Kiwis Moving to Australia

By
Chris Dodson
December 15, 2025

Planning a move? A practical guide for Kiwis buying property in Australia. It covers KiwiSaver, low-deposit loans, grants, and how the right structure can save you tens of thousands.

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Helping Kiwis Buy Homes in Australia

Moving across the ditch is exciting, but sorting your finances can feel overwhelming - especially in a new country.

At Mortgages Plus, we specialise in helping New Zealand citizens buy, refinance, and invest in Australian property. We work with Australian lenders every day and guide you through the process from KiwiSaver withdrawal to pre-approval and settlement.

We’ve done it ourselves. Talk to a Kiwi mortgage broker who gets it and has walked that path.

Ready? Book your free strategy call

How We Help

KiwiSaver Home Loans

Use your KiwiSaver to buy your first Australian home. We guide you through eligibility, transfers, and documentation.

How to Use Your KiwiSaver to Buy a Home in Australia:

444 Visa Eligibility

We know which banks work best for New Zealand citizens on Special Category (subclass 444) visas.

Low-Deposit Options

Borrow up to 95% LVR through the First Home Guarantee Scheme. We help you qualify and apply correctly.

Buy Your First Home with Just a 5% Deposit

Grants and concessions

Many New Zealanders are surprised to learn they may be eligible for Australian first home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions.

Depending on the state and your circumstances, you may qualify for:

  • First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) for new or off-the-plan homes
  • Stamp duty exemptions or concessions, potentially saving tens of thousands
  • Government-backed low-deposit schemes, reducing upfront costs

Eligibility rules vary by state and can depend on:

  • Property price caps
  • Whether the home is new or established
  • Residency status and visa type
  • Whether you’ve owned property before (in Australia or overseas)

As a Kiwi broker, I help you:

  • Understand what you’re eligible for
  • Structure your purchase to maximise concessions
  • Avoid costly mistakes that can void grants or trigger stamp duty later

The rules are nuanced — especially for New Zealand citizens — and getting it wrong can be expensive.

Full Support From a Kiwi Broker

As a Kiwi living on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, I understand both sides of the Tasman and explain the differences clearly, with no surprises.

10 Essential Tips for New Zealanders Moving to Australia

Client Stories

Sam + Ben
Two Kiwi nurses who refinanced four properties and saved $297,000 in interest over the life of their loans.

Jake & Delia
A young Kiwi couple who used a 5% deposit and First Home Guarantee to buy their first Australian home with loans— and now invest in their second.

Common Questions

Can I use KiwiSaver in Australia?
Yes. If you meet the criteria, we’ll help you access your savings to buy your first home here.

Do I need a large deposit?
No. We work with banks that offer loans up to 95% LVR for eligible Kiwis.

How long does approval take?
Most applications are approved within a week once we have all your documents.

Ready to Buy in Australia?

Talk to a Kiwi broker who gets it.

Start your free Australian property strategy today.

Get started here

We’ll help you make the move smooth and successful.

Chris Dodson
Founder, Mortgages Plus