Family guarantee vs gifted deposit in NZ: how parents can help without risking their home
Parents can help a first home buyer with a gifted deposit (cash, confirmed with a gift letter) or a family guarantee (no cash, extra security over part of their home, usually capped at the gap to 20%). Here’s how each works and how to limit the risk.
NZ housing market update: October 2026 prices, listings and what to expect
The latest REINZ figures for the NZ housing market, what is driving them, and what they mean for first home buyers and investors.
How much deposit do you need to buy a house in NZ?
20% gives the most choice, 10% works with most banks and 5% is possible through Kāinga Ora, BNZ or YouOwn. See what each costs on the median NZ and Auckland price.
Sale and purchase agreement NZ: key clauses, finance and due diligence
What the ADLS/REINZ sale and purchase agreement is, what changed in 2026, and the finance, deposit and settlement clauses to understand before you sign.
First home grant NZ: it has closed, here’s what to use instead
The First Home Grant closed in May 2024. Here’s what first home buyers can still use in 2026: KiwiSaver, the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, and 5% deposit options.
I pay $900 a week in rent, so why can’t I get a mortgage?
Banks don’t judge your borrowing power on your rent. How credit card limits, Afterpay, car loans, student loans and dependants cut what you can borrow, and how to fix it in a few months.
First home buyers: this market is better for you than it feels
Soft prices, plenty of listings and first home rates from 4.49%. What first home buyers can do now with a 5 to 10% deposit, new build or existing, and what the election may change.
Due diligence clause NZ: what it covers and how it fits with finance
What a due diligence clause covers when you buy a house in NZ, how long it should be, how it fits with your finance condition, and what happens if you pull out.
Kāinga Ora First Home Loan: who qualifies, income caps, costs and how to apply
Who qualifies for the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, the income caps, the 1.2% premium, whether there’s a house price cap, and how to apply through a participating lender.
Auction, tender or multi-offer: how the sale method decides what you can offer
The sale method decides how much you have to spend before you know whether you have a house. Auctions are unconditional, tenders are one shot, multi-offers are blind. Here is what each one costs you up front.
From Pre-Approval to Settlement: What Actually Happens After You Find a House?
Found a house? What happens from pre-approval to settlement in NZ: the condition period, going unconditional, loan documents, KiwiSaver, insurance and settlement day.
Can I Use My KiwiSaver for a First Home? The Rules Buyers Get Wrong
Yes, if you’ve been in KiwiSaver for three years and will live in the home. What you can withdraw, how the timing works, and the five rules NZ first home buyers get wrong.