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Welcome to Luminate Insights — where first-home buyers, growing families, and everyday Kiwis come to learn, plan, and take confident steps toward homeownership. From expert mortgage tips to must-know market updates, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity.

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Latest Financial Insights

Step-by-step guide for first-time home buyers in New Zealand, from preparation to settlement, ensuring a stress-free and confident home buying experience.

The Home Buying Process Step-by-Step (For First Timers)

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are forms, contracts, deadlines, and...

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Learn how to navigate the home-buying process with real estate agents, protect your interests, and make informed decisions as a first-time buyer.

How to Work with Real Estate Agents as a First Home Buyer

If you're buying your first home, you're going to encounter real estate agents early in the process. They’ll show you...

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First-time home buyers, stay focused and avoid costly surprises with Luminate's practical open home checklist. Get tips on what to assess and questions to ask.

Attending Open Homes: A First Timer’s Checklist

Walking through your first open home is an exciting step in your journey to buying a property. You’re finally off the...

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Unlock the potential of your KiwiSaver to buy your first home. Learn about eligibility, the application process, and maximizing your deposit with expert guidance from Luminate.

KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal Explained

For many first-home buyers in New Zealand, KiwiSaver is the key that unlocks the door to homeownership. Since the...

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Bank or mortgage adviser? Discover the best option for first-home buyers in New Zealand with expert insights and detailed comparisons from Luminate.

Should You Go With a Bank or a Mortgage Adviser?

If you’re buying your first home, one of the earliest decisions you’ll face is who to turn to for your home loan....

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Learn who qualifies as a first-home buyer in New Zealand and explore available financial benefits and eligibility criteria.

Who Qualifies as a First Home Buyer in New Zealand?

Buying your first home is a big milestone, but understanding whether you qualify as a first-home buyer is an essential...

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Read how the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan helps New Zealanders buy their first home with just a 5% deposit. Learn eligibility criteria and application tips.

Kainga Ora First Home Loan: What You Need to Know

For many first-home buyers in New Zealand, saving a 20 percent deposit can feel out of reach. The Kāinga Ora First Home...

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Explore how to combine KiwiSaver, the First Home Loan, and other deposit tools for a successful first-home purchase in New Zealand.

How to Use KiwiSaver, the First Home Loan & Other Deposit Tools Together

In May 2024, the New Zealand Government scrapped the First Home Grant, a decision that means many first-home buyers...

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Hidden Costs of Buying a Home (That First Timers Miss)

Hidden Costs of Buying a Home (That First Timers Miss)

Buying your first home is a huge milestone – exciting, emotional, and just a little bit stressful. Most people spend...

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