First Home Grant Closed — Check Alternatives
The First Home Grant (formerly HomeStart) closed in May 2024 and is no longer available. No new applications are being accepted. Current buyers should check the First Home Loan (5% deposit minimum), KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal, or shared-equity options instead.
How this calculation works
The First Home Grant closed in May 2024 and is no longer accepting applications. This calculator retains the income and KiwiSaver eligibility checks for reference only — the grant amount will always show $0 because the scheme has ended. Current buyers should use the First Home Loan calculator (5% deposit minimum) and KiwiSaver withdrawal calculator instead.
Sources
- Kāinga Ora — First Home Grant closed: kaingaora.govt.nz/home-ownership/
- First Home Loan: kaingaora.govt.nz/home-ownership/first-home-loan/
- KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal: kaingaora.govt.nz/home-ownership/kiwisaver-withdrawal/
When to use this
- — Confirming the First Home Grant is closed and your KiwiSaver/income profile for reference
- — Redirecting to the First Home Loan and KiwiSaver withdrawal calculators for current options
- — Understanding what the old income caps were (for historical comparison only)
Important limitations
- — The First Home Grant closed in May 2024 — no new applications are being processed
- — Income caps shown are the historical caps that applied when the grant was active
- — This calculator no longer estimates any grant amount — returns $0
- — Use the First Home Loan and KiwiSaver withdrawal calculators for current first-home buyer support
Common questions
Is the First Home Grant still available?
No. The First Home Grant closed in May 2024 and is no longer accepting applications. The calculator is preserved for reference only and always returns $0.
What replaced the First Home Grant?
There is no direct replacement. Current first-home buyer support includes the First Home Loan (5% deposit minimum through Kāinga Ora), KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal, and various shared-equity programmes depending on your region. Use our First Home Loan and KiwiSaver calculators to check your current options.
Can I still use my KiwiSaver for a first home?
Yes. KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal is still available for eligible first-home buyers. This is separate from the closed First Home Grant. Check our KiwiSaver withdrawal calculator for details.
Next step
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Last reviewed: 2026-08-05. Information only — not financial advice. Use these estimates to prepare better questions before speaking with a lender, lawyer, or regulated adviser.