KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal: Complete Guide 2025

Your KiwiSaver can be one of your biggest assets when buying your first home. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to withdraw your KiwiSaver funds, eligibility requirements, withdrawal limits, and the step-by-step application process to access your savings for your first home deposit.

Last updated: October 2025 | Reading time: 10 minutes

Quick Summary

✓Minimum membership: 3 years in KiwiSaver
✓Withdrawal amount: All your contributions (must leave $1,000 minimum)
✓Cannot withdraw: Government kick-start or transferred Australian funds
✓Application: Apply through your KiwiSaver provider 4-6 weeks before settlement
✓Important: Must intend to live in the property for at least 6 months

Eligibility Requirements

To withdraw your KiwiSaver savings for your first home, you must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Minimum Membership Period

You must have been a KiwiSaver member for at least 3 years before you can withdraw funds for your first home. This is calculated from the date you joined KiwiSaver, not from when you started contributing.

Example: If you joined KiwiSaver on January 1, 2022, you can apply for a first home withdrawal from January 1, 2025 onwards.

2. First-Time Buyer Status

You must be a first-time buyer, meaning you have never:

•Owned a home or land in New Zealand or overseas (excluding Māori land)
•Made a previous KiwiSaver first home withdrawal

Exception: If you've previously owned a home, you may still qualify if Kāinga Ora determines you're in the same financial position as a first-time buyer. Contact Kāinga Ora to apply for an assessment.

3. Property Requirements

The property you're buying must meet these criteria:

✓Located in New Zealand
✓You must intend to live in it for at least 6 months
✓Cannot be an investment property or rental
✓No restrictions on property type (house, apartment, townhouse all qualify)
✓No price cap on the property

4. No Income Requirements

There are no income limits for KiwiSaver first home withdrawals. Anyone who meets the other criteria can access their KiwiSaver funds regardless of their earnings.

How Much Can You Withdraw?

What You CAN Withdraw

✓Your contributions: All your employee contributions (minus $1,000)
✓Employer contributions: All employer contributions
✓Investment returns: All investment earnings and growth
✓Member Tax Credit: Government contributions (MTC) you've received

What You CANNOT Withdraw

✗Minimum balance: You must leave at least $1,000 in your KiwiSaver account
✗Government kick-start: The initial $1,000 kick-start (if you received one when KiwiSaver launched)
✗Australian transfers: Any funds transferred from an Australian superannuation scheme

Withdrawal Example

Let's say your KiwiSaver balance is $45,000, broken down as:

Your contributions:	$18,000
Employer contributions:	$12,000
Government contributions (MTC):	$5,000
Investment returns:	$9,000
Government kick-start:	$1,000
Total balance:	$45,000

Amount available for withdrawal:

$45,000 - $1,000 (kick-start) - $1,000 (minimum balance) = $43,000

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to successfully withdraw your KiwiSaver for your first home purchase:

Check Your Eligibility

Confirm you've been a KiwiSaver member for at least 3 years and meet all other eligibility requirements. Contact your provider if unsure about your membership date or balance.

Find a Property & Get Pre-Approval

Before applying for your KiwiSaver withdrawal, secure pre-approval for a mortgage and find your property. You'll need the sale and purchase agreement details for your application.

Tip: Don't wait until you've found a house to check your KiwiSaver balance. Contact your provider early to know exactly how much you'll have for your deposit.

Contact Your KiwiSaver Provider

Reach out to your KiwiSaver provider 4-6 weeks before your settlement date. Each provider has their own application form and process.

You'll typically need to provide:

•Copy of your sale and purchase agreement
•Proof of identity (driver's license or passport)
•Your solicitor's contact details
•Statutory declaration confirming you meet eligibility requirements

Complete the Application Form

Download and complete your provider's first home withdrawal application form. Be thorough and accurate — any errors can delay processing.

Common providers' application pages:

• ANZ: Search "ANZ KiwiSaver first home withdrawal"
• Simplicity: Check their website under KiwiSaver withdrawals
• Milford: Visit their KiwiSaver section

Submit & Wait for Approval

Submit your completed application with all required documents. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks, so apply well before your settlement date.

Your provider will verify your eligibility, check your membership period, and confirm the withdrawal amount. They may contact you if additional information is needed.

Funds Paid to Your Solicitor

Once approved, your KiwiSaver provider will transfer the funds directly to your solicitor or conveyancer on settlement day. You won't receive the money personally — it goes straight toward your home purchase.

Important: Your remaining $1,000 balance stays invested and continues to grow until you reach retirement age (65).

Important Things to Know

⏰ Timing is Critical

Apply 4-6 weeks before settlement to avoid delays. Last-minute applications can cause settlement date issues and potentially jeopardize your purchase.

💰 You Can Only Do This Once

Once you've made a first home withdrawal, you cannot use KiwiSaver to buy another property in the future. This is a one-time benefit, so make sure it's the right move for you.

🏠 Property Must Be Your Home

You must genuinely intend to live in the property for at least 6 months. Using KiwiSaver funds to buy an investment property is not permitted and could result in legal consequences.

📊 Your KiwiSaver Keeps Growing

The $1,000 minimum balance you must leave in your KiwiSaver continues to receive employer contributions (if employed), government contributions, and investment returns until you retire.

⚠️ Not All Providers Allow Withdrawals

Some KiwiSaver schemes (particularly older "complying superannuation funds") don't permit first home withdrawals. Check with your provider before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw my KiwiSaver if I've owned a home overseas?

No, if you've previously owned property anywhere in the world (except Māori land), you're not eligible for a standard first home withdrawal. However, you may apply through Kāinga Ora to be assessed as a "second-chance buyer" if you're in the same financial position as a first-time buyer.

What if I'm buying with a partner?

If you're buying with a partner, you can both withdraw your KiwiSaver funds (assuming you both meet eligibility requirements). This can significantly boost your deposit. Each person applies separately through their own KiwiSaver provider.

Can I withdraw KiwiSaver for a house and land package?

Yes, you can use your KiwiSaver for a house and land package or a new build. The same eligibility requirements apply, and you must intend to live in the property.

What happens if my house purchase falls through?

If your property purchase doesn't proceed, the withdrawn funds will be returned to your KiwiSaver account. You can reapply when you find another property.

Do I need a minimum deposit to buy a house with KiwiSaver?

While there's no minimum deposit requirement for using your KiwiSaver, most banks require at least a 10-20% deposit to approve a mortgage. Your KiwiSaver withdrawal can form all or part of this deposit.

Can I use KiwiSaver to buy a section/land only?

Yes, you can use your KiwiSaver to purchase land only, but you must intend to build a home on it and live there. Pure land investment without building a home doesn't qualify.

Ready to Maximize Your KiwiSaver for Your First Home?

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