What the current rules say
Inland Revenue guidance says members generally need at least three years in KiwiSaver and must leave $1,000 in the account. You must intend to live in the property; investment use is not the same purpose.
Who handles the withdrawal?
The withdrawal is handled through your KiwiSaver scheme provider or supervisor. Kāinga Ora handles relevant first-home-buyer determinations for some previous homeowners. Confirm the current process with the organisations involved.
Build the evidence trail
Ask the provider what forms, identity checks, solicitor or conveyancer confirmation, and timing it requires. Keep contribution history and withdrawal correspondence with the rest of the deposit record.
Illustrative example
Hemi confirms the provider’s process before making an offer and keeps separate funds available for costs that cannot be treated as the purchase deposit.
Evidence categories to organise
- KiwiSaver membership history
- Provider withdrawal instructions
- Proof of identity
- Solicitor or conveyancer confirmation
- Deposit timing
- Funds remaining for other costs
This guide is general information only. MoreGage does not provide regulated financial advice, a lending assessment, approval, or an offer.