Buying your first home is easier to approach when you break it into decisions: what you can afford, what suits your life and what needs checking before you commit.
Talk with a lender or mortgage adviser about borrowing and the conditions of any approval. Allow for rates, insurance, maintenance, legal work and property reports as well as the deposit and mortgage. A loan pre-approval may still depend on the property and your circumstances.
Members with at least three years in KiwiSaver may be eligible for a first-home withdrawal. At least $1,000 must remain in the account, and the property must be intended as your home rather than an investment. Contact your provider about eligibility, documents and timing before relying on the money for an offer. Previous homeowners have additional assessment requirements.
The Kāinga Ora First Home Loan can lower the required deposit to 5% for eligible borrowers through participating lenders. It is a loan, not a grant or automatic approval. Speak with a participating lender about whether it fits your circumstances.
For a Tuakau property, think about your work journey, school needs, outdoor space and the upkeep you can manage. View at a time that helps you understand the setting. A lower-maintenance town home and a property with more land involve different ongoing costs.
Get your lawyer involved before signing. Discuss finance, title, council information and property condition, then have appropriate conditions drafted. For an auction, arrange those checks before bidding under the actual terms.
Contact the listing salesperson to arrange a viewing or ask for available property information. Your own advisers can help you assess the commitments and decide whether the home fits your budget and plans.
Contact Ray White Tuakau about your property search.