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Many first-home buyers find it helpful to bring a trusted friend or family member. A second person often spots things you may miss, especially when you're emotionally invested in a property.

Open Homes Checklist for First-Time NZ Property Buyers

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

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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Learn how to withdraw your KiwiSaver for your first home in New Zealand. Complete guide covering eligibility, amounts, application process, and expert tips from Luminate Financial.

KiwiSaver First Home Withdrawal: Guide for NZ Buyers 2025

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

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 for your first home loan in NZ? Compare options, costs, benefits, and learn why 70%+ of first-home buyers choose advisers in 2025.

Bank or Mortgage Adviser? Complete Guide for NZ First-Home Buyers

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

If you're buying your first home in New Zealand, one of the earliest and most important decisions you'll face is: Who...

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Who qualifies as a first-home buyer in NZ? Learn the official definition, eligibility criteria, second-chance buyer rules, and how it affects KiwiSaver and First Home Loan access.

Who Qualifies as a First-Home Buyer in NZ – 2025 Guide

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but before you dive into property listings and open homes, you need to...

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Complete guide to Kāinga Ora First Home Loan in NZ. Learn eligibility requirements, income caps, price limits, and how to buy with just 5% deposit in 2025.

Kāinga Ora First Home Loan: Complete Guide for NZ Buyers in 2025

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

For many aspiring homeowners in New Zealand, saving a 20% deposit feels like an insurmountable challenge. Property...

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Learn how to combine KiwiSaver withdrawal, First Home Loan, and cashback incentives to buy your first home in NZ with as little as 5% deposit in 2025.

Using KiwiSaver, First Home Loan & Deposit Tools Together in NZ

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Saving a house deposit can feel overwhelming, especially in New Zealand's challenging property market. The good news?...

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Beyond the deposit: discover 10+ hidden costs first-home buyers miss in NZ. From legal fees to LIM reports, learn what to budget for when buying your first home in 2025.

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

Picture of Trent Bradley Trent Bradley

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial milestones you'll ever reach – exciting, nerve-wracking, and...

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How much deposit do you need to buy a home in NZ? Learn about 5%, 10% and 20% deposit options, First Home Loan eligibility, and strategies to save faster in 2025.

How Much Deposit Do You Need to Buy a Home in NZ?

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Buying your first home in New Zealand? The deposit is often the biggest hurdle between dreaming about homeownership...

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Discover how to calculate how much money you may be able to borrow for a home loan in New Zealand and understand key influencing factors.

How to Calculate Your Borrowing Power NZ 2025

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Quick Answer: New Zealand banks typically approve loans of 5-6 times your gross annual income, adjusted for debts and...

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