Free · No ads · For first-home buyers
How long to save a house deposit?
Put in the house price, what you've saved, and what you can put aside each week. See how many years until you hit the deposit, including your KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal.
You'll reach your $160,000 deposit in
7 years 4 months
You have now
$44,000
Still to save
$116,000
Growth earns you
$21,964
Your deposit, growing
Hitting that every fortnight is the hard part. Track your deposit savings with KeaBudget →
Assumes monthly compounding and steady saving. Real returns vary, and KiwiSaver first-home rules and eligibility apply, check ird.govt.nz and kaingaora.govt.nz.
A deposit is a marathon. Don't run it blind.
KeaBudgetis the free budget tracker built for Kiwis. Set the savings target, watch it climb, and find the extra you didn't know you had.
Start using KeaBudget →How this is calculated
- Deposit target
- Your chosen percentage (20%, 10% or 5%) of the house price.
- Starting amount
- Your cash savings, plus your KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal if included (your balance less the $1,000 that must stay in).
- Time to target
- We grow your starting amount and add your regular saving each month (monthly compounding), then solve for the month your balance first reaches the deposit.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit do I actually need?
Usually 20% of the purchase price for a standard home loan. Some lenders allow 10% (low-equity, with extra fees), and a First Home Loan through Kāinga Ora can let eligible buyers in with as little as 5%. Pick the option that matches your situation and the calculator works out the dollar target.
Can I use my KiwiSaver for the deposit?
Yes. If you're buying your first home (or you're a previous owner Kāinga Ora treats as a first-home buyer) you can withdraw your KiwiSaver, all but $1,000 which must stay in the account. Tick 'Use my KiwiSaver' and enter your balance; we count it toward your starting deposit. Eligibility rules apply, check with your provider and ird.govt.nz.
Does this account for house prices rising while I save?
No, it solves for a fixed deposit target so the number stays clear. House prices move, so it's worth re-running it now and then with an updated price. Think of it as 'how long at today's prices', not a market forecast.
What return should I enter?
Use 0% for money in a plain transaction account. For a savings account or term deposit, use the bank's quoted rate. If your deposit is sitting in a KiwiSaver fund, use that fund's expected return, but remember growth funds also fall in value sometimes.
Is my data stored anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser. The only thing that touches our servers is the URL you create with 'Copy share link', and that holds just the numbers you entered.
Is this financial advice?
No, it's a planning tool. For advice on your mortgage, KiwiSaver, or first-home strategy, talk to a mortgage adviser or a financial adviser registered with the FMA.