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NZ First Home Buyer Checklist: What Banks Don't Tell You

First Home Buyers
Andreas Wijaya
June 2025
7 min read

Buying your first home is exciting but it can also be stressful. Here's a first home buyer checklist (including the stuff banks don't always tell you):

Know Your Budget

This gives you the confidence to make an offer when you find the right home. Having a pre-approval is ideal but not the end of the world.

Know Your Deposit Options

You don't always need 20%. Some lenders accept:

  • 5% - 10% deposits
  • KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal

I will help you figure out which option works best for you.

Don't Just Look at Interest Rates

Interest rates are important, but they're not the whole story. Watch out for:

  • Hidden fees
  • Cashbacks with tricky terms
  • Extra legal costs

We help you compare the total package not just the rate.

Check Your Credit Score

A small credit issue can stop your application. I will help you check and fix your credit before you apply.

Use a Mortgage Advisor (It's Free!)

Our service is free to you—the banks pay us. Our job is to help you get into your first home faster and smarter.

First home buyer? Let's chat

Book your free mortgage chat today and get expert guidance on your journey to homeownership.

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