Housing Grant (Closed)
First Home Grant
The First Home Grant programme, administered by Kāinga Ora, was closed in May 2024 and is no longer accepting applications. If you're buying your first home in New Zealand, the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal remains fully available and is now the main government-backed route to a deposit — combined with First Home Loan, it still unlocks meaningful support.
This scheme is closed to new applications.
The First Home Grant ended on 22 May 2024. If you're saving for a first home, see KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal instead.
What is this?
First Home Grant is administered by Kāinga Ora. Housing Corporation Act 1974
Am I eligible?
- Programme closed 22 May 2024 — no longer available
How much could I get?
$0 — the First Home Grant no longer pays out to new buyers.
Alternative: KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal (see related below).
Alternative: First Home Loan (5% deposit, still via Kāinga Ora).
Rates current as of Budget 2025. Personal amounts depend on your situation.
How to apply
- The programme closed on 22 May 2024 — no new applications are accepted
- If you're buying a first home, consider a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal instead
- First Home Loan (Kāinga Ora-backed, 5% deposit) remains open
Documents you'll need
- · Not applicable — programme closed
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for the First Home Grant in 2026?
No. The programme closed on 22 May 2024 and Kāinga Ora no longer accepts new applications. If you already had an approval letter at the time, follow the transition advice on the Kāinga Ora site.
What replaced the First Home Grant?
There's no direct replacement. The KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal (existing since 2007) is now the main government-backed deposit support. First Home Loan, which lets eligible buyers purchase with a 5% deposit, is still operated by Kāinga Ora.
Is the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal still available?
Yes — it remains fully available. You must have been a KiwiSaver member for at least 3 years and be buying your first home in NZ.
Related benefits you might also qualify for
KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal
Use your KiwiSaver for a first-home deposit in NZ. Withdraw your contributions, employer match, and government contribution after 3 years' membership.
KiwiSaver Government Contribution
Get up to $260.72 from IRD each KiwiSaver year by contributing at least $1042.86. See 2026 match rate, eligibility, and the July deadline.
KiwiSaver PIR Rate
Your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR) decides how much tax KiwiSaver pays on returns. See 2026 brackets (10.5/17.5/28%) and how to fix a wrong rate.
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