Typically, you'll need a minimum deposit of 20% of the property's purchase price for standard mortgages. However, with a First Home Grant, you might qualify with just a 5% deposit if you meet certain conditions.

Yes, if you have been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years, you can withdraw most of your KiwiSaver balance to use towards buying your first home. You may also be eligible for a KiwiSaver HomeStart grant, which provides additional funds.

In New Zealand, you can choose from fixed-rate mortgages (where the interest rate is fixed for a specific period), floating rate mortgages (where the rate can vary), and interest-only loans (where you initially pay only the interest and not the principal).

Interest rates can vary based on the lender and the type of loan. As of my last update, typical rates range from about 5% to 8%, depending on the terms and your financial situation.

This depends on your income, existing debts, and other financial obligations. Mortgage brokers or lenders use a debt-to-income ratio to determine how much you can comfortably borrow without overextending yourself.

You may encounter various fees such as application fees, legal fees, valuation fees, and potentially a low equity margin if your deposit is less than 20%. These fees can add up, so it's essential to ask for a detailed list.

The process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly you provide the necessary documentation and how complicated your financial situation is.

You'll need to provide proof of income (like pay slips or tax returns), proof of identity (such as a passport or driver's license), proof of your deposit, and any other financial information requested by the lender.

It’s important to contact your lender immediately if your financial situation changes. Lenders can sometimes offer flexibility through payment holidays or restructuring the loan to adjust the repayment amounts.