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KiwiSaver First Home Grant - Discontinued from 22 May 2024

The First Home Grant was discontinued on 22 May 2024 - this guide has information about alternatives
Updated 7 April 2026

The First Home Grant was discontinued on 22 May 2024. Applications are no longer accepted and no new grants will be paid.

The grant provided eligible KiwiSaver members with between $3,000 and $10,000 towards purchasing their first home, depending on how long they had contributed and whether the property was new or existing. It was administered by Kainga Ora.

What options do first home buyers have now?
While the First Home Grant is no longer available, there are several ways to use your KiwiSaver and access support when buying your first home:
  • KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal - You can withdraw most of your KiwiSaver balance (excluding the $1,000 government kickstart and any member tax credits) to put towards a house deposit. This remains available and is separate from the discontinued grant. Our full guide explains the process and eligibility.
  • First Home Partner Scheme - Kainga Ora's shared ownership scheme allows eligible buyers to co-own a home with Kainga Ora, reducing the deposit and mortgage needed. Eligibility depends on income, location and household size.
  • First Home Loan - Selected banks offer government-backed first home loans requiring as little as a 5% deposit (rather than the standard 20%), with no low-equity margin. Kainga Ora administers eligibility, and income and house price caps apply.

If you are unsure what you qualify for, a mortgage broker can assess your full situation at no cost to you.
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