5 Things First Home Buyers Can Do to Buy a Home in 2026!

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially at the start of a new year when advice comes from all directions. The reality is that most successful first home buyers don’t do everything at once. They focus on a few key actions that build a plan and momentum. If buying a home in 2026 is on your radar, these five steps are a strong place to begin.

1. Get Clear on Your Numbers Early

One of the most important things first home buyers can do in 2026 is understand their financial position early. That means knowing how much you earn, what you spend and what debts you have. With this information your home loan affordability looks like.

From here, you can focus on what needs to improve to get you in a position where you are ready to buy your first home.

To get feedback on your numbers and help with a plan Book A Call with our First Home Buyer Adviser

2. Treat Your Deposit as a Plan, Not a Guess

Saving for a deposit isn’t just about hitting a number, it’s about clearly knowing what you are aiming for and focusing on how you can reach it. Many first home buyers use a mix of KiwiSaver, cash savings, and sometimes family support to reach their goal. What matters most is having a plan and reviewing it regularly.

Knowing roughly what deposit range you’re aiming for helps shape decisions around location, property type, and timeframes, making the process feel far more achievable. Here at The First Home Buyers Club, we can help you with clarity on what your target deposit should be.

3. Take the Home Readiness Quiz

If you’re unsure how close you actually are to buying, the Home Readiness Quiz is a simple way to get clarity. It helps first home buyers understand where they sit right now — whether they’re early on the journey, getting close, or genuinely ready to move forward.

Rather than guessing what to focus on, the quiz provides personalised feedback on key areas like deposit, income, and overall readiness, helping you prioritise the right next steps for 2026. You can take the quiz here: https://www.thefirsthomebuyersclub.co.nz/hrq

4. Talk to an Adviser Before You Start House Hunting

Many first home buyers wait too long to get advice, often after they’ve already found a property they love. In 2026, speaking with a mortgage adviser early can save time, stress, and disappointment. It helps you understand lending criteria, potential borrowing limits, and whether any changes could improve your position before applying for a pre-approval. A pre-approval can help put you in the box seat when you find the property you love.

Have a chat with our First Home Buyer Adviser by booking a free chat here.

5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

You don’t need perfect timing or a flawless financial situation to buy your first home. What you do need is steady progress. Whether that’s increasing savings, improving affordability, or simply learning how the process works, each step builds confidence.

Often, first home buyers are closer than they think without even realising it. That’s where expert feedback from a mortgage adviser on your personal situation is the best approach. The result will either be feedback on some areas to work on, or that you are in fact no far off being ready to own your first home.

Make 2026 the Year You Move Forward

For many first home buyers, 2026 won’t be about rushing into a purchase, it will be about getting ready with a plan. Small, informed steps taken now can put you in a strong position when the right opportunity comes along. Knowing where you stand today is often the most powerful place to start.