Your Path to Homeownership Starts Here
We simplify the first home buying journey, from mortgage pre-approval to settlement. Get expert guidance and competitive rates across 20+ lenders.
Becoming a homeowner is achievable. Whether you're saving your first deposit or ready to apply, we'll guide you through every step with clarity and expert support.
Purchasing your first home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make. Our role is to make the mortgage process clear, simple, and stress-free.
How EasyMortgage Helps First-Home Buyers
We handle the mortgage complexity so you can focus on finding your ideal home:
- Affordability Assessment – We’ll calculate your borrowing capacity and review your budget to set realistic purchasing goals based on your income and savings.
- Deposit Strategy – Whether you’re starting from scratch or have savings, we’ll help you build or deploy your deposit efficiently through high-interest saver accounts and strategic planning.
- Kāinga Ora Home Loan Eligibility – We’ll assess whether you qualify for the 5% deposit Welcome Home Loan through Kiwibank (available for eligible first-home buyers under specific income thresholds).
- Rate Comparison Across 20+ Lenders – Rather than visiting banks individually, we access wholesale rates and specialist lenders, ensuring you get the best deal available.
- End-to-End Guidance – From pre-approval through property offer, due diligence, inspections, and settlement, we’ll guide you step-by-step and answer all your questions.
- KiwiSaver Withdrawal Support – If you have KiwiSaver, we’ll help you understand your withdrawal options and maximize your HomeStart grant eligibility.
Understanding First-Home Buyer Mortgages
First-home buyers have access to specialized loan products designed to make homeownership achievable with smaller deposits than traditional mortgages. The most common option is the Kāinga Ora Home Loan, which allows eligible first-home buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit.
Key advantages include:
- Lower deposit requirement compared to standard mortgages (20%)
- Competitive interest rates through participating lenders
- No ongoing restrictions once you own the property
- Flexibility to refinance or switch lenders at maturity
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll assess your situation, answer your questions, and create a personalized roadmap to homeownership.
Kāinga Ora Home Loan – 5% Deposit First-Home Buyer Option
Why Consider the Kāinga Ora Home Loan?
- Only 5% deposit required for eligible first-home buyers
- Designed specifically for first-time homeowners to make homeownership achievable sooner
- Available through Kiwibank and selected participating lenders
- Competitive interest rates with no long-term restrictions
Are You Eligible for the Welcome Home Loan?
To qualify for the Welcome Home Loan, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or resident visa holder living in New Zealand
- Be a first-home buyer (or in a similar financial position with no current property ownership)
- Have annual household income within these limits:
- $95,000 or less (single buyer without dependants)
- $150,000 or less (single buyer with dependants or joint buyers)
- Have a 5% deposit saved or available (including personal savings, KiwiSaver funds, family gifts, or HomeStart grants)
- Be purchasing a residential property to live in (not as an investment property)
- Property must be under 1 hectare in size
- Not currently own any residential property (excluding Māori freehold or communal land)
Additional requirements: You’ll also need to meet your lender’s standard lending criteria, including credit history assessment, employment verification, and serviceability checks to confirm you can afford the repayments.
Maximizing Your Deposit
Your 5% deposit can come from:
- Personal savings and bank accounts
- KiwiSaver contributions and withdrawal (available after 3 years membership for first-home buyers)
- KiwiSaver HomeStart grant (if you’ve contributed for 3+ years)
- Family gifts or loans (we can advise on structure)
- Combination of above sources
We’ll help you understand your options and maximize the funds available to you for your purchase.