Is a First Home Loan the same thing as a First Home Grant?

No. The First Home Grant is available to first home buyers who have been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least 3 years and meet Kāinga Ora’s eligibility criteria. It provides eligible first home buyers with:

  • a grant of up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for two or more eligible buyers to put towards the purchase of an existing/older home
  • a grant of up to $10,000 for individuals and up to $20,000 for two or more eligible buyers to help with the costs of purchasing a brand-new home

Regional price caps apply for homes available to purchase under the First Home Grant scheme. To find out if you are eligible, or for more information, visit the Kāinga Ora website.

Can I use a First Home Loan and a First Home Grant together to purchase a home?

Yes. You may use a First Home Grant in addition to a First Home Loan to purchase your first home, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and have submitted a successful application for each separately. To find out if you are eligible for a First Home Grant, visit the Kāinga Ora website. 

More frequently asked questions about home loans

You may find the answer on one of the pages below: