Are you getting ready to buy your first home?

Buying your first home

Buying your first home can be a scary process. The good news is there’s plenty of help and support available. We have pulled together some of those resources here. And, of course, we are happy to talk you through what’s involved.

Just get in touch

FIRST HOME BUYERS GUIDE

For a step-by-step overview of the process, check out the first home buyers guide on settled.govt.nz. It’s packed full of valuable tips and advice, from getting a mortgage to making an offer and moving in.

GOVERNMENT KIWIBUILD

The government offers several different home ownership products designed to help get Kiwis into their own homes. Information on these can be found here.

Further helpful information can be found here.

HOME OWNERSHIP INITIATIVES

In addition to the KiwiBuild programme, there are three government home ownership initiatives designed to help Kiwis into their own homes.

These include:

First Home Grant
KiwiSaver first home withdrawal
First Home Loan

Kāinga Ora has a very helpful brochure with everything you need to know about government help. We also set out some other useful links. You may be eligible to access one or all of these initiatives to secure a larger deposit and finance your home purchase more easily.

FIRST HOME GRANT

In addition to using your KiwiSaver, you may be eligible for a KiwiSaver First Home Grant. If you meet the criteria, you could receive a grant up to $10,000 or $20,000 if you are a couple or purchasing with a friend. Check out the details at Kāinga Ora.

FIRST HOME WITHDRAWAL

If you have been a member of KiwiSaver for at least three years, then you may be able to withdraw funds to buy your first home. Check out the IRD’s website or Kāinga Ora for all the information you need.

FIRST HOME LOAN

Also available from the government are First Home Loans. With a First Home Loan, you might be able to get a home loan with only a 5% finance deposit. How much you can borrow depends on your lender, where you live in New Zealand and what you can afford. Kāinga Ora has everything you need to know.

Sound Living: Reliable, quality builds for first home buyers

CONSTRUCTION STORIES

We are firm supporters of the government’s KiwiBuild initiative. Sound Living wants to help young Kiwis struggling to buy their first homes. We aim for 50-70% of homes in each development to go to KiwiBuild purchasers. And our KiwiBuild homes meet the same high standards as those we sell on the open market.