-home deposit, what the withdrawal process usually involves and when to start preparing.
Read The KiwiSaver Guide →First Home Buyers Grant Update
The First Home Grant has ended, but many buyers still search for it. This guide explains what changed and what deposit options may still help.
Read The Grant Update →Mortgage Application Documents Checklist
See what documents lenders usually need before assessing a home loan application.
View The Checklist →Buying A Home With A Low Deposit
Understand what may be possible if you have less than a 20% deposit.
View Low Deposit Options →Christchurch First Home Buyer Market
Learn what first-home buyers should understand about the Christchurch property market.
Read The Market Guide →Home Loan Process NZ
Follow the main steps from early planning and pre-approval through to settlement.
View The Home Loan Process →WHY THIS GUIDE EXISTS
First-Home Buyers Usually Need Help With More Than One Question
Buying your first home rarely follows a simple step-by-step path. Deposit questions can overlap with KiwiSaver rules, pre-approval can affect your property search, and due diligence matters before you commit to an offer.
This guide is designed to bring the main first-home-buyer topics together in one place, so you do not have to piece together information from unrelated articles or work out the order by yourself.
Whether you are still building your deposit, preparing for lender assessment, comparing properties or trying to understand home loan options, these guides help you focus on the next practical step.
Use This Guide To Work Through
- Deposit options, KiwiSaver and gifted funds
- Mortgage pre-approval and lender assessment
- Documents usually needed for a home loan application
- Property research before making an offer
- Due diligence checks before going unconditional
- Home loan structure, repayments and settlement
EXPLORE THE GUIDE
Move From The Big Questions Into The Details
Once you know the area you need help with, these guide categories make it easier to move from broad first-home-buyer questions into the specific topics that affect your next step.
Work Out Your Deposit Options
Your deposit is one of the first areas to understand when buying your first home. These guides explain savings, KiwiSaver, gifted deposits, the First Home Grant update and low deposit lending in plain English.
Understand What Lenders Assess
Pre-approval helps you understand what may be possible before you start making offers. These guides explain what lenders usually look at, which documents are needed and how your spending habits may affect an application.
Research The Market Before You Buy
Finding the right property is about more than price. These guides help you think about location, property type, market conditions and the practical details that can affect your first-home buying decision.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Let's Work Out Your Next Step
Every first-home buyer starts from a different position.
Whether you're still saving a deposit, wondering how much you may be able to borrow, trying to understand KiwiSaver options or preparing for pre-approval, a quick conversation can help you understand what may be possible and where to focus next.
COMMON FIRST HOME BUYER MISTAKES
Mistakes That Can Slow Down Your First Home Purchase
Most first-home-buyer mistakes happen because the process is new. Knowing the common pressure points early can help you prepare properly, ask better questions and avoid unnecessary delays.
Looking At Homes Before Pre-Approval
It is easy to start searching before knowing what a lender may approve. Pre-approval helps you focus on realistic options and avoid wasting time on homes outside your likely budget.
Read The Pre-Approval Guide →Assuming KiwiSaver Is Instant
KiwiSaver withdrawals take time and involve eligibility rules, solicitor involvement and paperwork before funds are released.
Read The KiwiSaver Guide →Skipping Due Diligence
Building checks, insurance, solicitor review, LIM, title and finance conditions can all matter before you fully commit to buying.
Understand Due Diligence →Focusing Only On The Rate
A good home loan is not just about the lowest rate. Structure, repayment flexibility, lender fit and your longer-term plans also matter.
Explore Home Loan Guides →FIRST HOME BUYER FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions first-home buyers ask when trying to understand deposits, KiwiSaver, pre-approval, property checks and the home loan process.
How much deposit do I need to buy my first home?
The deposit you need depends on your income, debts, property type, lender policy and overall application strength. Many buyers aim for a 20% deposit, but some first-home buyers may be able to buy with less. The Home Deposit Guide explains the main deposit options.
Can I use KiwiSaver for my first home deposit?
Many eligible first-home buyers can use KiwiSaver savings towards their first home deposit. There are rules around eligibility, timing, solicitor involvement and the type of property being purchased. The KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal guide explains the process.
Should I get pre-approved before looking at houses?
In most cases, yes. Mortgage pre-approval can help you understand your likely borrowing range before you spend time looking at properties or making offers. It can also help identify issues with income, expenses, debts, deposit evidence or documents before you are under time pressure. The Getting Pre-Approved guide explains how this works.
What do banks check before approving a mortgage?
Banks usually look at income, expenses, account conduct, existing debts, credit history, deposit source and whether the proposed loan is affordable. They may also review recent bank statements to understand regular spending patterns. For a deeper explanation, read What Do Banks Check Before Approving A Mortgage?
What documents do I need for a mortgage application?
Common documents include identification, proof of income, bank statements, savings or deposit evidence, KiwiSaver information and details of any debts or regular financial commitments. The exact documents needed can vary depending on your situation and lender. The Mortgage Application Documents Checklist explains what is commonly requested.
What is due diligence when buying a first home?
Due diligence means checking the property properly before you fully commit to buying. This may include finance approval, solicitor review, building inspections, insurance checks, LIM reports, title review and understanding property-specific risks. The Due Diligence guide explains the main checks first-home buyers should understand.
Does it cost anything to use a mortgage adviser?
In most standard residential lending situations, mortgage advisers are paid by the lender once the loan settles. If any adviser fee applies, this should be disclosed before you proceed. A mortgage adviser can help you compare lenders, understand approval requirements and navigate the home loan process.
What happens after my offer is accepted?
Once your offer is accepted, the next steps usually involve satisfying any finance conditions, arranging insurance, completing legal checks, confirming KiwiSaver if needed and preparing for settlement. Your lender may also need to approve the specific property before the loan becomes unconditional. The Home Loan Process guide explains how the main steps fit together.