Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones in your life. It can also be one of the most complex. Between KiwiSaver, Kāinga Ora, and varying bank criteria, knowing where to start is often the hardest part.
We don't just find you a loan; we build a strategy. Whether you are ready to buy today or need a plan to get "mortgage-ready" for next year, we are with you every step of the way.
Have you owned a home before but find yourself in a similar financial position to a first-home buyer? In New Zealand, you may still be eligible for "First Home" benefits if Kāinga Ora deems you to be in the same financial position as a first-home buyer (often due to a relationship split). We can help you navigate this application.
A first home loan is designed for people entering the property market for the first time. In New Zealand, this can include a range of options such as:
We help you understand which options you qualify for and how to make the most of them.
We help you calculate your total deposit, including KiwiSaver withdrawals and gifted equity.
We compare the Big Four banks alongside smaller, flexible lenders to find the best interest rates.
We specialize in First Home Loans (5% deposit) and guide you through specific eligibility.
We explain "LVR," "Conditional Approval," and "Settlement" the way the client understands it.
In most cases, our service is free to you as we are compensated by the lenders.
You aren’t just getting an adviser; you’re getting a partner from pre-approval to settlement.
Before we meet, it’s helpful to gather these items to secure your pre-approval:
Last 3 months of payslips or 2 years of financials if self-employed.
A valid NZ Passport or Driver’s License (plus residency/visa proof if applicable).
3 to 6 months of statements for all accounts to show "savings habits".
A recent letter showing your "First Home Withdrawal" balance.
Details of any Student Loans, car loans, or Credit Card limits.
Once your documents are ready, we can help you move toward pre-approval.
A free chat to assess your goals, finances, timeline, and set your "buying budget".
We help you gather everything lenders need—no guesswork.
We handle the paperwork to get you a "Yes" from the bank before you start bidding.
You find the house; we help you check the LIM and Builder’s Reports.
Once you find the one, we negotiate the best rates and cash-back offers.
We manage the fund transfer with your lawyer and celebrate when you get the keys!
| Feature | Kāinga Ora First Home Loan | KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A mortgage with only a 5% deposit. | Using your own savings from your KiwiSaver. |
| The Benefit | Buy a home sooner with less savings. | The largest part of most first-home deposits. |
| Key Rule | Income caps apply. | Must have been a member for at least 3 years. |
| Property | Must be your primary residence. | Can be used for existing or new builds. |
Most banks prefer 20%, but options exist for 10% or even 5% with Kāinga Ora.
This depends on income, expenses, and debt. We provide a borrowing power assessment in our first meeting.
Banks often provide cash when you take a mortgage. We negotiate for the maximum where available.
Typically 10 to 15 working days, depending on the lender and your documents.
Don't wait until you find the perfect house to talk to us. The best time to speak with an adviser is 6 months before you want to buy. We will help you "groom" your accounts and maximize your borrowing power so you are ready to pounce.
View our Google Reviews and see how Genesis Mortgages has helped first-home buyers across New Zealand.
We compare options across a wide network of trusted lenders to help you secure the right loan structure for your goals.
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