Kāinga Ora First Home Loan

Buy your first home with just a 5% deposit

The Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme lets eligible first home buyers get a mortgage with just 5% down instead of the usual 20%. Answer 5 quick questions to find out if you qualify.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 232+ five star Google reviews · 10,000+ Kiwi families helped
10,000+
Kiwi families helped
$2B+
In lending settled
5.0 ★
232+ Google reviews
13
Years in business
Grants you might not know about

Government help for first home buyers in 2026

These schemes exist specifically to help Kiwis like you onto the property ladder. Most people never use them because they do not know they qualify.

5% deposit

First Home Loan Scheme

Government-backed scheme that lets you buy with just a 5% deposit instead of the standard 20%. We work with participating First Home Loan lenders.

  • Only 5% deposit required
  • Underwritten by Kainga Ora
  • Income criteria set by participating lenders
  • Standard lender terms otherwise apply
Tax-free

KiwiSaver Withdrawal

You can use most of your KiwiSaver balance towards buying your first home. One of the biggest wins available to Kiwi first home buyers.

  • 3+ years in KiwiSaver
  • Must be for your first home
  • Tax-free withdrawal
  • Used directly towards deposit
Free advice

Expert Guidance

Most first home buyers do not realise how close they actually are. Our team walks you through your options, compares rates, and handles the paperwork at no cost to you.

  • 15+ lender partners
  • Free application help
  • We handle the paperwork
  • Paid by lenders, not you
5 questions. 60 seconds.

Check your eligibility now

Answer 5 quick questions and we will tell you which schemes you could qualify for.

Question 1 of 8 20%
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0 rating on Google

Real first home buyers, real success stories

See how Fundmaster has helped thousands of Kiwis onto the property ladder

★★★★★

"Go talk to the guys at Fundmaster because they will set you up with goals that will achieve your end result, which is buying a house."

First Home Buyers Auckland · English
★★★★★

"Other brokers declined me. I saw a Fundmaster ad on Facebook and reached out. They worked really hard on my mortgage and got it sorted."

Fundmaster Client Auckland · Punjabi
★★★★★

"My application was one of the toughest, but Rochelle, Dave and the team stood by us and got us into our first home. Highly recommend Fundmaster."

Vineet Auckland · English
Case studies

Real stories, real success

We're proud of the positive impact we've had on our clients' lives. Here are some heartwarming stories from Kiwis who've achieved their dreams with our help.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

From confusion to homeownership

Andy & Annamarie

Andy and Annamarie dreamed of having their own nest to call friends and family to. Like many first-time buyers, they felt overwhelmed and unsure where to start. That's where Fundmaster stepped in. We guided them through the entire process, from clarifying their options to securing the perfect home loan. Today, they're proud homeowners, hosting gatherings in their very own space.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A warm welcome to New Zealand

Vikram & Amrita

After moving to New Zealand, Vikram and Amrita felt lost in the unfamiliar property market. Our team, led by Dev, provided the local expertise and personal touch they needed. We helped them navigate the complexities of buying a home in a new country, turning what could have been a stressful experience into an exciting journey. They now highly recommend Fundmaster to anyone looking to buy their dream home in New Zealand.

Questions people ask us

What happened to the First Home Grant? +

The Kainga Ora First Home Grant was scrapped by the government on 22 May 2024. It no longer exists. However, the First Home Loan scheme (5% deposit) and KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal are both still available and are still very helpful for first home buyers.

What is the First Home Loan scheme? +

A scheme that lets eligible first home buyers get a mortgage with only a 5% deposit (instead of the usual 20%). Fundmaster works with participating First Home Loan lenders.

What if I do not qualify for any scheme? +

You still have options. Most of our clients think they cannot buy, but with the right strategy they can. Book a free consultation and we will work through your specific situation.

What are the income limits for the First Home Loan scheme? +

Currently $95,000 before tax for a single buyer and $150,000 combined for a couple or two or more buyers. These caps are reviewed periodically by Kāinga Ora. We will confirm your exact eligibility on the call.

Check Eligibility