Using KiwiSaver to 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 in Tauranga, we’ve helped many first-home buyers across the Bay of Plenty, from Papamoa to Bethlehem, 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 first-home deposit. It’s one of the most effective ways to boost your deposit faster — and, when structured correctly, it can be the key to getting bank approval sooner.
What many people don’t realise is that KiwiSaver withdrawals are not automatic. You’ll need to meet a few conditions and apply through your provider. That’s where having the right mortgage adviser matters. We’ll walk you through every step — checking your eligibility, helping with timing, and making sure your withdrawal lines up with your loan pre-approval so settlement is seamless.
Eligibility and How the Process Works
To use KiwiSaver toward your first home, you must generally have contributed regularly for several years and intend to live in the property as your main home. You’ll also need to leave a small balance in your account once funds are withdrawn.
Previously, some buyers could also access the First Home Grant from Kāinga Ora. While that programme ended in 2024, the KiwiSaver First-Home Withdrawal remains available — and still makes a big difference to first-home buyers.
How Much You Can Use
The deposit requirement today varies by lender, but most banks look for around a 10 percent deposit (including your KiwiSaver funds). Through special programmes such as the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, some eligible buyers may start with a smaller deposit. We’ll compare every option across major banks and non-bank lenders to find what works for you.
A Personal Story
Beyond the numbers, it’s about confidence. Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll ever take. I still remember helping a young Tauranga couple who thought they were years away from qualifying — we structured their KiwiSaver withdrawal and low-deposit loan together, and they moved into their own place six months later. Moments like that are why I love what I do.
When to Start the Process
If you’d like guidance, reach out before you sign a sale & purchase agreement. We’ll review your KiwiSaver balance, your lender options, and your timing so everything lines up perfectly for settlement day.
Ready to See How KiwiSaver Can Help?
Book a free chat with Best Mortgages today. We’ll explain your options, coordinate with your KiwiSaver provider, and help you secure the right home loan in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty — with advice that’s simple, personal, and free.
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.
