First home buyer money checklist for Kiwis
Buying a first home is a sequence of money decisions, not a single leap. A checklist keeps the process steadier.
Get your deposit story clear
Know your savings total, any KiwiSaver first-home pathway you may explore, and gifts or family support that would need documentation.
Understand the extras
Legal fees, inspections, moving costs and rates cannot be left until settlement week.
Stress-test the repayment
Ask what the repayment looks like if interest rates move higher. Comfort at today’s number is not the only test.
Talk to the right people early
A mortgage adviser or bank conversation, plus independent legal advice, usually beats last-minute scrambling.
Next step
Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm current details with your bank, KiwiSaver provider, insurer or a qualified New Zealand adviser. Gi Unit is operated by Gi-Unit GmbH and publishes general information only.