If you have been watching interest rates fall, rents increase and rental availability at low levels, you may be investigating buying a property of your own.

You could be eligible for a low deposit loan through the Welcome Home Loan scheme or a Kainga Whenua loan for individuals or Maori land trusts. If you are a Housing New Zealand tenant, you may be able to buy the house you’re living in, and if you've been a member of KiwiSaver for three years you may be able to withdraw some of your KiwiSaver savings to put towards purchasing your first home.

Kiwisaver: How much you can withdraw?

• your contributions
• your employer's contributions (voluntary and compulsory)
• returns on investment, and
• any member tax credits.

Please note, funds transferred from an Australian Complying Superannuation scheme cannot be withdrawn for the purchase of a home.

Kiwisaver: How to apply for a first home withdrawal

Contact your KiwiSaver provider regarding any entitlement before beginning the property purchase process.

Kiwisaver: If you've owned a home before

If you've owned a home before, in some circumstances you may still be eligible to withdraw your savings to purchase your home. Housing New Zealand will need to determine that you are in the same financial position as a first home buyer. Contact them on 0508 935 266.
Housing New Zealand manage a number of financial products to help first home buyers to achieve the dream of home ownership, to find out more visit www.hnzc.co.nz