Originally published 24 November 2022. Funding and risk statements updated on 7 September 2026.
This article provides general considerations, not a personal recommendation or assurance of lending approval or investment returns. See the FMA’s property investment guidance and Sorted’s guide to property investment for risks and costs to consider.
Considering your first property
Deposit:
Don’t be too daunted about saving that deposit. While you do require money in the bank saved and ready to access, you may be surprised as to how much you actually need. In New Zealand, there are a range of options to help including:
- First Home Grant: The First Home Grant ended in May 2024 and is no longer available.
- First Home Loan: A First Home Loan is designed for first home buyers who can afford to make regular repayments on a home loan, but have trouble saving for a deposit.
- KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal: Eligible members may be able to withdraw KiwiSaver savings towards a home they intend to live in; check the requirements with your scheme provider.
- Kāinga Ora First Home Partner: First Home Partner is fully subscribed and is not accepting new applications.
- Kāinga Whenua: Lending for housing on multiple-owned Māori Land.
Read our updated first-home financial support overview for official sources. The original linked PDF has not been reviewed as part of this update; do not rely on its figures without checking current guidance.
Timing:
Buying decisions should reflect your circumstances and ability to meet the costs, rather than an assumption that now is always the best time. Property values can fall as well as rise.
Allow for changes in mortgage repayments and other costs. Interest-rate increases can reduce disposable income; discuss affordability with your lender or financial adviser.
Location:
Consider how a property’s location suits your work, household and longer-term plans. Whether buying or renting is appropriate depends on your circumstances.
Requirements:
If owning a home is something that you require, then buying your first home is something to put on your radar. You may have personal reasons for needing a home e.g. If you are wanting to relocate from your city place of living, if your current rental home agreement is lapsing, if you require additional rooms in your home etc.
Considering another property
Deposit:
Having a deposit does not guarantee loan approval. Check current deposit and affordability requirements with your lender before committing to another property.
Timing:
You may also look to invest in another property not for personal reasons: i.e. requiring additional space or wanting to relocate.
Market conditions change. A lower purchase price does not remove financing costs or investment risk. Review the numbers for the specific property rather than assuming it is a bargain.
Given you have an existing property or properties, you may be wanting to utilise this and sell it timed well with the market. This can then mean you have free capital that you can put towards the deposit of a new property; one that suits your needs at the current time.
Lifestyle:
Property investment does not guarantee wealth. Rental income may not cover all costs, tenants may be absent, and a sale can result in a loss. Consider the work and costs involved in managing a rental property.
We would love to chat more!
Our team can answer questions about Williams Corporation homes. For borrowing, eligibility, tax or investment advice, speak with the relevant lender, scheme provider or professional adviser.
Our team of Client Consultants would love to help you learn what you need to consider and help get you started on your property journey – or adding to your portfolio!
We can help you explore our homes and the purchase process.
