Are you considered a first-time buyer in NZ?

Buying your first home is a major milestone. But what actually counts as being a first-time buyer in New Zealand?

With KiwiSaver, Kāinga Ora grants, and bank lending rules all using the term, it’s worth understanding exactly what it means and how it affects your journey toward home ownership.

The basics: Who is a first-time buyer?

In New Zealand, a first-time home buyer is generally someone who has never owned property before. This includes houses, apartments, units, or townhouses – anything with its own property title.

Being a first-time home buyer in NZ can make you eligible for government support such as a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal or the Kāinga Ora grant, both of which can help boost your deposit and make ownership more achievable.

There’s an exception for people who may have owned property in the past but no longer do. If your income and assets fall below certain thresholds, Kāinga Ora may recognise you as a second-chance buyer.

This means you could still qualify for some of the same assistance available to NZ first-time home buyers, helping you re-enter the market when your circumstances have changed.

Why it matters

Being recognised as a first-time buyer opens doors to valuable financial support that can make your first purchase possible sooner.

Understanding the eligibility criteria, checking early with Kāinga Ora, and getting advice from your lender or mortgage adviser can help you plan with confidence.

First-time buyers and property types

Whether you’re looking at townhouses, standalone homes, or apartments, the first-time buyer definition applies across all property types. What matters is that this is your very first property purchase.

Many first-time home buyers in NZ are drawn to modern townhouse designs for their affordability, energy efficiency, and low-maintenance appeal – ideal for getting on the ladder without compromise.

How Faisandier helps first-time buyers

At Faisandier, we build homes designed with first-time home buyers in mind, and this group makes up more than half of our customers.

Our approach is simple:

• Fixed-price homes: no auctions, no surprises.
  
  
• Low-maintenance design: modern materials and efficient layouts that make living easy.
  
  
• Warm, dry, and energy-efficient: homes that meet modern standards for comfort and sustainability.
  
  

For many first-time buyers in NZ, a Faisandier townhouse is the smart first step – a home that’s attainable, future-proofed, and built to last.

You can learn more about how the process works and what support might apply to you here.

Ready to take the first step?

Owning your first home is closer than you think. Explore our townhouses for sale in Lower Hutt and Wellington to see how straightforward getting on the property ladder can be.