Property guide · New Zealand
KiwiSaver First-Home Withdrawal — NZ Guide
Understand KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal eligibility in New Zealand, how much may be available, the application process, timing and the $1,000 balance rule.
Reviewed 26 August 2026
Reviewed by KiwiTools editorial team — NZ property researchers using government, council and Inland Revenue sources
General information only, not financial, tax, lending or legal advice. Property, lender and council rules vary; obtain advice and current quotes for the specific purchase.
Key points
Using KiwiSaver for a first home
A member who has belonged to KiwiSaver for at least three years may be eligible to withdraw funds toward a first home.
At least $1,000 must remain in the KiwiSaver account, and the buyer must intend to live in the property.
First-home buyers apply through their scheme provider; qualifying previous homeowners also need a Kāinga Ora determination.
What a first-home withdrawal can and cannot provide
The provider confirms eligibility and amount. The money normally travels through the solicitor for settlement rather than into the buyer’s everyday account.
| Check | Usually available? | Who confirms it? |
|---|---|---|
| Member contributions | Potentially | KiwiSaver provider |
| Employer contributions | Potentially | KiwiSaver provider |
| Government contributions | Potentially | KiwiSaver provider |
| Required retained balance | No—must remain | Provider under current rules |
| Australian transfer amount | Special restrictions can apply | Provider |
Basic first-home withdrawal eligibility
Kāinga Ora says a member may be able to withdraw after at least three years of KiwiSaver membership. The purchase must be for a home the member intends to live in, not an investment property.
Eligibility is determined through the formal process. A calculator can include an estimated available amount but cannot confirm membership history, property eligibility or a provider decision.
How much KiwiSaver may be withdrawn
Eligible savings can generally be withdrawn while leaving at least $1,000 in the account. The provider statement and process determine the actual available amount at the relevant date.
Investment balances change with contributions, fees and market returns. Use a conservative estimate when making an early plan, then replace it with provider-confirmed information before committing.
Related: first home buyer guide Related: house deposit Related: costs buying house
Application process and timing
A first-home buyer applies to the KiwiSaver or complying-fund provider. Begin early because providers require documents and settlement deadlines matter; the money is not simply transferred into the buyer’s everyday account.
Tell the lawyer and lender that KiwiSaver funds are part of the purchase. Follow the provider’s current application pack and allow its stated processing time.
Previous homeowners and common limitations
A previous homeowner may need Kāinga Ora to determine whether they qualify before applying through the provider. Someone who currently owns property or previously used a first-home withdrawal may not qualify under the stated rules.
Do not count an estimated withdrawal twice—as both available cash and a separate deposit contribution. Keep ordinary savings, KiwiSaver, other funds and buying costs as distinct lines.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I be in KiwiSaver before buying a first home?
Kāinga Ora states at least three years of membership for potential first-home withdrawal eligibility.
Can I withdraw my entire KiwiSaver balance?
No. At least $1,000 must remain, and the provider confirms which amounts are available.
Can KiwiSaver buy an investment property?
No. The first-home withdrawal requires an intention to live in the purchased property.
Where do I apply?
A first-home buyer applies through their KiwiSaver provider. A qualifying previous homeowner also needs the applicable Kāinga Ora determination.
Put the guide into practice
Continue with related KiwiTools calculators
Test your own numbers, compare scenarios and return to the guide to check assumptions and limitations.