KiwiSaver Considerations for First Home Buyers
For those planning to use KiwiSaver toward a first home purchase, fund choice may involve different considerations than purely retirement-focused investing. The ability to withdraw most of your KiwiSaver balance after 3 years of membership is a key feature for first home buyers.
Last reviewed: July 2026
General Information Only: This page provides factual data for comparison purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Individual circumstances vary.Read our disclosure
Key Considerations for First Home Buyers
- •Can withdraw after 3 years of membership for first home
- •Withdrawal includes contributions, employer contributions, and returns
- •Government contributions before July 2011 and $1000 kickstart cannot be withdrawn
- •Must leave minimum $1,000 in account after withdrawal
- •Shorter timeframe may mean different risk considerations
- •Consider timing of planned purchase when choosing fund
Fund Types Commonly Considered
First Home Buyers often consider funds with risk indicators of 3, 4, 5 (on the 1-7 scale). Common fund types include: Balanced, Conservative.
Note: Fund type selection depends entirely on individual circumstances, goals, and risk tolerance. This is general information only.
Funds in Relevant Risk Categories
Example funds with risk indicators of 3, 4, 5 - for information only
| Fund Name | 5Y Return | Fees | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 5/7 |
| Cash Enhanced Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 3/7 |
| Conservative Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 3/7 |
| Balanced Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Growth Fund fisher-two | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
| Growth Fund anz-default | No 5-year average return figure held for this fund. | N/A | 4/7 |
About “N/A” in return figures: it means no figure is held, not a return of zero. Of the 6 funds listed, 0 have a 5-year average return. Figures are drawn from fund disclosures on the FMA Disclose register, chiefly quarterly fund updates. Each fund shows the most recent figure held; the latest quarter broadly covered across all funds is March 2026. A fund too new to report a period has no figure for it; other gaps are figures not yet captured from the updates ingested so far.
This is not a recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I withdraw KiwiSaver for a first home?
After 3 years of membership. You must be purchasing your first home (or qualify as a second-chance buyer) and intend to live in the property.
How much can I withdraw?
You can withdraw your contributions, employer contributions, and investment returns, minus a $1,000 minimum that must remain. Government contributions before July 2011 cannot be withdrawn.
Should I choose a conservative fund if buying soon?
Some people planning to withdraw within 1-3 years consider lower-risk funds to reduce volatility risk. This is a personal decision based on your circumstances.
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Important Information
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP).
We do not assess suitability, make recommendations, or provide personalised advice. The information shown is sourced from publicly available data and may not reflect current offerings. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Investment returns can be negative, and you may receive back less than you invested.
Before making any decisions: Always verify current information directly with the relevant KiwiSaver provider and read their Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).
Need personalised advice? Consult a licensed Financial Advice Provider. Find advisers at fma.govt.nz
Compare every fund on the FMA Disclose register. Refreshed quarterly. Independent — FundCompare is not a Financial Advice Provider; general information only.
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The information provided on this website is not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial products. Nothing on this website constitutes financial advice for the purposes of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. FundCompare.co.nz is not a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
Investing involves risk. The value of your investment can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
Before making any investment decision, you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the fund carefully. If you have questions or are unclear about the implications of your investment decision, you should seek advice from a licensed Financial Advice Provider.
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