Can You Really Buy a Home With Just $42,500?
Date 20 Aug 2025
If you’ve got $42,500 in savings or KiwiSaver… you might be closer to home ownership than you think.
Many Kiwis feel like owning a home is out of reach. Between rising house prices, stricter lending rules, and higher living costs, the dream of home ownership can feel more distant than ever. But here’s the good news: if you’ve managed to save around $42,500 – whether in cash or in KiwiSaver, you may already have enough to
get started.
That’s because with a First Home Loan on a new build property, you can buy with
as little as a 5% deposit. On a brand-new three-bedroom townhouse worth around
$850,000, that means a deposit of just $42,500 could be enough to get you
into your first home.
Of course, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements, and banks often add a low
equity margin of up to 0.70%. But don’t worry – that’s where we come in.
How The Mortgage Hub Helps First-Home Buyers
At The Mortgage Hub, our role is to take the stress and confusion out of the buying process. Here’s how we support you: - Check your eligibility - We’ll assess whether you qualify for a First Home Loan or other lending options.
- Explain the details – Including things like low equity margins, loan structures, and what they mean for your repayments.
- Compare the banks – We shop around across multiple lenders to secure the best deal.
- Handle the paperwork – From pre-approval through to settlement, we manage the process so you can focus on planning your move.
- Guide you step-by-step – We’re here to answer every question, make the fine print simple, and keep you on track.
I’m Mils Muliaina, former All Black, and now mortgage broker and financial adviser
at The Mortgage Hub. I know what it’s like to feel pressure when the stakes are
high, and I also know the importance of having the right team behind you.
With the right advice, a smart lending strategy, and the right support, buying your
first home can be easier – and more achievable than you think.
Ready to take the first step?
If you’ve got savings or KiwiSaver and you’re wondering whether home ownership is possible, we’d love to help you figure it out.
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