It is important to note that for the first-home withdrawal you will still need to complete and submit an application directly with your KiwiSaver scheme provider. However, if you have owned property in the past you will initially need to complete a KiwiSaver savings withdrawal determination form with Housing New Zealand. Housing New Zealand needs to assess whether you are deemed to be in the same financial position as a first home buyer before you are able to apply to withdraw your funds.
For those applying for the KiwiSaver HomeStart grant as a previous homeowner, other than meeting the standard eligibility criteria, again Housing New Zealand needs to carry out an assessment of your financial position.
KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal determination as a previous homeowner:
If you are applying for a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal determination as a previous homeowner, do you meet the following:
You have not previously withdrawn your KiwiSaver funds to buy a home
You have been a member of KiwiSaver for at least three years
You have previously owned property, but no longer own any interest/share in the property
You do not have realisable assets totalling more than 20% of the house price cap for an existing/older property in the area that you are looking to buy in. Housing New Zealand considers the following to be realisable assets:
Money in bank accounts (including fixed and term deposits)
Shares, stocks and bonds
Investments in banks or financial institutions
Building society shares
Any money paid to, or held by, the real estate agent or solicitor as a deposit on the property
A boat or caravan (if the value is over $5,000)
Additional vehicles (such as classic motorbikes or cars – not being used as your usual method of transport)
Other individual assets valued over $5,000
KiwiSaver HomeStart grant:
If you are applying for the HomeStart grant as a previous homeowner, do you meet the following:
The standard eligibility criteria for the KiwiSaver HomeStart grant
You have not received either the KiwiSaver deposit subsidy or HomeStart grant previously
You no longer own any interest in the property
You do not have realisable assets totalling more than 20% of the house price cap for an existing/older property in the area that you are looking to buy in. Housing New Zealand considers the following to be realisable assets:
Money in bank accounts (including fixed and term deposits)
Shares, stocks and bonds
Investments in banks or financial institutions
Building society shares
Any money paid to, or held by, the real estate agent or solicitor as a deposit on the property
A boat or caravan (if the value is over $5,000)
Additional vehicles (such as classic motorbikes or cars – not being used as your usual method of transport)
Other individual assets valued over $5,000
To get Housing New Zealand to determine whether you are eligible for either or both options, you will need to complete two separate applications.
