First Home Grant Eligibility Calculator
The First Home Grant (formerly HomeStart) provides up to $10,000 for an existing home or $20,000 for a new build. This calculator checks the main eligibility criteria and estimates your entitlement.
How this calculation works
Grant amount = years of KiwiSaver contributions (capped at 5) × $1,000 for existing homes or $2,000 for new builds. Income caps of $95,000 (individual) or $150,000 (couple/with dependents) apply. Price caps vary by region. This calculator checks the income and KiwiSaver criteria only — a full application through Kāinga Ora also requires property price cap compliance and other conditions.
Sources
- Kāinga Ora — First Home Grant: kaingaora.govt.nz/home-ownership/first-home-grant/
- Income and house price caps updated July 2026
When to use this
- — Checking whether you likely qualify before applying
- — Estimating the KiwiSaver withdrawal amount you can pair with the grant
- — Comparing existing vs new build grant amounts
Important limitations
- — Does not check property price caps (vary by region and property type)
- — Does not verify deposit adequacy or lender approval
- — Income caps may differ for some regions — confirm with Kāinga Ora
- — The grant is administered by Kāinga Ora, not FHBG
Common questions
Can I get both the First Home Grant and KiwiSaver withdrawal?
Yes. The First Home Grant is separate from the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal. You can typically use both toward the same purchase provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
What if my income is just above the cap?
If your income for the last 12 months exceeds the cap, you won't qualify. Consider waiting until your income qualifies, or check whether a different application type (e.g. with dependents) changes your cap.
Do I need to be a first-home buyer in the same region I'm buying?
Kāinga Ora assesses your situation individually. The income and price caps are region-specific. Contact Kāinga Ora or a registered adviser for your specific circumstances.
Next step
Turn these numbers into a plan.
FHBG can record your planning context and match you with resources — no obligation, no spam.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23. Information only — not financial advice. Use these estimates to prepare better questions before speaking with a lender, lawyer, or regulated adviser.