The short answer
KÄinga Ora closed the First Home Grant to new applications in May 2024. Do not include the old grant in your deposit total, calculator result, finance condition or offer strategy.
What to check instead
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1. KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal
Eligible members can generally withdraw most of their KiwiSaver balance after at least three years of membership, while leaving the required minimum in the account. Each buyer should request a current estimate and process guide directly from their KiwiSaver provider.
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2. KÄinga Ora First Home Loan
The First Home Loan is a separate programme from the closed grant. It may allow an eligible buyer to purchase with a lower deposit through a participating lender. Income, property, occupancy and lender criteria apply and can change.
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3. Lender and adviser options
Ask a lender or licensed mortgage adviser to compare current low-deposit policy, servicing tests, fees, cashback conditions and any restrictions that apply to your property type.
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4. A deposit plan that works without a grant
Build the plan from confirmed KiwiSaver funds, cash savings, documented family support and a settlement-cost buffer. Treat unconfirmed incentives as zero until the provider confirms them in writing.
Verification checklist
- Get a KiwiSaver withdrawal estimate from each buyer's provider
- Check current First Home Loan criteria with KÄinga Ora and a participating lender
- Keep legal, valuation, inspection, moving and initial ownership costs outside the deposit
- Recheck support settings before making an offer because programme rules can change
Primary sources
Use KÄinga Ora's First Home Grant closure notice and First Home Loan guidance, plus your KiwiSaver provider's current withdrawal guide. This page is information only and was reviewed on 13 July 2026.