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Hunt for the Hundy: Where $100,000 buys a full 20% deposit in 2026
Discover how a $100k prize can cover up to 100% of a 20% home deposit across New Zealand's regions and property types.
Last updated: 27 August 2026
AI summary
A $100,000 prize from Trade Me's Hunt for the Hundy can be a game-changer for homebuyers, covering a full 20% deposit in affordable regions like the West Coast and Southland.
The prize also covers the entire deposit for specific properties in major centres, including Wellington city apartments and Christchurch city units. Nationally, $100k covers over 60% of the deposit for an average-priced home, significantly reducing mortgage repayments and saving over $110,000 in long-term interest.
The Deep South advantage
Where $100k goes further. Greymouth and Hokitika on the West Coast, and Invercargill in the Deep South.
Property type breakdown: Units vs. townhouses vs. apartments
Apartments, townhouses and units, where $100k can go a long way towards a 20% deposit.
Main center spotlight: Big city bargains
The repayment factor: What $100,000 saves you monthly
Supercharging your deposit with KiwiSaver
| Region | Average asking price (July 2026) | 20% deposit required | Portion covered by $100k prize | Remaining cash needed for 20% deposit | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | West Coast | $491,400 | $491,400 | $98,280 | $98,280 | 100% | 100% | $0 (+$1,720 surplus) | $0 (+$1,720 surplus) |
| Southland | Southland | $529,000 | $529,000 | $105,800 | $105,800 | 95% | 95% | $5,800 | $5,800 |
| Manawatū / Whanganui | Manawatū / Whanganui | $552,750 | $552,750 | $110,550 | $110,550 | 91% | 91% | $10,550 | $10,550 |
| Taranaki | Taranaki | $633,400 | $633,400 | $126,680 | $126,680 | 79% | 79% | $26,680 | $26,680 |
| Marlborough | Marlborough | $673,550 | $673,550 | $134,710 | $134,710 | 74% | 74% | $34,710 | $34,710 |
| Canterbury | Canterbury | $721,400 | $721,400 | $144,280 | $144,280 | 69% | 69% | $44,280 | $44,280 |
| Northland | Northland | $727,950 | $727,950 | $145,590 | $145,590 | 69% | 69% | $45,590 | $45,590 |
| Hawke's Bay | Hawke's Bay | $742,750 | $742,750 | $148,550 | $148,550 | 67% | 67% | $48,550 | $48,550 |
| Wellington | Wellington | $744,750 | $744,750 | $148,950 | $148,950 | 67% | 67% | $48,950 | $48,950 |
| Waikato | Waikato | $787,000 | $787,000 | $157,400 | $157,400 | 64% | 64% | $57,400 | $57,400 |
| Nelson / Tasman | Nelson / Tasman | $803,100 | $803,100 | $160,620 | $160,620 | 62% | 62% | $60,620 | $60,620 |
| Bay of Plenty | Bay of Plenty | $870,150 | $870,150 | $174,030 | $174,030 | 58% | 58% | $74,030 | $74,030 |
| Otago | Otago | $924,650 | $924,650 | $184,930 | $184,930 | 54% | 54% | $84,930 | $84,930 |
| Auckland | Auckland | $981,050 | $981,050 | $196,210 | $196,210 | 51% | 51% | $96,210 | $96,210 |
