KiwiSaver first home countdown

What do you need to do and when?

Buying your own place begins long before an open home. Where do you want to live? How will you juggle the money? And how can you make the most of your KiwiSaver account? If your aim is to maximise your KiwiSaver account balance for a deposit, the countdown starts sooner than you'd think.

There are rules around accessing your money, so it's a good idea to check that you're eligible. You can find the eligibility requirements here and if you're unsure, you can get in touch with our friendly team.

What? Boost your balance
When? As early as you can

When you're saving for a first home, every dollar counts. Even small top-ups to your KiwiSaver account can make a difference. Remember, you can always increase your regular contributions or even add a lump sum if you've got the cash. The earlier you start to invest, the more time you'll have to make the most of potential returns. Every little boost could bump up your deposit.

What? Check how much you could get from your KiwiSaver account
When? When you first think about looking for your first home

When you’re house-hunting you need to know what you can afford – and how much of a deposit you could have. Our first home calculator is a handy tool which can help you see how much you could have in your KiwiSaver account when you’re ready to buy your first home. You can find it in the investment tools section of your Fisher Funds Online account, or the mobile app. Just keep in mind that no one can predict market movements, so our tools are intended as a guide only.

What? Review your investment strategy
When? Twelve months out

When choosing your investment strategy, it's important to think about when you need your money and how you feel about risk. It's good to get some advice on this. Get in touch with one of our specialists and we can help you find the right strategy for you.

What? Start the paperwork
When? Two months out

First home withdrawals and gathering the paperwork you need can take time (it's not like going to the cash machine). Our withdrawal form has a handy checklist on the last page that can help you tick off what you'll need. We need time to review your application and process the withdrawal which can take up to 15 business days. Paperwork delays can mean drama on settlement day so it's best to sort as much as you can ahead of time.

What? Revisit your strategy
When? Once you're all moved in

Once you're all moved in and picking out curtains, there are just a couple of final KiwiSaver tasks to take care of. It’s a great time to review your contributions and check that your investment strategy still lines up with your long-term goals. A quick chat with a KiwiSaver specialist can help you make sure everything’s on track. While you’re at it, don’t forget to update your address so we can keep your details current!