First Home Buyer | Mortgage Advice to Buy Your First Home

Helping First Home Buyers in the Waikato get to “YES”

A First Home Buyer often has questions about deposits, KiwiSaver withdrawals and how much they may be able to borrow.

Our role is to help first home buyers understand their options and navigate the mortgage process with confidence.

Before starting your property search, it helps to understand how much you can borrow for a mortgage based on your income, deposit and expenses.

Navigating the Hamilton property market as a First Home Buyer means more than just finding a house; it’s about having the right deposit structure and KiwiSaver strategy in place.

1. Getting Your ‘Skin in the Game’
You don’t always need a 20% deposit to get a ‘YES’ in the Waikato. We can help you explore First Home Loans that require as little as 5% deposit, helping you get out of the rental trap sooner.

2. Maximising Your KiwiSaver & Grants
Your KiwiSaver is often your biggest asset as a First Home Buyer. We’ll guide you through the withdrawal process and check your eligibility for the First Home Grant to ensure no money is left on the table.

3. Structuring for the ‘Tradie Rule’
If you’re a self-employed tradie in Te Rapa or Frankton, the banks can be tricky. We specialise in the ‘2-Year Tradie Rule,’ packaging your application so the bank sees your actual income, not just your tax returns.

Andre is amazing to deal with—prompt, efficient, and really knows his stuff. I’d highly recommend him to anyone looking to secure their first home!

Thanks to Andre, we bought our first home! He provided all the info we needed and made the entire experience easy and enjoyable. 100% recommend.

Andre was awesome helping us through the madness of buying our first home. Professional, knowledgeable, and has a great sense of humour!

Awesome service and great communication. I highly recommend Andre if you are looking for a mortgage broker who actually delivers

Andre helped us into our first home. He speaks our language and was incredibly patient, ensuring we understood everything. Amazing service!

The service and knowledge here are outstanding. Andre always delivers the best results for his clients. Highly recommended!

Why a First Home Buyer Needs Expert Guidance

Many first home buyers aren’t sure where to start with their mortgage. From navigating KiwiSaver withdrawals and first home loan options to understanding LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio), having a local Hamilton adviser makes all the difference.

We simplify the madness. We’ll explain your deposit options and bank structures in plain English, ensuring you’re ready to bid with confidence at the next auction or deadline sale.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions

KiwiSaver & 5% Deposits

We’ll help you navigate KiwiSaver withdrawals and check your eligibility for the First Home Loan scheme, which could get you into a home with as little as a 5% deposit.

Bank Strategy

We don’t just go to your own bank. We shop your application to the lenders who “get” your situation—crucial for Waikato tradies and the self-employed.

Stress-Free Approval

From structuring the loan to explaining the fine print in plain English, we handle the heavy lifting so you can bid at auction with total confidence.

Ready to Take the Stress Out of Your First Home Purchase?

Don’t guess your way into the biggest debt of your life. Get the structure right from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions by First Time Buyers

Do I need a deposit if I’m a first home buyer?

Yes, but for first home buyers, the required deposit can be lower (for example, via schemes like Kāinga Ora First Home Loan).

What is the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan?

The Kāinga Ora First Home Loan helps first-time buyers with lower deposit requirements (sometimes as low as 5%) so they can get into a home sooner.

Can I use my KiwiSaver for a first home deposit?

Yes — many first home buyers use their KiwiSaver savings to help with their deposit.

Do all first home buyers qualify for special lending conditions?

It depends on your financial situation, your income, and other eligibility criteria. A mortgage broker can help you navigate which first-home schemes you might qualify for.

Is there an insurance premium on first home loans?

Yes, for certain first home loans (like Kāinga Ora’s), there's an insurance premium (e.g., 1.2% of the loan) that can either be paid upfront or capitalised into the loan.

What other costs should a first home buyer prepare for?

In addition to the deposit, costs may include legal fees, valuation costs, insurance, and other transaction fees.