Your KiwiSaver could be the cornerstone of your deposit. The strategy matters though, especially the closer you get to buying.
If you're planning to buy in the next 1–5 years, your KiwiSaver fund type matters enormously. A market downturn just before your withdrawal could significantly reduce your deposit if you're in the wrong fund.
After at least 3 years of KiwiSaver membership, you may be eligible to withdraw most of your balance to put toward your first home purchase. This can form a meaningful part of your deposit, particularly after years of employer contributions and investment returns.
This is where many first home buyers get caught out. If you're in a Growth or Aggressive fund and markets fall just before your withdrawal date, your deposit could be significantly lower than expected. The solution is a phased de-risking strategy.
With plenty of time, growth assets can still work in your favour. Prioritise building the balance.
Getting closer means protecting what you've built matters more. Moving to Conservative reduces the impact of a short-term market dip.
Capital preservation is the priority now. You want certainty about what your deposit will be on settlement day.
Switching funds is easy. Switching at the wrong time is costly. Andrew can review your situation and advise on timing.
Looking for the best KiwiSaver fund for first home buyers? There isn't a single answer that suits everyone. The right fund depends almost entirely on how many years you have until you plan to buy, which is exactly why a quick KiwiSaver review is worth doing before you lock in a strategy.