Full NZ Process Guide

Your Pathway to Keys in Hand.

Buying your first home in NZ has a few moving parts. We've mapped out the logic so you can focus on the excitement. Use the roadmap below as an information-only checklist, then bring in a qualified adviser, lawyer, or inspector when the decision needs professional advice.

Start With BudgetView The Flowchart

Buyer roadmap

From deposit to keys

7 steps
1

Prep & Save

Check KiwiSaver eligibility

2

Lender Match

Connect with a broker

3

The Hunt

Use Suburb Explorer

4

Due Diligence

Book building inspection

5

The Offer

Consult your lawyer

The Home Ownership Flow

Step-by-step from $0 to settlement.

1. Prep & Save

Read Detailed Guide

The foundation of your journey. Maximize your KiwiSaver and build your deposit.

Check KiwiSaver eligibility
Set a savings goal
Use our deposit calculator

2. Lender Match

Read Detailed Guide

Get your pre-approval sorted so you know exactly what you can bid.

Connect with a broker
Submit docs for pre-approval
Understand DTI limits

3. The Hunt

Read Detailed Guide

Explore suburbs that fit your budget and lifestyle. Attend open homes.

Use Suburb Explorer
Attend open homes
Check school zones

4. Due Diligence

Read Detailed Guide

The logic phase. Check the building and the land records.

Book building inspection
Review LIM report
Survey the neighborhood

5. The Offer

Read Detailed Guide

Draft your Sale & Purchase Agreement. Negotiate through the agent.

Consult your lawyer
Set your conditions
Make the offer

6. Unconditional

Read Detailed Guide

The "point of no return". Your finance and insurance are confirmed.

Confirm final finance
Secure house insurance
Sign legal docs

7. Settlement Day

Read Detailed Guide

The keys are handed over. Your journey to owner-occupier is complete!

Pre-settlement inspection
Transfer of funds
Collect the keys!

Don't Walk Alone.

Every step is easier when you know which professional to speak with and what to ask. FHBG helps you prepare the questions before you request a mortgage adviser match.

Connect With A SpecialistGet Free Packs

Auction Advice

Special strategies for winning bidding wars.

Grant Support

Using Kainga Ora grants correctly.

Inspection Help

What to look for in older NZ homes.

Information only

We explain the process, then point you to qualified professionals.

Practical NZ buying sequence

This flow keeps the process in a sensible order: budget first, research next, then professional review before you make decisions that carry legal or financial risk.

  • First-party lead capture

    Requests are recorded by FHBG before any partner handoff.

  • Consent-led referrals

    A match request is optional and does not replace regulated advice.