How much KiwiSaver can I withdraw for my first home?

If you’re eligible, you can generally withdraw your whole balance except $1,000 and any Australian super. You usually need 3 years’ membership, must be buying a first home you intend to live in and can’t already own a home, though previous owners may qualify if Kāinga Ora finds they’re in the same financial position as a first home buyer. The last year’s average first-home withdrawal was about $45,600, but yours depends on your own balance, and your provider works out the real figure.

Your next step

Once you have a rough figure, a home loan specialist can look at how it fits with your savings and price range. There is no credit check to enquire.

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It takes about 90 seconds, then we put you in touch with someone who can talk through your options, and there's no credit check to enquire.

Try it with your own balance

How is the amount worked out?

Start with the balance on your latest statement, take off the $1,000 that must stay in, then take off any money that can’t come out, mainly transfers from an Australian complying superannuation scheme. Inland Revenue says what’s left can include your contributions, your employer’s, the government contribution, interest and fee subsidies.

Worked examples

These made-up balances are built around the average first-home withdrawal of about $45,600.

Estimated first-home withdrawal for three example balances
Balance	Stays in the account	Estimated withdrawal
$23,300	$1,000	$22,300
$46,600	$1,000	$45,600
$93,200	$1,000	$92,200

If $11,650 of a $46,600 balance came from an Australian scheme, the estimate drops to $33,950, because that part stays in too.

What is the average KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal?

In the year to 30 June 2026, 50,470 members took out about $2.3 billion for a first home, according to Inland Revenue. That is about $45,600 each by our own sum, as IRD doesn’t publish an average, and plenty of people take out much more or much less.

What can change the number?

Market moves, new contributions, fees and tax, locked money and your provider’s own rules can all shift it, so your provider’s written estimate is the one to rely on, and lenders often want to see it. The KiwiSaver withdrawal rules cover what changes if one of you has owned a home before.

How does the withdrawal fit into my deposit?

On the $720,000 median first-home price, a 10% deposit is $72,000. If one buyer took out an estimated $45,600, about $26,400 would still need to come from savings or a gift. A Kāinga Ora First Home Loan starts at a 5% deposit for eligible buyers. Some lenders charge a low equity fee or premium. Ask the lender what applies to you. The deposit calculator shows the rest.

If you want KiwiSaver advice for after you buy, Summit Wealth is part of the same group.

Common questions

Is there a maximum I can withdraw?

There is no set dollar cap in the rules we have seen. The limit is your balance, less the amount that must stay and any locked money, and your provider confirms the figure.

Does my employer’s contribution count?

Yes. Inland Revenue says you can withdraw your contributions, your employer’s, the government contribution, interest and any fee subsidies.

What if you are buying with someone?

Each of you works out your own estimate through your own provider, and you add them together.

What if I have been in KiwiSaver for less than 3 years?

You need at least 3 years of membership to withdraw for a first home. Your provider can say how it counts membership time.

Does this calculator keep my numbers?

No. The sum runs in your browser. This site cannot see your KiwiSaver account.

Figures as at 5 October 2026. Sources:

Reviewed against Inland Revenue, Sorted, IRD and Kiwibank. General information only, not financial advice. Online Mortgages is a referral service, not a lender.