Kainga Ora First Home Partner Calculator NZ

This calculator estimates how a Kainga Ora First Home Partner shared ownership purchase would be split in New Zealand, showing the government's contribution, your deposit, the mortgage you would need, and the share of the home you would own. First Home Partner is a shared equity scheme designed to get first home buyers over the line when a deposit and mortgage alone fall short. Kainga Ora buys a share of the home alongside you, which lowers the amount you have to borrow and the deposit you need, and you live in the home as the owner-occupier. The government's contribution can be up to twenty-five percent of the purchase price, capped at two hundred thousand dollars, and you generally need at least a five percent deposit of your own. Over time you buy back Kainga Ora's share in stages until you own the property outright. You enter the purchase price, your deposit percentage, and the share Kainga Ora would take, and the calculator works out each party's dollar contribution, your starting mortgage and your ownership percentage. Use it to see whether shared ownership bridges your gap, remembering the eventual buy-back is priced on the home's future value. Eligibility and scheme rules change, so confirm current details with Kainga Ora. Estimate only, not financial advice.

Scheme closed to new applicants. Kainga Ora First Home Partner is fully subscribed and is no longer taking new applications. This calculator is provided for existing First Home Partner customers and for general understanding of how shared equity works. Check kaingaora.govt.nz for the current status and any replacement schemes.
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$
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$490,000
mortgage you would need
Kainga Ora contribution$175,000
Your deposit$35,000
You own75%

Government share capped at 25% or $200,000, whichever is lower; usually a 5% minimum deposit. Buy-back is priced on future value. Confirm with Kainga Ora. Estimate only.

How it works

The Kainga Ora contribution is the purchase price times the share you enter, capped at the lower of 25 percent of the price or 200,000 dollars. Your deposit is the price times your deposit percentage. The mortgage you need is the price minus the Kainga Ora contribution minus your deposit. Your ownership percentage is the price minus the Kainga Ora share, divided by the price.

Worked example

On a 700,000 dollar home with a 5 percent deposit and a 25 percent Kainga Ora share, the government puts in 175,000 dollars (under the 200,000 cap), your deposit is 35,000 dollars, and you borrow about 490,000 dollars, owning 75 percent to start.

Related calculators

Data sources: the rates and thresholds on this page are maintained against Kainga Ora. Figures are checked twice monthly.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kainga Ora First Home Partner?

It is a shared ownership scheme where Kainga Ora buys a share of a home alongside you, reducing the mortgage you need. You own the rest, live in the home, and buy out Kainga Ora's share over time. The scheme is fully subscribed and closed to new applicants, so this is for existing customers and general understanding only.

How much does Kainga Ora contribute?

Kainga Ora can contribute up to 25 percent of the purchase price, capped at 200,000 dollars, and you generally need at least a 5 percent deposit. The exact amount depends on what you can afford to borrow and the eligibility rules at the time.

Do I have to buy out the government share?

Yes, over time you buy back Kainga Ora's share in stages until you own the home outright. The buy-back is based on the home's value at the time, so it can cost more if the home has risen in value. Check current scheme rules and eligibility.