Deposit Planner
Estimate your required deposit, how long it will take to save, and how much KiwiSaver you can put towards your first home.
Deposit Calculator
Estimate your required deposit and see how close you are to your goal.
Property & Deposit Details
Enter your target property price and savings.
Common targets: 10% / 20%
Used to estimate your time-to-goal
* Estimates only. Deposit requirements vary by lender, property type, and loan structure.
Your Deposit Snapshot
See the required deposit and how close you are.
Required deposit
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Your savings
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Deposit gap
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Deposit covered
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Want a personalised plan?
Talk to an AML adviser and understand your options.
Calculator Disclaimer: Results are indicative estimates only and are not a quote or pre-approval. Figures are based on the information you provide and current market rates. Contact an AML Home Loans adviser for accurate advice tailored to your situation.
How Much Deposit Do You Need?
The short answer: 10–20% for most owner-occupiers, as little as 5% for an eligible first home buyer, and 35% for an investment property. This planner shows the deposit for the price and percentage you choose, the gap from your current savings, and how long it takes to close that gap. Our home loan deposit guide covers each option in more detail.
Why 20% still matters
You can buy with less than 20%, but it isn’t automatic. Banks have limited room for low-deposit lending, and many add a low equity margin to your rate until you reach 20% equity. Major NZ banks charge between 0.25% and 1.50% p.a., depending on your deposit. See our low equity margin guide.
Using KiwiSaver and family help
If you’ve been a KiwiSaver member for at least three years, you can usually withdraw your savings for a first home. You must leave $1,000 in the account, the home must be where you’ll live, and the money is paid to your lawyer before settlement. Our KiwiSaver first home withdrawal guide has the full rules.
A family gift can also count toward your deposit, as long as it’s documented the way banks expect. See our guide to gifted deposits.
| Deposit | Amount needed | Gap to close | Time to save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20% | $160,000 | $115,000 | About 4 years 10 months |
| 10% | $80,000 | $35,000 | About 1 year 6 months |
| 5% (First Home Loan) | $40,000 | $0 | Already there |
The First Home Loan, backed by Kāinga Ora, has income and house price caps. Figures use this planner’s formula and exclude KiwiSaver growth and interest on savings.
Common Questions
Can I buy a house in NZ with a 5% deposit?
Yes, if you qualify for the First Home Loan backed by Kāinga Ora. It allows eligible first home buyers to buy with a 5% deposit, subject to income and house price caps. An adviser can confirm whether you qualify.
Can I use KiwiSaver for my deposit?
Usually, if you have been a member for at least three years and are buying a home to live in. You must leave at least $1,000 in your account, and the funds are paid directly to your lawyer before settlement.
Does a gift from my parents count as deposit?
Yes. Most banks accept gifts from immediate family as deposit, but they will want a signed gift letter confirming the money does not need to be repaid, and proof of where it came from.
How much deposit do I need for an investment property?
Standard Reserve Bank lending rules put the minimum at 35% for most investment lending. Some non-bank lenders can accept less where you have strong equity or income.
What happens if my deposit is under 20%?
You can still borrow, but options narrow. Banks have limited capacity for low-deposit loans, and many add a low equity margin to your rate until your equity reaches 20%. An adviser can find the lenders most likely to say yes.
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Talk to an adviser to get a personalised deposit strategy and find out about first home grants — for free.