How KiwiSaver Can Help You Buy Your First Home
Buying your first home in Tauranga can feel both exciting and overwhelming — especially when house prices and lending rules keep changing. The good news is that KiwiSaver can make a real difference.
At Best Mortgages, your local mortgage broker Tauranga, we’ve helped many first-home buyers across the Bay — from Papamoa to Otumoetai — use their KiwiSaver savings as part of a smart home-loan plan.
If you’ve been contributing to KiwiSaver for several years, you may be eligible to withdraw a portion of your savings to put toward your deposit. It’s one of the fastest ways to boost your deposit and can help with early pre-approval.
What many people don’t realise is that KiwiSaver withdrawals are not automatic. You’ll need to meet certain conditions and apply through your provider — and that’s where having the right adviser makes a real difference.
Eligibility and How the Process Works
To use KiwiSaver for your first home, you’ll need to:
- Have contributed regularly for at least three years
- Use the funds for a home you intend to live in
- Leave at least $1,000 in your KiwiSaver account
The Kāinga Ora First Home Grant ended in 2024, but the KiwiSaver First-Home Withdrawal is still active and widely used.
How much can you use?
Most banks expect a 10% deposit, including KiwiSaver funds — but we also have access to low-deposit loans and Kāinga Ora-backed options when eligible.
When to start?
Before signing a Sale & Purchase Agreement. That way, we can align your KiwiSaver withdrawal, loan pre-approval, and settlement timeline.
Real client example: A young couple from Otumoetai thought they were years away from qualifying. After a quick call, we restructured their deposit and secured a loan banks had turned down — they moved in six months later.
Start With a Free Chat
Book a free chat and we’ll explain your KiwiSaver options, coordinate with your provider, and guide you through your first-home loan step by step.
We’re based right here in Tauranga and help Kiwis across the Bay of Plenty every week. Whether you’re ready now or just starting out, we’ll give you a clear plan and make sure you understand your options in plain English.
Let’s turn your first-home goal into a reality — with advice that’s smart, simple, and genuinely local.
Best Mortgages — Operated by Ewald Biesenbach (FSP 320426) under The Best Limited (FSP 724451 – NZBN 9429043352067). Licensed under the Financial Services Legislation Act 2019.
Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy my first home in Tauranga?
Yes. If you’ve been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least a few years, you can usually withdraw most of your savings to put toward your first-home deposit. We’ll help you coordinate with your provider and your bank so the timing works perfectly for your Tauranga or Bay of Plenty purchase.
What are the KiwiSaver withdrawal rules for first-home buyers?
You must have contributed regularly, plan to live in the home, and leave a small balance in your KiwiSaver account. The withdrawal is available once in a lifetime for an owner-occupied property — not for an investment home.
Is the First Home Grant still available in 2025?
Kāinga Ora’s First Home Grant programme ended in 2024, but the KiwiSaver First-Home Withdrawal remains active. That means you can still use your KiwiSaver savings toward your deposit; you just won’t receive an extra government grant on top of it.
How much deposit do I need if I’m using KiwiSaver?
Most banks prefer at least a 10 percent deposit (including KiwiSaver funds). Some buyers who qualify for the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan may need less, depending on income, savings, and property type. We’ll compare all options for you across both banks and non-bank lenders.
How do I apply for a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal?
You’ll apply through your KiwiSaver provider. We’ll help you complete the form, gather the right documents, and line up the timing with your mortgage approval so funds are ready by settlement day.
