Getting your deposit together
The first step in buying your first home is saving for a deposit. As a first home buyer your deposit doesn’t need to come from savings alone. You could also use:
- KiwiSaver first home withdrawal
- Grants
- Gifts
Kiwisaver first-home withdrawal
If you’ve been a member of KiwiSaver for at least three years, you may be able to withdraw your KiwiSaver funds to put towards your first home. There are a few criteria that need to be met – see if you’re eligible here.
Grants
There are three grants that you could be eligible for to help grow your deposit:
KiwiSaver First Home Grant
This grant can be used towards buying an existing/older home and you can get up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 when there are two or more eligible buyers. Here’s the criteria to see if you're eligible:
KiwiBuild
KiwiBuild is a government supported programme aimed to help more Kiwis into their own homes. KiwiBuild is supporting developers to build quality, affordable housing for first home buyers and second chancers through a ballot process. To buy a KiwiBuild home, you need to check to see if you’re eligible, pre-qualify and then enter a ballot.
Gifts
Your family can also help you get your deposit together in a formal way such as gifting, or acting as a guarantor.
A gift from family
You may be able to get your family to help out with your first home deposit. You might have the income to service the loan, but don’t have enough deposit without a family member’s help.
Your deposit may be gifted, or you might agree to pay it back later. We recommend that you and your family member seek legal advice, so you’re both clear on the expectations.
Using a guarantor
Instead of having the deposit gifted to you, another option is for your family member to act as your guarantor.
This means we use the equity from your family’s property as security for your loan. If they’re choosing to act as your guarantor, they’ll be responsible for repaying some or your entire loan if you’re not able to pay it. We recommend getting legal advice on this option as there can be serious implications if you don’t meet your loan obligations.
Your deposit
These elements, plus your own savings can all help get you into your first home. For more information talk to our home lending specialists at TSB today.
If you’re unsure if your deposit is enough, the best option is to have a chat with our team – we’ll work through the figures with you. You may find you can buy your first home sooner than you think!