Your First Home Starts Here.
From questions and confusion to a clear plan and confident first step.
Do you have questions?
You are not alone.
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming. Deposits, KiwiSaver, bank requirements, and property searches often raise more questions than answers.
There are usually more options available than people realise. Understanding them early can help you make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Common questions we answer
- Can I buy with less than a 20% deposit?
- How much can I borrow? Can I use KiwiSaver?
- Do I need pre-approval? Can I buy at auction?
- What happens if I find a property before approval?
- What costs should I budget for?
Free Resource
Download the First Home Buyer Guide.
Covers the home-buying process, lending basics, common questions, and practical tips to help you prepare with confidence.
Inside the Guide
Your personal roadmap.
The guide includes a step-by-step checklist you can work through at your own pace — on paper or as a PDF. Each question helps you see exactly where you are in the process and what comes next.
+ more inside the guide
Eight steps from planning to keys.
Understand Your Position
Review income, savings, KiwiSaver, expenses and financial goals.
Build Your Deposit
Understand your savings position and available deposit options.
Borrowing Capacity
Gain an understanding of how much you may be able to borrow.
Prepare Documents
Get your financials ready before you start making offers.
Find a Property
Begin your search with a realistic budget and clear strategy.
Make an Offer
Submit an offer and complete any required due diligence.
Finance Approval
Walk through lender requirements and approval conditions.
Settlement & Moving In
Complete settlement and collect the keys to your new home.
You are still able to buy.
Many first-home buyers think they need pre-approval before they can start looking at properties. In reality, some purchases begin as a live deal, where a specific property is assessed by the lender before formal approval is issued.
Speaking with a mortgage adviser early can help you understand your options, prepare your documents, and be ready when the right property becomes available.
Many buyers assume they need 20%.
Depending on your circumstances and lender criteria, smaller deposits may also be possible.
Standard Deposit
The standard deposit. Widely accepted and avoids low-equity conditions.
Low-Deposit Option
Common entry point for first-home buyers. Accepted by most lenders.
Minimum Deposit
Available in some situations. Additional conditions apply.
Low-deposit lending may involve additional conditions, restrictions, or low-equity premiums.
Three major ways properties are sold in New Zealand.
Negotiation
Submit a conditional offer to the vendor.
- Finance approval
- Building inspection
- Solicitor review
If your offer is accepted, you move forward through the Sale & Purchase process.
Auction
Purchased unconditionally on the day. Prepare in advance:
- Finance preparation
- Legal review
- Building inspection
If you are the successful bidder, you are committed to purchasing immediately.
Tender
Submit a confidential offer — the vendor decides.
- Confidential offer
- Vendor reviews all bids
- Conditions may apply
The vendor reviews all offers before making a decision.
Three professionals every first-home buyer needs.
Mortgage Adviser
Helps you understand borrowing capacity, lending options, deposit requirements and the finance process.
Property Lawyer
Reviews legal documents, explains risks, and manages the Sale & Purchase Agreement and settlement.
Building Inspector
Provides an independent assessment of the property's condition before you commit.
Beyond getting a loan approved.
A mortgage is more than a loan.
We walk with you on the whole financial picture — and how this decision shapes your future.
| Working Directly With a Bank | Working With Valar |
|---|---|
| One lender | Multiple lender options |
| One lending policy | Strategy before application |
| Focus on loan approval | Focus on your full financial picture |
| Less guidance on deposit options | Deposit and KiwiSaver planning |
| You manage the process | Support from planning to settlement |
Common questions.
Many clients speak with us 6–12 months before buying.
Starting early often creates more options later. We can help you understand what you may need and how to get there.
Advice from
Lena Bykova — Mortgage & Investment Adviser
Licensed Financial Adviser (FSP1010055) · 20+ years across finance, valuation, investment analysis and business advisory in New Zealand.
Start with a clear conversation.
Whether you are planning to buy next month or just starting to explore your options — we are here to help.
Book a Consultation