House Deposit Calculator
How much deposit do you need? Calculate your savings timeline.
Your Savings Details
Available after 3+ years contribution
Deposit Requirements
First Home Grant
You may qualify for the First Home Grant:
- $5,000 per person for existing homes
- $10,000 per person for new builds
- Doubled for couples (up to $20,000)
Boost Your Deposit
- +Increase KiwiSaver contribution rate
- +Apply for First Home Grant
- +Consider a family guarantee
- +Look at lower-priced areas
Deposit FAQs
How much deposit do I need for a house in NZ?
Most banks require a 20% deposit for standard lending. First home buyers may qualify for 10% through First Home Loans. For a $800,000 home, that's $80,000-$160,000.
Can I buy a house with a 10% deposit in NZ?
Yes, first home buyers can access First Home Loans with 10% deposit. Some buyers use family guarantees. However, you'll typically pay a Low Equity Premium (LEP) of 0.25-0.75% on rates.
Can I use my KiwiSaver for a house deposit?
Yes, after contributing for 3+ years you can withdraw your KiwiSaver (minus $1,000) for a first home. You can also apply for the First Home Grant of up to $10,000 for new builds or $5,000 for existing homes.
What is the First Home Grant NZ?
The First Home Grant provides $5,000 for existing homes or $10,000 for new builds per person (doubled for couples). You need 3+ years of KiwiSaver contributions and must meet income and house price caps.
How long does it take to save a house deposit?
Saving $160,000 (20% of $800,000) at $2,000/month takes about 6.5 years. Using KiwiSaver and grants can reduce this significantly. Many first home buyers take 3-5 years.
Important: how to read this information
This website is operated by Evolve Group Limited (FSP711891), a Licensed Financial Advice Provider regulated by the Financial Markets Authority (NZ). The information published here is general in nature and is not personalised financial advice. For personalised advice that takes your circumstances into account, request to be matched with one of our licensed mortgage advisers via the enquiry form.
Rate accuracy. Rates shown across this site were observed at 21 May 2026, 12:27 pm from each lender's published carded-rate page (linked per row). If a lender has updated their rates since that timestamp, the authoritative source is the lender's page, not our derived snapshot. Carded rates are advertised rates — the rate you ultimately receive depends on your application.
Calculator outputs. Any figures produced by calculators on this site are mechanical estimates — they do not factor in establishment, legal, valuation, or break fees, and they assume a constant interest rate over the chosen term. For fixed-rate periods the rate typically resets at the end of the term. Treat calculator outputs as indicative only.
CCCFA + Responsible Lending Code. Final lending decisions are made by the lender under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 and the MBIE Responsible Lending Code. Lenders apply servicing-test rates (typically around 8% post-2023), debt-to-income caps (RBNZ DTI 6× owner-occupier / 7× investor from 2024), and Loan-to-Value Ratio limits. Carded rates are not an offer or a pre-approval.
Disputes. If you have a complaint about advice received through this site, contact Financial Services Complaints Limited (FSCL) on 0800 347 257 or info@fscl.org.nz.
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