KiwiSaver For Your First Home

There are two key ways KiwiSaver can assist with your first home deposit;

  1. Withdrawal
  2. First Home Grant

Since you can only apply for a withdrawal or grant once you have made an offer on a property or land for a new build, we strongly recommend you consult our experts for advice on seeking pre-approval.

KiwiSaver For Your First Home

Home Deposit

There are two key ways KiwiSaver can assist with your first home deposit;

  • Withdrawal
  • First Home Grant

Since you can only apply for a withdrawal or grant once you have made an offer on a property or land for a new build and have signed a Sales and Purchase Agreement. We strongly recommend you consult our experts for advice on seeking pre-approval.

Withdrawal

Entering the property market can be a challenge for first-home buyers. This is why, in some cases, you may be able to withdraw funds from your KiwiSaver account to help you buy or build your first home.

If you have been a member of KiwiSaver for three years and haven’t used your KiwiSaver account for a home previously, then you may be eligible to withdraw your funds to go towards your first home. This includes voluntary and compulsory contributions from your employer, your own contributions, and tax credits. You will be required to leave a minimum of $1,000 in the account.

After purchasing, you must live in the home for at least six months, as you may not use your KiwiSaver money for an investment property.

There are some circumstances in which you may use your KiwiSaver money if you have previously owned a home, this is called a Second Chance Withdrawal, and our advisers will be able to guide you through this process.

You will need to contact your KiwiSaver provider to apply for withdrawal of money, so it is important you choose a company that knows the scheme inside and out.

After approval is granted, the money will be deposited directly to your solicitor or conveyancing practitioner. Some or all of the withdrawal amount may be paid to the stakeholder, and will be put towards the deposit. If for some reason the settlement is not completed the vendor or real estate agency is obliged to return the money to your solicitor, which will be placed back into your KiwiSaver account. Any balance withdrawn that is not used for a deposit is held by your solicitor for settlement. There are measures in place to return any residual funds if settlement is not completed.

You will remain a KiwiSaver member after you have made your withdrawal for your first home, making contributions or taking a contributions holiday to focus on repaying your mortgage. The team at Lifetime is dedicated to the very best outcome for you and your investment, guiding you through this process from beginning to end.

First Home Grant

The KiwiSaver First Home Grant can also assist you if you are eligible. The First Home Grant administered by Housing New Zealand may contribute up to $5,000 for a pre-existing home or $10,000 towards the cost of a new build. For a couple, this can together be up to $10,000 for an existing home or $20,000 for a new build.

The KiwiSaver First Home Grant value is based on the type of property you are purchasing and how long you have been actively contributing to KiwiSaver. The following chart shows the amount available per person:

Existing Home 

3 years $3,000

4 years $4,000

5 years $5,000

New Build

3 years $6,000

4 years $8,000

5 years $10,000

There are times you may be able to apply to withdraw KiwiSaver money even if you have had a home before – depending on your circumstances – with a Second Chance Withdrawal Application. In these cases, Housing New Zealand becomes involved in the process.

You can begin the process of searching for your first home up to six months before you commit to a property by applying for pre-approval. Once this has been organised and as long as you stay within the six month valid period, you will only need to provide a copy of the signed agreement for sale and purchase, along with proof of a deposit of at least 10% of the purchase price, within ten working days prior to your settlement date.

Lifetime has advisers trained in all areas of buying and selling homes, loans, KiwiSaver withdrawal, business advisory, accounting, and insurance. Come speak with us on how to best manage your purchase, save money on your loan, and where to get the right legal advice from a lawyer if needed.
It makes sense to come to us. Our personal service and expertise will make you feel confident that you are doing all the right things while applying for your First Home Grant so it all goes smoothly.

KiwiSaver First Home Purchase Criteria

There are a few conditions to using a KiwiSaver withdrawal and/or the First Home Grant, such as a combined household income of less than $150,000 and having a deposit of at least 5% of the purchase price of the home, including the grant.

The criteria are;

  • Been contributing to for the minimum amount of 3 years (the 3 years doesn’t need to be consistent as long as it adds up to 3 years’ worth of contributions)
  • You have not made a withdrawal from your scheme to purchase a home or land previously
  • You intend to live in the home for at least 6 months
  • You have a household income (before tax) of less than $95,000 per year for one individual or $150,000 combined
  • You have at least 5% deposit of the overall property or land value, including the addition of the grant
  • You are over 18

Once these factors are met, you will need to work out the amount you or other purchasers can remove from the contributions you, your employers, and Government Member Tax Contributions have made. The next step is to correctly apply for withdrawal of funds, a process we are more than happy and qualified to assist you with.

 

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