Desired Outcome
What is it you want to achieve? Whether it’s finance for a first home, a new build, your next home, an investment or refinancing, we can help you achieve your goal.
First Home Buyers New Zealand
Get into your first home with expert help by your side.
Let us help you with the purchase of your first home & get a better deal than you can on your own.
Getting into your first home, whether it’s purchasing an existing home or building a new home, can be both time-consuming and confusing.
But when it comes to the mortgage part of this journey, we can help!
Whether you’re buying or building your first home, Rapson’s independent mortgage brokers compare all the major NZ lenders to secure the best loan structure, at no cost to you.
First Home Buyer Eligibility NZ
What deposit do you need for your first home?
Getting into your first home, whether it’s purchasing an existing home or building a new home, can be both time-consuming and confusing.
But when it comes to the mortgage part of this journey, we can help!
Whether you’re buying or building your first home, Rapson’s independent mortgage brokers compare all the major NZ lenders to secure the best loan structure, at no cost to you.
5% Deposit — First Home Loan
The government-backed First Home Loan (via Kāinga Ora) allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit. Participating lenders include major NZ banks.
- NZ citizen or permanent resident
- Income under $95K (single) / $150K (two+)
- Have not owned property before (in most cases)
- Property price must be within regional caps
10% Deposit — Low-Equity Lending
Some lenders accept a 10% deposit under their low-equity lending policies. A low-equity margin (higher interest) may apply until you reach 20% equity.
- Strong credit history preferred
- Stable employment and income required
- Lender assesses debt-to-income ratio
- May include a low-equity premium (LEP)
- KiwiSaver withdrawal can contribute to the 10%
20% Deposit — Standard Mortgage
A 20% deposit unlocks the widest range of lenders and the best interest rates, with no low-equity margin applied to your mortgage.
- Access to all NZ bank products
- Best available interest rates
- No low-equity margin surcharge
- More lender flexibility on income & credit
- KiwiSaver withdrawal can be used toward deposit
KiwiSaver & Your First Home
A KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal can give you a major boost toward your deposit, helping eligible first home buyers step into the property market sooner and with greater confidence.
- Use your KiwiSaver savings toward your first home deposit
- Available after contributing to KiwiSaver for at least 3 years
- Withdraw most of your balance (minimum $1,000 remains)
- Support available with all paperwork & application steps
- Can be used alongside your mortgage application process
Try our mortgage calculator.
Find out how much you could borrow in minutes with our simple mortgage calculator & take the guesswork out of your next move.
Question We Hear Every Day
You'll have questions, we have all the answers
As Tauranga’s expert mortgage brokers servicing all of New Zealand, we’ve heard them all. No question is too small.
Your money. Your future.
Our priority.
We then provide you with all the important details so you can make an informed decision based on what’s best for you & your circumstances.
Our Lending Process
From first chat to key handover, we're with you every step
Securing a mortgage can be quite stressful. Here at Rapson Loans & Finance, our goal is to take any pain points away from you and walk alongside you on this journey.
We guide you through this process and work with you to provide a loan deal that is tailored to you and your personal situation.
We’ll show you some great ways to go about this important decision, save you money, and negotiate a better deal because of our experience and credibility with lenders.
Desired Outcome
Discovery Phase
Application Process
Initial Assessment
Submission to Lender
Outcome Delivered
Post Approval
Desired Outcome
Discovery Phase
Discovery Phase
We’re top Mortgage Brokers based in Tauranga, but we work with clients all across New Zealand and overseas. Regardless of your location, we take the time to understand you, your situation, and your financial goals. We can then provide a solution that is best suited for you, not for anyone else.
Application Process
Application Process
Mortgage application processes can feel daunting, but we guide you through them so they’re straightforward and you don’t need to worry! You complete a short application providing relevant information to support your submission.
Initial Assessment
Initial Assessment
We review your mortgage application and all the details you have provided. We will then communicate to you, in plain English, what we feel is the best recommendation for you and your situation.
Submission to Lender
Submission to Lender
We handle the submission for you. We provide all the necessary paperwork to the lender for approval.
Outcome Delivered
Outcome Delivered
We are in regular communication with you regarding the outcome and the lender’s approval.
Post Approval
Post Approval
We’ll proactively negotiate the best possible lending rates, tailored to your situation and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum deposit for a first home in NZ is typically 5% with a First Home Loan (government-backed via Kāinga Ora), 10% for selected lenders under low-equity lending, or 20% for a standard mortgage. Eligibility depends on your income, the property price, and KiwiSaver membership. Rapson’s advisers will identify which pathway suits you best.
Yes. After 3 years of KiwiSaver membership, you can withdraw most of your balance to use as a deposit (leaving $1,000 in your account). You may also qualify for the First Home Grant of up to $10,000 per person. Rapson will guide you through the KiwiSaver first home withdrawal and grant application process step by step.
In the vast majority of cases, our service is completely free to you. Lenders pay our commission. In rare situations involving non-standard loans, a fee may apply, but we will always tell you in advance, clearly and in writing, before you commit.
When you go to your bank, they only offer their own products. Rapson compares all major New Zealand and Australian-owned banks, plus non-bank lenders, giving you access to the widest range of products and the best possible deal. We have over 50 years of combined experience and know exactly what lenders are looking for, which means fewer declined applications and better rates for our clients.
Yes, of course. We understand everyone’s circumstances are different. We can meet you at your home, a café, your workplace, or via video call, whatever works for you. We operate 7 days a week and are flexible around your schedule, including evenings.
No, we’re completely independent. We have access to all major New Zealand and Australian-owned banks as well as trusted non-bank lenders. This means you get more options, better rates, and solutions for situations that a single bank might decline. You only need to complete one application.
Talk to a Rapson adviser,
it's free!
No jargon, no obligations. Get clear answers about your first home loan options from an experienced, independent mortgage broker.
What Our Clients Says About Us
See how we’ve made a difference for people just like you.
