Housing · New Zealand

Buying your first home

First-home help changed in 2024 when Kāinga Ora closed the First Home Grant to new applications. Today's buyers usually combine savings, KiwiSaver withdrawal and, if eligible, a low-deposit First Home Loan through an approved lender.

Official New Zealand sources
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Kāinga Ora: First Home Loan Check benefits and supports

Active first-home pathways

These are the main government-backed options for new applicants in 2026.

First Home Loan

Who: Eligible first-home buyers purchasing through participating lenders.
Why it matters: Can help you buy with a smaller deposit if you meet Kāinga Ora and lender rules. Income caps, property price caps and lender approval all apply.
Next step: Check current caps, find a participating lender and get pre-approval before making an offer.

Kāinga Ora: First Home Loan

KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal

Who: KiwiSaver members of at least three years who meet first-home buyer rules.
Why it matters: Lets you withdraw most of your KiwiSaver savings (including government contributions) toward buying a first home. At least $1,000 must stay in your account.
Next step: Apply through your KiwiSaver provider, not Kāinga Ora. Funds are paid to your solicitor at settlement.

Kāinga Ora: KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal

Kāinga Whenua

Who: Eligible people building, buying or relocating on multiply-owned Māori land.
Why it matters: A separate lending pathway when standard mortgages do not fit land tenure on Māori land.
Next step: Check land tenure, lender requirements and how Kāinga Whenua differs from First Home Loan.

Kāinga Ora: Kāinga Whenua

Closed or fully subscribed schemes

You may still see these names in older articles or conversations. They are not open to new applicants.

First Home Grant (closed)

Who: Was for eligible first-home buyers before May 2024.
Why it matters: Provided a grant toward purchase or build. Closed to new applications from May 2024.
Next step: Do not plan around this grant. Use active pathways instead.

Kāinga Ora: First Home Grant

First Home Partner (fully subscribed)

Who: Was a shared-equity arrangement for eligible buyers.
Why it matters: Kāinga Ora is not taking new applicants. Existing participants have separate obligations.
Next step: If you already participate, follow Kāinga Ora guidance. New buyers should look elsewhere.

Kāinga Ora: First Home Partner

A practical order

Confirm first-home buyer status with Kāinga Ora if you have owned property before or your situation is unusual.
Get a KiwiSaver withdrawal estimate from your provider early. Processing can take around ten working days.
Line up lender pre-approval before you rely on a First Home Loan for your deposit.
Keep at least $1,000 in KiwiSaver after any withdrawal.

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Check benefits and supports

Official sources used for this guide

Sources reviewed 2026-09-10. No guessed payment amounts.