Helping you into your first home

Buying your first home is likely to be your biggest purchase yet. We’re here to help you understand the process and support you on the journey, even with a low deposit of 5%.

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First home buyers’ package

At least $5,000 cash back

Apply for a new BNZ home loan of $250,000 or more on your first home and you could get a minimum of $5,000 cash back even with a 5% deposit.^

More about the offer

A dedicated expert

You’ll have a dedicated home loan specialist supporting you on the journey, from searching for a home to signing the agreement.

Step-by-step guide to buying a house

If you’re confused about the ins and outs of buying a house, you’re not alone. We’ve put together a guide to help explain each stage of the home-buying process, from applying for a home loan to settlement.

Find out more about buying a house

Your deposit

A home loan deposit is your initial contribution to the purchase of a property. In most cases you’ll need a deposit of at least 20% of the value of the house. The rest can be covered by a home loan.

Less than 20% deposit options

If you don’t have a 20% deposit, there may still be options available to help you get into your first home.

More about low deposit options

Using KiwiSaver for your deposit

If you’re a KiwiSaver member, you might be able to withdraw your savings to help you buy or build your first home.^

More about KiwiSaver

Help with your deposit

There are various ways to get help with purchasing a home if you have a low deposit.

Help from family

Family may be able to help with lending or gifting money towards a deposit, or they may be able to use their available equity to act as co-borrowers or guarantors.

Options for family help

Shared ownership programmes

We’ve teamed up with organisations that provide shared ownership programmes to help first home buyers with a low deposit.

Shared ownership programmes

Your home loan

A home loan, also known as a mortgage, is an agreement where borrow money to buy a house or property. You pay off this loan over a set period, typically between 10 to 30 years, through regular repayments.

Loan types

As you embark on your first home buying journey, it’s important to know that there are different types of home loans to suit your needs. 

See all home loan types

Understanding Loan-to-Value Ratios (LVR)

Loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) are something anyone looking to take out a home loan needs to be aware of, as they can affect how much you could borrow. Here’s how to make sense of this sometimes confusing part of buying a house.

More about loan-to-value ratios

A dedicated Home Loan Partner

Our Home Loan Partners can provide expert advice on choosing your first home loan, and helping you through the buying process. They’re mobile, and available at a time and place that suits you.

Contact an expert

The Curve Property Podcast

Learn ways to master the property market with The Curve Property Podcast. Hosts Victoria and Sophie break down steps towards home ownership in an accessible, empowering way.^

Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Bank of the Year - Home Loans

We’re proud to receive Canstar’s 2026 Bank of the Year – Home Loans award. This award recognises our home loan products and services for residential and investor customers.