Tenant home ownership
If you are currently a Kāinga Ora tenant, you may be eligible for a grant to go towards purchasing the home you’re living in.
The government is offering state house tenants the option to buy the house they are living in. The dream of home ownership may be yours, without even having to call the movers. If you are not interested in buying your house, don’t worry, you can continue to rent from us. You are under no obligation to buy.
It is important to note that not all properties will be made available for sale.
Tenant Home Ownership grant
The Tenant Home Ownership grant is a gift of 10% of the purchase price of selected Kāinga Ora houses up to a maximum of $20,000. The Tenant Home Ownership grant is not available in areas where there is high demand for state houses. These areas include:
- Auckland
- Wellington City
- Christchurch
- Hamilton and
- Tauranga.
Note that this is only available for the purchase of specific Kāinga Ora properties and cannot be applied to buy any other properties.
If you are a tenant and want to apply for the Tenant Home Ownership grant you can complete the Tenant Home Ownership grant application form [PDF, 378 KB] as part of your application to purchase the property you currently live in.
Once completed you can scan and email your application to THOGrant@kaingaora.govt.nz.
Buyers can also combine the Tenant Home Ownership grant with the First Home Loan, the First Home grant and/or the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal, if you are eligible to buy the tenancy you are living in.
If you are a tenant and interested in buying your house either:
- download the Get a helping hand with a Tenant Home Ownership Programme brochure [PDF, 697 KB]
- call us on 0508 935 266 or
- complete the form below:
Kāinga Ora has several products that may help you into home ownership
First Home Loan
You may qualify for a First Home Loan with a lower deposit requirement, visit the First Home Loan page or talk to one of the participating lenders.
First Home Grant and KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal
If you are a member of KiwiSaver you may qualify for a First Home Grant or be able to withdraw all or part of your KiwiSaver savings using the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal.
To find about the different products we have to assist first time home buyers call 0508 935 266, between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday or email kiwisaver.enquiries@kaingaora.govt.nz.
- To buy, you will likely need to be able to borrow money from a lender. For this you may need to show:
- a good credit history
- that you are able to make home loan repayments
- that you have a cash deposit to secure the home loan.
- We can advise you of an estimated purchase price – be aware that this is only a guide and a proper valuation will still need to be made.
- Once you have shown you can afford to purchase at the estimated value, Kāinga Ora will order & pay for a valuation from a registered valuer.
- Your house will be sold at current market value.
- When the sale price has been determined, we also recommend you obtain a builder’s inspection report on the house. This will cost approximately $400. You may also wish to talk to a lawyer to ask any legal questions you may have.
There are other important costs you may have to consider when purchasing a home, such as:
- Legal fees – at least $1,000
- Lender’s mortgage insurance premium
- Builders report – approximately $400
- Loan application fee
- Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from your local council office
There are also ongoing costs of home ownership to consider including:
- Rates – at least $1,000 per year
- House and contents insurance – total of at least $700 per year
- Maintenance – this includes plumbing, painting, etc.
Your rent account with Kāinga Ora will need to be up to date by the time you purchase your home. This includes paying off any debt related to damages and income related rent.
Page updated: 14 December 2023