KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal Guide โ Rules, Eligibility, and Amounts in NZ
the KiwiSaver first home withdrawal in New Zealand. The guide covers the eligibility criteria (the minimum 3 years of membership, the first home buyer status), the withdrawal amounts (the member contributions, the employer contributions, the investment returns), and the First Home Grant eligibility.
Withdrawal Eligibility and Amounts
The KiwiSaver members may withdraw the savings for the first home purchase after the minimum 3 years of membership. The eligible withdrawal includes: (a) the member's contributions, (b) the employer contributions, and (c) the investment returns on those contributions. The member tax credits ($521 per year from the Government) and the KiwiSaver First Home Grant are separate and are applied through the Kฤinga Ora. The withdrawal application is made through the KiwiSaver provider using the IRD-approved process. The withdrawn amount is tax-free. See our KiwiSaver Guide → for the broader KiwiSaver rules.
First Home Grant
The First Home Grant (previously the HomeStart Grant) is available through Kฤinga Ora for the eligible first home buyers. The grant amounts: up to $5,000 per person ($10,000 for the couple) for the existing properties, and up to $10,000 per person ($20,000 for the couple) for the new builds. The eligibility requires the minimum 3 years of the KiwiSaver membership, the income cap ($95,000 for the individual, $150,000 for the two or more buyers), and the house price cap (varies by the region). The grant does not need to be repaid. See our First Home Buyer Guide → for the comprehensive first home buying process.