Kiwisaver First Home Withdrawal 2027 Calculator
After three years as a Kiwisaver member, NZ first-home buyers can withdraw most of their Kiwisaver — leaving only NZ$1,000 plus the Government's NZ$1,000 kickstart (if any) — to put toward a deposit. This 2027 calculator works out your withdrawable balance, the residual you must leave behind, deposit boost potential, and effective LVR after withdrawal.
Min 3 years to withdraw for first home.
How the Kiwisaver First-Home Withdrawal Works in 2027
Kiwisaver members can withdraw nearly all of their accumulated savings to buy a first home, subject to three rules: (1) the property must be in New Zealand; (2) the buyer must have been a Kiwisaver member for at least 3 years; (3) the buyer must intend to live in the property as their principal residence for at least 6 months. The mandatory residual is NZ$1,000 plus the original NZ$1,000 Government kickstart (only if you joined before 21 May 2015). All employee contributions, employer contributions, Government contributions, and investment returns above this floor can be withdrawn. Last updated: 2026-05-18. Source: kiwisaver.govt.nz, Kainga Ora.
Worked Example — NZ$60,000 Balance Toward NZ$900,000 House
An 8-year Kiwisaver member with NZ$60,000 balance who received the kickstart withdraws: NZ$60,000 − NZ$1,000 residual − NZ$1,000 kickstart = NZ$58,000 available. Combined with NZ$80,000 cash deposit, total deposit = NZ$138,000 on a NZ$900,000 house. That's 15.3% deposit (LVR 84.7%) — under the 20% Reserve Bank threshold for first-home buyers. Many lenders offer first-home exemptions to 10% LVR. Loan needed: NZ$762,000. At 6.5% over 30 years, monthly repayment ≈ NZ$4,818.
Eligibility — Five Things to Verify Before Applying
Before submitting the withdrawal form to your provider: (1) You have been a member for 3+ years — count from your first Kiwisaver contribution date, not the date you joined a particular fund. (2) You have not previously withdrawn for first-home purchase. (3) You are buying in NZ (not Australia or overseas). (4) You intend to live in the home — investment properties don't qualify. (5) If you previously owned property but Kainga Ora has determined you are in a similar financial position to a first-home buyer (second-chance scheme), you may still qualify with an additional letter. Allow 10–15 working days for funds to be released to your solicitor's trust account.
Combining with First Home Grant and Other Help
The First Home Grant from Kainga Ora pays NZ$3,000–NZ$10,000 (single) or NZ$5,000–NZ$20,000 (joint) for first-home buyers who meet income and price caps. The Welcome Home Loan accepts deposits as low as 5% from approved low-deposit lenders. From 2024 the First Home Loan rebranded under Kainga Ora — the income cap is NZ$95,000 single / NZ$150,000 joint and property price cap depends on region (e.g., NZ$700K Auckland, NZ$650K Hamilton/Tauranga). Stack Kiwisaver withdrawal + First Home Grant + Welcome Home Loan for maximum boost. The grants are paid separately from the Kiwisaver withdrawal, usually within 30 days of settlement.