The First Home Grant — administered by Kāinga Ora — provides eligible first home buyers with up to $10,000 per person (or $20,000 for two eligible buyers) toward the purchase of a new build property. New builds attract higher price caps than existing homes, recognising that new construction typically costs more.
For new builds, the First Home Grant pays $2,000 per year of KiwiSaver membership (up to $10,000 per person, max 5 years). Price caps are higher than for existing homes — e.g. Auckland new builds up to $700,000 (vs $625,000 existing). Income caps: $95,000 for single buyers, $150,000 combined. You must have contributed to KiwiSaver for at least 3 years and intend to live in the property for at least 6 months.
Grant Amount — New Build
| Years of KiwiSaver contributions | Grant per eligible person |
|---|---|
| 3 years | $6,000 |
| 4 years | $8,000 |
| 5 years | $10,000 (maximum) |
For two eligible buyers purchasing together, this doubles — up to $20,000 combined.
“New build” definition: A property that has never been lived in and has received its code compliance certificate (CCC) within the last 12 months. Off-plan purchases also qualify.
New Build Price Caps (2026)
Price caps for the First Home Grant — new builds:
| Region | New build price cap |
|---|---|
| Auckland | $700,000 |
| Wellington City / Hutt Valley / Kāpiti | $650,000 |
| Christchurch / Nelson / Tasman | $650,000 |
| Queenstown-Lakes | $650,000 |
| Hamilton / Tauranga / Western Bay of Plenty | $650,000 |
| Rest of New Zealand | $600,000 |
Note: These are Kāinga Ora’s published caps as at early 2026. Always verify current caps at kaingaora.govt.nz — they are reviewed periodically.
For comparison, existing home price caps are typically $75,000–$100,000 lower per region.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the First Home Grant on a new build, you must:
- Be a first home buyer — or have not owned property in the past (some exceptions apply for previous owners who no longer own property and meet the “second chance” criteria)
- KiwiSaver member for 3+ years — with regular contributions (minimum 3% of salary, or $1,000/year if self-employed/on a break)
- Income within caps — $95,000 gross individual; $150,000 combined (before tax, for the previous 12 months)
- Purchase price within regional cap — see table above
- Intend to live in the property for at least 6 months — cannot be used for investment purchases
- New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
First Home Grant vs KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal
These are two separate schemes that can be used simultaneously:
| Scheme | What it provides | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First Home Grant | Cash grant ($6,000–$10,000 per person) | Kāinga Ora / Crown funding |
| KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal | Your own KiwiSaver balance | Your KiwiSaver fund |
Most eligible first home buyers use both. The grant is additional money on top of your KiwiSaver withdrawal — not a replacement.
How to Apply
- Pre-apply at kaingaora.govt.nz to get an eligibility decision (takes approximately 10 working days)
- Find a property and sign a sale and purchase agreement (conditional on grant/finance)
- Apply for the full grant with your sale and purchase agreement, KiwiSaver membership certificate, and income evidence
- Settlement — Kāinga Ora pays the grant directly to your solicitor at settlement
Apply as early as possible in your home search. Pre-approval gives you certainty on your total available deposit.
Combining Grant with First Home Loan
The First Home Grant can also be combined with the First Home Loan — which allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit (the remaining 15% is government-guaranteed). Using both together:
- 5% deposit from your savings/KiwiSaver withdrawal
- Up to $10,000 per person from the First Home Grant (counts toward deposit)
- 95% mortgage via First Home Loan
This is the most accessible combination for first home buyers with limited savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the First Home Grant apply to house and land packages?
Yes — provided the property is a new build (not previously lived in) and settlement occurs after the code compliance certificate (CCC) is issued. Off-plan and house and land packages both qualify.
What if the new build price exceeds the regional cap?
You cannot use the First Home Grant if the purchase price exceeds the regional price cap — there is no pro-rating. You can still use your KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal.
Can the grant be used as part of my deposit for LVR purposes?
Yes. The grant money paid to your solicitor at settlement counts toward your deposit for LVR purposes. Your bank will include it in their deposit calculation.
Do I need to pay back the First Home Grant?
Yes — if you sell or stop living in the property within 6 months of settlement, you may be required to repay the grant. Kāinga Ora can place a caveat on the title to protect this requirement.
What if I have previously owned property?
There is a “second chance” provision for applicants who previously owned property but no longer do, and whose financial position is similar to a first home buyer. Eligibility is assessed by Kāinga Ora. Contact them directly to discuss your situation.