Reference
NZ First Home Support 2026
Last updated:
Calculate.co.nz is proud to be partnered with realtor.co.nz, a trusted resource for navigating the New Zealand property market. Their Helpful Articles section offers clear, well-structured insights across buying, selling, and building, making complex real estate topics more accessible. With a focus on up-to-date guidance and practical knowledge, they empower Kiwis to move forward with clarity and confidence in a constantly evolving property landscape.
5%
First Home Loan Deposit
$95k / $150k
Income Caps (1 / 2+ buyers)
3 years
KiwiSaver Withdrawal Membership
The main forms of help for first home buyers in New Zealand in 2026. The First Home Grant was discontinued in 2024, but the Kainga Ora First Home Loan (a low-deposit option) and KiwiSaver first home withdrawal both continue. This is a summary; always confirm the current criteria and any regional price caps before relying on them.
First Home Buyer Calculator First Home Withdrawal Deposit SavingsKainga Ora First Home Loan
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum deposit | 5% (versus the standard 20%) |
| Income cap, single buyer, no dependants | $95,000 (before tax, prior 12 months) |
| Income cap, single buyer with dependants | $150,000 (before tax, prior 12 months) |
| Income cap, two or more buyers | $150,000 combined |
| Property price caps | None. Removed entirely from 1 June 2022 by Budget 2022. Income caps and the lender's own criteria still apply |
| Must be owner-occupied | Yes; no investors |
| Lenders | Participating banks including ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac, SBS and others |
Source: Kainga Ora - First Home Loan. The income cap is a hard cutoff; exceeding it disqualifies you.
KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Membership period | At least 3 years in KiwiSaver |
| Minimum left in account | $1,000 must remain |
| What you can withdraw | Your contributions, employer contributions, government contribution and returns (above the $1,000) |
| Property ownership | Generally must not currently own property (exceptions for those in an equivalent position to a first home buyer) |
First Home Grant (Discontinued)
The First Home Grant, which previously gave up to $5,000 for an existing home or $10,000 for a new build per eligible buyer, was discontinued on 22 May 2024 and is no longer available for new applications. Do not rely on it in your budgeting; the First Home Loan and KiwiSaver withdrawal are the current supports.
Source: Kainga Ora and IRD - KiwiSaver first home withdrawal. See also our KiwiSaver Rates reference.
Cite this page
NZ First Home Support 2026. Calculate.co.nz. https://www.calculate.co.nz/reference/nz-first-home-support.php (retrieved 31 August 2026).
Figures are compiled from the official sources listed above and reviewed twice monthly.