Buying guide
Low deposit home loans: how to buy your first home sooner
Got less than 20%? No worries.

AI summary
Buying your first home with a low deposit is possible, though it may involve higher costs. Seeking advice from a mortgage broker is a crucial first step to navigate your options and strengthen your application.
Several pathways can help you buy sooner:
- The First Home Loan scheme, backed by Kāinga Ora, allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit.
- Use your Kiwisaver for a deposit.
- Get help from family through gifting or as a guarantor.
Get advice right away
Buying with a small deposit is possible – but there are drawbacks
There's help available if you're sturggling to save a deposit.
Getting a little help from the government
First home loan scheme - 5% deposit loans
Kiwisaver withdrawal
Rent to own schemes
State house purchasing
Saving for a house in NZ isn't easy/.
Getting help from family and friends
Author
Discover More

Interest rate predictions from NZ economists: 2026 & 2027
We don’t have a crystal ball, but we’ve got the next best thing - the opinions of bank economists
WATCH: How The Curve's Sophie Hallwright Bought 2 Properties in 12 Months
The Curve co-founder Sophie Hallwright reveals the exact strategy she used to buy two houses in just 12 months.
Search
Other articles you might like

.jpg)




