How to Use KiwiSaver for Your First Home in 2026

KiwiSaver can be a powerful tool for getting into your first home. Here's what you need to know in 2026.

To be eligible for a first-home withdrawal, you must have been a KiwiSaver member for at least three years and not currently own a home. You can withdraw all funds except a minimum $1,000 balance.

The First Home Grant closed on 22 May 2024 and has not been replaced. What remains is the withdrawal itself, and — separately — a Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, which can let some buyers purchase with a 5% deposit. Income and house-price caps apply to that loan.

Choosing the right KiwiSaver fund matters too — a growth fund may build your deposit faster, but carries more risk. We help you balance growth with your timeline.