New Zealand is an incredible place to live, and it’s no surprise that so many people from overseas want to make it home. If you’ve recently moved here or are planning to settle down, buying a property can be a fantastic next step—but there are a few important things to be aware of if you weren’t born in NZ.
KiwiSaver May Not Be an Option
For many first home buyers, KiwiSaver provides a key part of their deposit. But if you’ve recently moved to New Zealand, you may not have access to these funds just yet. KiwiSaver requires at least three years of contributions before you’re eligible to withdraw for your first home. If you haven’t been here that long, you’ll likely need to use savings from overseas instead.
That’s no problem at all—but it does mean you’ll need to follow New Zealand’s strict anti-money laundering (AML) rules. Your lawyer will guide you through this process to ensure any funds transferred from overseas can be clearly documented and traced, so be prepared to provide paperwork from banks and financial institutions in your home country.
Residency Status Matters
Your residency status will also impact your ability to purchase. There are two main types we work with:
Resident Visa Holders (with travel conditions): You may still be able to buy property, but we’ll need to check eligibility with both the bank and your lawyer.
Permanent Residents (with no travel conditions): You're treated the same as New Zealand citizens when it comes to buying and lending—so you’re good to go!
If you're unsure where you sit or what that means for you, we're more than happy to help clarify.
Deposit Requirements Are Often Higher
If you're not a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident without travel conditions, most banks will want to see at least a 20% deposit. The low-deposit lending options available to first home buyers are typically reserved for citizens or people purchasing with a Kiwi partner.
That said, we’ve helped plenty of buyers from overseas—especially from countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, and Ireland—who have qualified with strong applications, good income, and long-term plans to stay in NZ.
Employment Is Key
To borrow for a home here, you’ll need to show stable income. That might be in the form of a permanent role, a long-term contract, or even an offer of employment if you’re about to start a job. Banks want to see that you’re planning to stay and contribute to the local economy.
You're Not Alone—And We Can Help
If you weren’t born in New Zealand, buying a home here can still be very achievable—and we’ve helped plenty of people do just that. Whether you’re already working, looking to transfer funds from overseas, or unsure where to start, we’d love to help you navigate the process and find your place to call home