What Is the KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal?
The KiwiSaver first home withdrawal lets eligible members take out most of their KiwiSaver balance to put towards buying their first home. It's separate from the discontinued First Home Grant — this is your own savings, not a government payment, and it's still fully available in 2026.
Are You Eligible?
You'll generally qualify if you meet all of the following:
3+ years of KiwiSaver membership
You must have been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years.
Never owned a home before
Either alone or jointly with someone else — though previous owners can sometimes qualify under a case-by-case 'second chance' assessment.
Intending to live in the property
It must be your home, not an investment property.
First withdrawal only
You can only ever make one first home withdrawal.
At least $1,000 must remain in your KiwiSaver account after the withdrawal — you can't take out your entire balance.
What You Can't Withdraw
Not every dollar in your account is available. You can't withdraw any transferred Australian superannuation savings, or government contributions received while you were living overseas without permanent residence at the time. Your provider will calculate your eligible balance for you as part of the application.
How to Apply
Apply through your KiwiSaver provider — most have an online form.
Apply 4–6 weeks before settlement
This gives your provider time to process and transfer funds before you need them.
Provide proof of the purchase
Typically your signed, unconditional sale and purchase agreement.
Funds go to your lawyer, not you
Your provider pays the money directly into your solicitor's trust account, to be used towards the deposit or settlement.
Confirm with your lawyer it's arrived
Don't assume — ask your lawyer to confirm the funds are in trust ahead of settlement day.