Unlocking Your KiwiSaver: The Hidden Trade-offs for First Home Buyers

08/06/2025 4 min
Unlocking Your KiwiSaver: The Hidden Trade-offs for First Home Buyers

Listen "Unlocking Your KiwiSaver: The Hidden Trade-offs for First Home Buyers"

Episode Synopsis

Facing the KiwiSaver dilemma? You're not alone. The question of whether to use your retirement savings for a first home deposit or preserve them for your golden years is perhaps the most consequential financial crossroads many Kiwis will face.As your mortgage advisor who promises honesty over comfort, I'm diving deep into this complex decision. After three years of KiwiSaver contributions, first-home buyers can withdraw almost their entire balance (minus $1,000) – often forming their only substantial deposit source. But this convenience comes with significant long-term implications.The mathematics of compound growth means withdrawing at 30 or 35 potentially sacrifices hundreds of thousands in retirement funds. Yet simultaneously, delaying property purchase while house prices continue climbing creates its own financial penalty through lost equity growth and continued rent payments. So which investment typically performs better – KiwiSaver or home equity?Through real client stories like Natasha's clever strategy of using KiwiSaver for her deposit then boosting contributions from 3% to 8% post-purchase, we explore practical approaches that balance immediate housing needs with future financial security. Before making your decision, ask yourself critical questions: Are you emotionally and financially ready for homeownership? Are you confident in the property's quality and location? What's your plan to rebuild retirement savings?Remember there's no universal right answer – only the right answer for your specific circumstances. Whether you use KiwiSaver for a home deposit or preserve it for retirement, having a deliberate strategy matters more than simply waiting and hoping. Ready to make this decision with confidence? Let's talk about your unique situation and find the path that builds your future, not just buys a house.Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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