Buying your first home means juggling a few things at once: how much you can borrow, whether to pull KiwiSaver out, and what happens once you settle. We help first home buyers across Whangārei, Taupō and NZ-wide work through all of it, not just the mortgage part.
Your first home, sorted into three steps
- 1
Getting your finance sorted. Pre-approval, deposit requirements, Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, and checking you're actually eligible to use KiwiSaver for this purchase. This is usually the biggest piece, and where we start.
- 2
Finding a property that stacks up. Banks don't just assess you, they assess the property too. We help make sure what you're buying is something the bank will actually lend against, before you're locked into an offer.
- 3
The final checks before you commit. Can you get full insurance with no exclusions? Has your solicitor been through the LIM and council files, and are they happy? We help run the final checks so every condition on your offer can be met, and you can go unconditional with confidence.
Real first-home experience on the team
Jesse Silulu, Sam Mather, Sandeep Maisuriya and Anthony Gysberts in Whangārei, and Tui Miles, Emma Carmichael and Morag McCaughan in Taupō, all work regularly with first home buyers. Several draw on their own first-home experience to help clients avoid the mistakes they made. Between them, the team's knowledge spans renovations, existing homes, new builds, subdivisions and everything in between, helping clients save money through that personal experience and knowledge.
What clients say
"Clarity, approachable and prompt is what comes to mind when I reflect on my time working with Jesse. I would highly recommend him, especially for first home buyers."
Lolomani K ★★★★★
"A big thank you to the awesome team at Zest for helping us through our first home purchase. Tui, Larns and the rest of the team are so helpful willing to go that extra mile 👊☺️ Nga mihi Jamie and Horo"
Jamie and Horo
How it works
- 1
Free chat. In Whangārei, Taupō, or over the phone, wherever you are.
- 2
We map out all three pieces. Lending, KiwiSaver, insurance, so nothing gets left to the last minute.
- 3
We do the legwork. Applications, paperwork, lender comparisons.
- 4
You settle, we stick around. For the next review, top-up, or purchase down the track.
What does it cost?
Nine times out of ten, nothing. The lender or insurer pays us, not you. If a fee ever applies, you'll hear it from us up front.
FAQ
How much can I borrow for my first home?
Depends on income, debts, deposit and lender criteria. A free chat gives you a real number.
Can I use my KiwiSaver for a deposit?
If this is your first home and you haven't used KiwiSaver for a home purchase before, in most cases you can. We'll check your eligibility to be sure.
Do I need insurance to get a mortgage?
Most lenders require some form of cover before settlement. We'll make sure it's the right amount, not just any amount.
Is the advice really free?
In almost every case, yes. See "What does it cost?" above.