Buy Your First Home
with confidence.
Finch guides first home buyers through every step — KiwiSaver withdrawals, First Home Grants, low-deposit options, and everything in between. We've helped 300+ Kiwis get their first set of keys.
What we do for
first home buyers.
20+ Lenders Compared
We search every major bank plus specialist non-bank lenders to find you the best rate for your situation.
KiwiSaver Guidance
We help you navigate first-home withdrawal rules — what qualifies, how much you can access, and timing.
First Home Grant
We assess your eligibility for the Kāinga Ora First Home Grant and help you apply for up to $10,000.
Low Deposit Options
Access loans with 5–10% deposit through Welcome Home loans, family guarantee, and specialist lenders.
Full Application Support
We prepare and lodge your complete application, handle follow-ups, and liaise with solicitors on your behalf.
Free Ongoing Advice
Our relationship doesn't end at settlement. We review your loan annually to ensure you're always on the best deal.
How it works
step by step.
Free Discovery Call
We discuss your income, KiwiSaver balance, deposit savings, and home goals. Completely free, no obligation.
Lender Assessment
We run full eligibility checks across 20+ lenders and present you with the top 3 options including rates and structure.
Pre-Approval
We submit your application and coordinate with the lender. Most first home buyers receive pre-approval within 24 hours.
Find Your Home
Shop with confidence knowing exactly how much you can spend. We remain on call for questions throughout your property search.
Settlement & Keys
We coordinate with your solicitor to ensure settlement happens smoothly. Then you pick up the keys to your first home!
A Complete Overview of the NZ First Home Buyer Landscape
Stepping onto the New Zealand property ladder is a major milestone, but the path is often paved with complex financial jargon and rigorous lending criteria. For first home buyers in 2026, understanding how to leverage available resources—such as KiwiSaver and government grants—is critical. With median house prices demanding substantial deposits, navigating the difference between a standard 20% deposit requirement and the specialist low-deposit pathways (such as 5% or 10% options) can mean the difference between buying now or waiting another five years.
Maximizing Your KiwiSaver and First Home Grants
If you have been contributing to KiwiSaver for a minimum of three years, you are generally eligible to withdraw the majority of your balance (leaving a mandatory $1,000) to use toward your deposit. Furthermore, the Kāinga Ora First Home Grant offers up to $5,000 for purchasing an existing property, or up to $10,000 for a new build, provided you meet specific income and regional house price caps. Combining these funds with your personal savings forms the foundation of your deposit. Our brokers specialize in harmonizing these different capital streams, ensuring compliance with strict withdrawal timelines and solicitor requirements so your settlement day proceeds without a hitch.
Low Deposit Lending and Welcome Home Loans
Not having a 20% deposit does not lock you out of the market. The First Home Loan scheme, underwritten by Kāinga Ora, allows eligible buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit. Additionally, some mainstream banks offer limited allocations for lending at 10% deposits, often applying a Low Equity Premium (LEP) or margin. We evaluate your financial profile to determine which of these low-deposit avenues offers the lowest overall cost, factoring in interest rate premiums and the potential for leveraging family guarantees to avoid low-equity fees entirely.
Common Questions
Ready to buy your
first home?
Book a free consultation with a Finch mortgage adviser today. No obligation, no cost, just honest advice.