Buying your first home in Tauranga? You’re not alone — saving a deposit and getting bank approval can feel like the hardest part. The good news is, you don’t have to do it alone. At Best Mortgages, we’ve helped hundreds of first-home buyers in Tauranga and across the Bay of Plenty secure their first homes with tailored lending strategies and trusted advice.
We’ll guide you through the process step by step — from understanding how much you can borrow to finding low-deposit or KiwiSaver-friendly loan options that fit your goals.
How we help first-home buyers
Getting on the property ladder can be challenging, but the right lending strategy makes it achievable. We’ll look at your situation, your deposit size, and your goals to design a plan that works — not just what the bank’s computer says.
- Low-deposit solutions: explore options through Kainga Ora First Home Loan, new-build packages, or guarantor support.
- KiwiSaver & grants: use your savings and any government contributions confidently.
- Multiple lender access: we compare major banks and 25+ reputable non-bank lenders to find a great fit.
- Simple guidance: we handle the paperwork and keep you updated at every step.
Note: Government and lender policies can change — we’ll guide you through the latest options when you apply.
Why use a mortgage broker
Banks have strict rules, and not every lender treats first-home buyers the same. As your adviser, we’ll present your application to the lenders most likely to say yes — and negotiate competitive terms on your behalf.
What it costs
For standard home loans, our advice is free — lenders usually pay us. If a specialist scenario requires a fee, we’ll explain that upfront before you proceed.
Ready to start your first-home journey? Book a free chat today and see how close you could be to owning your first home in Tauranga.
Best Mortgages — Operated by Ewald Biesenbach (FSP 320426) under The Best Limited (FSP 724451 – NZBN 9429043352067). Licensed under the Financial Services Legislation Act 2019.
How much deposit do I need to buy my first home in Tauranga?
Every lender is different, but many options start from as little as 10 % with the right structure. We’ll help you explore low-deposit or Kainga Ora-supported options to see what’s achievable for your situation.
Can I use KiwiSaver for my first-home deposit?
Yes. You can usually withdraw most of your KiwiSaver balance if you’ve been contributing for at least three years. We’ll guide you through the paperwork and timing so the process goes smoothly.
Do I qualify for a Kainga Ora First Home Loan
If you meet the income and property-value limits, you might. We’ll check your eligibility and explain how these programs could lower your deposit or give you a cash grant toward your first home.
What if my bank has already declined my application?
Don’t worry — that happens often. We work with all main banks and more than 25 non-bank lenders, so we can usually find another path to approval that your bank may have missed.
Does using a mortgage broker cost me anything?
For most first-home loans, our service is completely free. Lenders usually pay us directly. If a specialised case has a fee, we’ll tell you upfront before you decide.