Buying guide

Home loans for first home buyers: A beginner’s guide

Finance, sorted.

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 27 August 2025 | 5 min read
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Securing your first home loan is achievable with planning. Start by researching sold prices on Trade Me Property Insights to establish a budget. Aim to save a 20% deposit, though lower options may be available for new builds.

Before applying, improve your finances by reducing debt and demonstrating genuine savings. Seek expert advice from a mortgage broker or bank and explore assistance like Kiwisaver withdrawal or a Kāinga Ora loan. Getting pre-approval is a crucial step before you start your property search.

Get an idea of what your budget needs to be

Get your deposit together

Sort your finances out

Sorting out your finances will make getting your first home loan much easier.

Speak to a professional about home loans for first home buyers

Get as much help as you can

Find the one (or a few)

Arranging finance should be one of the first things you do when buying a home.

Make an offer or bid at auction

Settle and move in

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer