If you have never owned a home
Contact your KiwiSaver provider or complying fund. Ask for the amount available, the required application and identity documents, the solicitor or conveyancer confirmation it needs, and the date by which it must receive everything. Current general rules include at least three years in KiwiSaver, leaving $1,000 in the account, and intending to live in the property.
If you have owned a home or land before
This is a separate path. Kāinga Ora may need to determine whether you are in a similar financial position to a first-home buyer. Apply for the previous-homeowner determination, receive the letter confirming whether you qualify, and give that letter to your KiwiSaver provider. Do not treat a previous-homeowner check as a normal first-home declaration.
If family is contributing
Assume the contribution needs documentation. Record who is providing the money, the exact amount, when it will be available, and whether it is a gift, loan, or another arrangement. Get a signed letter or agreement and evidence of the transfer or available funds. Ask the lawyer to confirm the wording before money moves.
Keep deposit sources separate
Save provider letters, bank statements, gift or loan documents, savings history, and any sale-proceeds evidence in one folder. The receiving lender and lawyer may need to see where the deposit came from and whether any obligation attaches to it.
Evidence categories to organise
- KiwiSaver provider balance confirmation
- Provider withdrawal form and identity documents
- Previous-homeowner Kāinga Ora determination if applicable
- Signed family gift or loan document
- Evidence of available family funds
- Savings and transfer history
- Lawyer review before signing or transferring
This guide is general information only. MoreGage does not provide regulated financial advice, a lending assessment, approval, or an offer.