In New Zealand, the amount of deposit required to buy a house in 2025 varies depending on the property type, location, and lender options, but generally falls within a range:
- Most standard home purchases require a 20% deposit , which for a median-priced home around $795,000 would be approximately $159,000 (, ).
- First-time buyers and those using government-backed programs can sometimes access loans with as little as 5% to 10% deposit , especially through schemes like the First Home Loan, which allows deposits starting at 5% , though these often come with higher interest rates and stricter criteria (, , ).
- Lower deposit options are becoming more accessible, with some lenders accepting 10% deposits for buyers with strong income and credit profiles. In high-demand areas like Auckland or Wellington, the deposit amount is often higher due to higher property prices, averaging over $200,000 for median homes ().
- Investment properties typically require larger deposits, generally around 30% or more , depending on bank policies ().
Actionable Insights:
- The typical deposit for a first home is around 10-20% , with options for lower deposits like 5-10% depending on circumstances, but with some trade-offs on interest rates and loan conditions (, , ).
- Savers should consider government schemes like KiwiSaver withdrawals or Kainga Ora loans to help reach deposit goals faster.
- Regional differences affect deposit amounts; in more affordable regions, deposits can be considerably lower than in high-demand cities ().
Given current market trends, most buyers aim for at least a 10% to 20% deposit , but schemes enabling lower deposits are increasingly popular in New Zealand as of 2025.