Need help navigating your way into your first home? Our specialists, tools, and guides can help you through the maze of saving a deposit, getting conditional approval, making an offer and choosing the right loan structure.
Changes to the Reserve Bank LVR restrictions
You can find out what these changes might mean for you on our understanding loan-to-value ratio page.
Steps on your home loan journey
Saving a deposit
Generally, you need a 20% deposit to qualify for a home loan, but don't be put off by the thought of pulling together all that money. The best thing you can do is get started.
KiwiSaver and your first home
If you’ve been in KiwiSaver for at least three years and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to make a first home withdrawal to go towards buying your first home.
Conditional approval
When you’re looking to buy a house, conditional approval, sometimes called pre-approval, will give you an idea of how much money you’ll be able to borrow.
The property hunt
The process and your home loan options will vary depending on if you’re a first-time buyer, building a home, buying your next home or buying an investment property.
Getting the right home loan
Set your mortgage up in a way that works with your finances and your lifestyle. Fixed, floating, offset, revolving – or a mixture – we’ve got home loan options to suit.
Moving into your home
Now you’ve found your new home it’s time to dot the i’s and cross the t’s on your paperwork so you’re ready for settlement and moving in.
Bank of the Year - Home Loans
We've received Canstar's 2021 Bank of the Year - Home Loans Award.
Guide to home loan options
Fixed, floating, revolving and offset got you confused? We explain the differences and the benefits of the various home loan types we offer in handy videos so you can work out the best structure for you.
The basics of home loans
Before you learn about the different home loan options available, it’s important to understand the basics.
Fixed rate home loan
A fixed rate home loan gives you the benefit of certainty by locking in your interest rate for a specific period of time. Your interest rate will depend on how long you can choose to “fix” the loan for.
Offset home loan
Offset home loans take into account the total balance you have in your linked Kiwibank savings and everyday accounts, before calculating how much interest to charge on your home loan, saving you money on repayments.
Variable rate home loan
A variable rate home loan offers lots of flexibility. The interest rate and the payments you make can change over the term of your loan.
Revolving credit home loan
A revolving credit home loan is the ultimate in flexibility. It works a lot like an overdraft, but on a much larger scale. You have a credit limit which you can draw up to at any time.
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Tools and calculators to get you there
Let's get you into your first home
Our home loan specialists and tools can help you through the journey of buying your first home.
Standard terms and conditions
Displayed interest rates are subject to change. Kiwibank’s lending criteria, terms and conditions, and fees apply.
The calculators should be treated as a guide only. They don't take into account all of your individual circumstances and aren't financial advice.