Buying your first home in New Zealand often means considering townhouses, units, or apartments — many of which fall under a Unit Title structure. While these properties can be more affordable entry points into the Auckland and wider NZ housing market, they come with unique rules, shared ownership responsibilities, and body corporate fees that first-home buyers must understand.
This guide explains what a Unit Title is, how body corporate responsibilities work, recent legal changes, insurance rules, and key things to review before you make an offer.

For first home buyers in New Zealand, one of the biggest decisions is whether to purchase a new build or an existing property. Both options have their pros and cons, and understanding these differences can help you make a confident choice that aligns with your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Buying your first home at auction in New Zealand can be a daunting experience, but it also offers a fast and decisive way to secure a property. With no conditions allowed and immediate legal commitment required, it’s crucial to be fully prepared before raising your hand to bid. This guide breaks down everything first home buyers need to know—from getting pre-approved and completing due diligence, to understanding how auctions work and what to expect on the day.

Figuring out how much you can borrow is often the first big question on your journey to buying a home in New Zealand. For first home buyers, borrowing power depends on several factors, including your income, deposit size, debt levels, and monthly expenses. This guide breaks down what banks look for and how you can improve your chances of borrowing what you need.

Navigating the New Zealand property market as a first home buyer can be daunting. One of the most underrated resources available to buyers is a knowledgeable real estate agent. In this guide, we explore how agents can support your property search, the pros and cons of using them, and how to work with agents effectively to achieve your home ownership goals.

Buying your first home is a huge milestone—but have you thought about how you’ll protect it? From home and contents to mortgage repayment insurance, having the right cover in place can be just as important as securing the keys. In this in-depth guide, we walk you through the different types of insurance every first home buyer in New Zealand should understand—and why they matter.

Understanding the difference between a mortgage pre-approval and a live deal is essential for first home buyers navigating the New Zealand property market. This blog explains how each stage works, why timing matters, and how to use expert advice to your advantage when making an offer.

Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) is a key factor in how much deposit you’ll need to buy your first home. Find out what LVR means, how it works, and what it means for you as a first home buyer in New Zealand.

Confused about whether to use a mortgage adviser or deal directly with your bank? This blog compares the benefits of each option, helping you decide what’s right for your first home purchase.

Purchasing your first home comes with its share of financial considerations. If your deposit is less than 20% of the property's value, lenders may impose additional costs known as Low Equity Margins (LEMs) or Low Equity Premiums (LEPs). Let's delve into what these terms mean and how they can impact your mortgage.​

Getting a home loan for your first home? Make sure you’re prepared. These 7 essential steps will help you get your finances in shape and give you the best chance of mortgage approval.

Having a healthy monthly surplus is essential to afford a mortgage comfortably. Learn how to calculate your surplus, why it matters to lenders, and how to improve your financial position.