The basic of buying your first home

A First-Home Buyer’s Guide to Tauranga — What to Expect and How to Prepare

Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. Between deposits, pre-approvals, and real-estate jargon, it’s easy to get lost in the process. At Best Mortgages, we help first-home buyers across Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty understand how it all works, so you can make smart, confident decisions.

Understanding How Homes Are Sold in Tauranga

Before you start attending open homes, it helps to know how properties are sold in New Zealand. The main sale methods you’ll come across are:

• Auction: Fast and transparent, but you’ll need finance sorted first — auction purchases are unconditional.
• Set Asking Price: A fixed price is listed; buyers can offer below or negotiate.
• Tender: Submit your best offer by a set date. No public bidding, so documents must be complete.
• By Negotiation: No listed price. Offers go back and forth until accepted.

Understanding these methods early saves time and stress when the perfect house appears.

Getting Your Finances in Order

Most banks still expect a 20% deposit, but that’s not the only path. Many first-home buyers in Tauranga use a mix of KiwiSaver withdrawals and family support to get started.

If you’re short on deposit, some lenders will go as high as 90% LVR with a low-equity fee. Non-bank lenders are also more flexible — especially if you’re self-employed or starting a new role.

We’ll look at your income, debts, and savings, then calculate what you can safely borrow. Our job is to match you with the right lender — not just the first one that says yes.

Why Pre-Approval Matters

Pre-approval gives you confidence when bidding and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. In a competitive market like Pyes Pa, having finance sorted early can be the difference between winning or missing out.

We handle the paperwork, lender comms, and updates — you focus on finding the right property.

What’s Inside a Sale and Purchase Agreement

Once you’ve found a property, the Sale and Purchase Agreement sets out price, conditions, and dates. Typical conditions include:

• Finance approval: Your bank signs off the mortgage.
• LIM report: Checks zoning, flood risk, consents.
• Builder’s report: Makes sure the house is structurally sound.

We work with your lawyer to get all finance cleared on time so your contract goes unconditional without stress.

How a Mortgage Broker Makes the Process Easier

Using an independent mortgage broker Tauranga based means you don’t need to apply to every bank. We compare rates and policies from banks, non-banks, and specialist lenders — and explain your options in plain English.

A recent Matua couple came to us after their bank declined them. We restructured their application, included contract income, and secured approval with a lender who got their situation. They moved in six weeks later — that’s what a broker does.

Ongoing Support After You Move In

Our support doesn’t stop at settlement. We check in regularly to make sure your loan still fits — especially when interest rates shift. Many clients later refinance to fund renovations or buy investment properties in Bethlehem or Welcome Bay.

Homeownership is a long-term strategy — we’re here for the entire journey.

Final Thoughts

Buying your first home might feel complex — but with the right support, it’s just a series of clear, manageable steps. At Best Mortgages, we combine local insight, lender relationships, and plain speaking to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Book a free chat to get started — whether it’s buying, refinancing, or planning for the future, we’re here to help.

Best Mortgages — Operated by Ewald Biesenbach (FSP 320426) under The Best Limited (FSP 724451 – NZBN 9429043352067). Licensed under the Financial Services Legislation Act 2019.