First home buyers · First Home Pathway

Your first home is closer than you think.

We arrange your home loan in-house, give you general guidance on the property you're looking at, and line up independent specialists when you need them: building reports, legal advice, valuations and more. One adviser and one point of contact, from your first savings plan to the day you get the keys.

Start my first home plan Take the readiness check

What's included

Everything your first home needs, in one place

In-house

Your home loan, handled

We compare lenders from the major banks to specialist non-bank lenders, and do the paperwork with you.

  • A borrowing estimate and a savings plan
  • Low-deposit options: First Home Loan, new builds and family help
  • KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal, timed for settlement
  • Pre-approval, the application and settlement

Guidance

Help with the property

General guidance as you look, so you know what to check before you commit.

  • Auctions, tenders and conditional offers explained
  • What to look for in the LIM, title, consents and body corporate records
  • The real cost of owning: rates, insurance and upkeep
  • New build or existing home: what changes for your loan

Specialists

The right people, on time

Independent professionals, lined up at the right moment so nothing holds up your offer.

  • Building inspection reports
  • Independent legal advice and conveyancing
  • Registered valuations
  • Renovation and development reports

How it works

Six steps from first chat to front door

  1. PlanA first chat about your deposit, borrowing estimate and timeline. It's free to talk.
  2. Get readyDocuments, your credit file, KiwiSaver and any family help, sorted early.
  3. Pre-approvalKnow your budget before you start making offers.
  4. Find and checkYou choose the home. We help you check it, with reports when you need them.
  5. Offer and settleConditions, lawyer, valuation and loan documents, all coordinated.
  6. After the keysRefix check-ins, and help with whatever comes next.

First home readiness check

Where are you on the journey?

Five quick questions. You'll see your stage and the next steps to take. Nothing is sent to us unless you ask for a call.

How much deposit do you have, compared with the price you have in mind?
Have you been in KiwiSaver for three years or more?
How do you earn your income?
Where are you at with finding a home?
Do you know your budget?

Specialist support

Finance in-house. The right people for everything else.

We handle your finance ourselves. When you need a report or advice outside finance, we connect you with trusted, independent professionals and keep everyone working to the same timeline.

Building inspection report

An independent inspector checks the structure, roof, moisture and weathertightness, and flags any unconsented work.

Before an auction, or as a condition of your offer

Independent legal advice

A property lawyer reviews the sale and purchase agreement, title and LIM, advises on conditions and handles settlement.

Before you sign anything

Registered valuation

Confirms what the home is worth. Lenders often ask for one for low-deposit loans, auctions and new builds.

Before your offer goes unconditional

Renovation report

A builder or quantity surveyor prices the work you're planning, so your loan and budget cover it.

When the home needs work

Development potential report

A planner or surveyor looks at zoning, a minor dwelling or subdivision potential before you pay for it.

When a site has room to grow

House insurance

Lenders need the home insured from settlement day. We'll point you to providers so cover is in place in time.

Before settlement

Need something else? An accountant to get self-employed income lender-ready, a meth test or a property manager: ask us. If it isn't finance, we'll connect you with the right person.

Ask for help

Specialists are independent of Mutual Trust and charge their own fees, which they confirm with you before any work starts. We only pass on your details with your permission, and you're always free to use your own.

Your deposit

Ways in with a smaller deposit

LVR and DTI explained
20%What most bank lending for a home to live in needs, with the widest choice of lenders.
Around 10%Often enough for a new build.
5%The First Home Loan, backed by Kāinga Ora and offered by selected lenders. Income caps apply.
KiwiSaverAfter three years as a member you may be able to withdraw your savings for a home to live in. At least $1,000 stays in.
Family helpA gifted deposit or a family guarantee can bring your purchase forward. How it works

Rules as at October 2026. They can change, and every lender applies its own criteria.

Questions

First home buyers ask us

What does the First Home Pathway cost?

It's free to talk. Lenders pay us a commission when your loan settles, and any fee is case by case and agreed with you up front. Specialists such as lawyers, inspectors and valuers charge their own fees, which they confirm with you before any work starts. How we're paid

Will you tell me which home to buy?

No. The choice is always yours. We give general guidance on what to check and what it means for your loan, and independent specialists give you their professional reports and advice. We don't sell property.

Do I have to use your specialists?

No. You're free to use your own lawyer, inspector or valuer. We'll still work with them so your finance and their work line up.

I've only just started saving. Is it too early?

Not at all. The earlier we talk, the better your plan. We'll set a deposit target and timeline with you, and show you the low-deposit options.

Will talking to you affect my credit score?

No. A credit check only happens when an application is made, with your consent.

Can you help if I'm self-employed or buying with someone?

Yes. We work with self-employed buyers, couples, friends buying together and families helping out. Self-employed home loans

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