Changes are coming to the First Home Loan insurance premium - 22 May 2025

From 1 July 2025, the insurance premium for new First Home Loan borrowers increases from 0.5% to 1.2% of the loan value. Borrowers can choose to pay this upfront or across the lifetime of the loan.

This change only applies to new First Home Loan applications submitted after 1 July 2025 and does not affect earlier applications. This means existing First Home Loan borrowers stay at the 0.5% premium rate.

For people partway through the application process, the premium will remain at 0.5% if the application is submitted before or on 1 July 2025 and an offer is made on a property before the application approval expires.

If you have further questions about the First Home Loan, please call the Kāinga Ora Customer Support Centre on 0800 801 601 or get in touch with your bank. Or read the First Home Loan Insurance Premium Changes FAQs.

Finding the deposit for your first home can be a challenge, with most lenders currently requiring a minimum 20% deposit. But with a First Home Loan you only need a 5% deposit, which means getting into your first home is that much easier.

First Home Loans are issued by selected banks and other lenders, and underwritten by Kāinga Ora. This allows the lender to provide loans that would otherwise sit outside their lending standards.

If you are interested in a First Home Loan, discuss your requirements and your individual circumstances with a participating lender.

Page updated: 22 May 2025