Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are forms, contracts, deadlines, and decisions you've never dealt with before. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing your first property in New Zealand and wondering where to begin, you’re not alone.
At Luminate Financial Group, we help first-home buyers through this journey every day. Whether you’re just starting to save or already house hunting, understanding each stage of the process will help you avoid mistakes, reduce stress, and move forward with confidence.
This guide walks you through the full home buying process, step by step, using simple language and a clear New Zealand-specific lens.
Before looking at listings or contacting a bank, take a moment to assess whether buying now is the right move for you. Ask yourself:
If the answer to most of these is yes, you're ready to take the next step.
If not, that’s OK. Talk to a mortgage adviser now so they can help you put a plan in place and tell you exactly what to work on.
Getting pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your financial situation and agreed in principle to lend you a certain amount, subject to conditions. This is one of the most important steps in the process and should happen before you go shopping for a house.
You’ll need to provide:
At Luminate, we take care of this process for you. We compare lenders, explain your borrowing power, and help structure your loan in a way that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Buying a home is more than just saving a deposit. You’ll also need to budget for legal fees, a building inspection, moving costs, house insurance, and council rates. If you’re using KiwiSaver, there may also be timing restrictions or approval steps to factor in.
We help you build a full cost breakdown so there are no surprises. Knowing your real budget helps you stay confident when it’s time to make an offer.
With your pre-approval and budget in hand, you're ready to start looking at properties. This part is exciting but can also become frustrating if you're not sure what to prioritise.
Think about:
It’s smart to bring a checklist to open homes and keep notes. If you’re unsure about the title or legal structure of a property, we’ll review it with you before you make an offer.
Once you’ve found the right place, it’s time to make an offer. There are two common ways this happens:
We guide you through the contract process, talk to the agent, and help your lawyer get the necessary checks done before you commit.
Once your offer is accepted and all conditions are met (for example, your loan is confirmed, the building inspection is approved, and your solicitor is happy with the LIM), the contract becomes unconditional. That means you are legally committed to buying the home.
At this stage, your lawyer will usually:
We work alongside your lawyer to keep everything coordinated.
Settlement day is when the property officially becomes yours. This usually happens two to four weeks after going unconditional.
During this time, your solicitor and lender will work together to:
You’ll also want to:
On settlement day, once the money has transferred and your name is on the title, the keys are yours!
Congratulations — you’re officially a homeowner!
This is a big moment, and it’s worth celebrating. But it’s also the beginning of a long-term financial commitment. Your next focus should be setting a budget that includes rates, insurance, maintenance, and your mortgage repayments.
We stay in touch long after settlement to help you manage your home loan, review your structure, and plan for future changes or opportunities.
The home buying process involves lenders, lawyers, agents, valuers, inspectors, and often some fast-moving decisions. Trying to manage it on your own can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s why having a mortgage adviser by your side from the beginning makes a big difference. At Luminate, we coordinate the moving parts, explain each step, and help you stay ahead — so you can focus on finding the right home without the stress.
Buying your first home in New Zealand isn’t always easy, but it is possible with the right guidance. Whether you’re a few months away or ready to start now, understanding the process helps you take control and avoid common pitfalls.
We’ve helped hundreds of Kiwis turn “I’m not sure where to start” into “I can’t believe I have the keys.” And we’d love to help you do the same.
Book your free First-Home Planning Session with Luminate today.
We’ll guide you through every step of the process and help you buy with confidence.
Visit www.luminate.co.nz |Email askus@luminate.co.nz | Call 0800 333 400