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Success stories

Real first-home buyers. Real challenges. Real outcomes.

Every first-home buying journey looks a little different.

Some people buy with a 5% deposit. Others thought they needed years longer to save. Some had been told “no” by a bank. Others simply needed a clearer plan.

The one thing they all had in common?

They started with a conversation.

These stories are just a few examples ofeveryday New Zealanders who discovered they were much closer to home ownership than they thought.

 

Featured success story

They thought their chance had passed

When Renee and Jase first got in touch, they had a 5% deposit and a property they loved, but the journey quickly became more complicated than expected.

The property faced lending challenges, their original plan no longer worked, and changing employment meant they no longer qualified for the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan they had been working towards.

Instead of giving up, they kept saving, paid off personal debt, grew their deposit to 10%, and together we explored lender after lender until we found the right fit.

Today they’re enjoying their first home, have boarders helping with the mortgage, and have a solid foundation to grow their small business.

What made the difference?

✔ They adapted when circumstances changed.

✔ They stayed committed to their goal.

✔ Together, we kept looking for the right solution until we found one.

More first-home buyer journeys

Looking for a story like yours?

Browse the journeys below to see how different first-home buyers overcame different challenges.

Bought with just 5% deposit

They thought they needed years longer to save before buying their first home. Together, we explored the right lending strategy and made the most of KiwiSaver.

✓ Outcome:: Purchased their first home sooner than expected.

→ Read more

The perfect home came along before we were ready

They thought they still had years to save, but the right property appeared sooner than expected. We found a strategy that allowed them to move quickly.

✓ Outcome: Purchased with a 5% deposit, KiwiSaver and boarders helping with repayments.

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I didn't think I could buy alone

A strong income but a smaller deposit made buying alone feel out of reach. A different strategy opened up options they hadn't considered.

✓ Outcome: Purchased a brand-new home in Auckland..

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Buying as a single mum

Owning a home on a single income felt impossible. With the right support and lending approach, it became achievable.

✓ Outcome: Purchased with a 5% deposit using the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan.

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We couldn't prove our income

Changing jobs and proving income made getting approved more challenging than expected, but there was a path forward.

✓ Outcome: Secured finance and purchased the home they had been renting.

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We didn't need 20% after all

Like many first-home buyers, they believed a 20% deposit was essential. Exploring different lender options changed what was possible.

✓ Outcome: Purchased sooner than expected with a smaller deposit.

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The bank said no first

The initial application was declined, but that wasn't the end of the story. We strengthened the application and presented a much stronger case.

✓ Outcome: Approval secured and home ownership achieved.

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buying your first home

A little help from family changed everything

Support from family helped bridge the deposit gap and opened doors that previously felt out of reach.

✓ Outcome: Purchased a low-maintenance first home with confidence.

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Self-employed success

An initial application wasn't strong enough, so we waited for improved financials and came back with a much stronger case.

✓ Outcome: Pre-approval secured and confidently house hunting.

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My income didn't fit the box

Returning to work meant proving income wasn't straightforward. We strengthened the application and demonstrated a clear path forward.

✓ Outcome: Purchased the home they had been renting.

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Buying after separation

Although no longer together, they wanted to provide a stable home for their family. Finding the right lender made all the difference.

✓ Outcome: Approval secured and a home purchased together.

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Starting again in my 50s

They thought first-home ownership had passed them by. A clear plan proved it wasn't too late to get started.

✓ Outcome: Purchased their first home and are making great progress paying down the mortgage.

→ Read more

Your story could be next

Every client featured here started in exactly the same place.

With questions.

With uncertainty.

And with a goal that felt just out of reach.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whether you’re ready to buy now or simply want to understand where you stand, I’d love to help.

You might be closer than you think.