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First home owner grant

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Applying for the grant

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To receive the grant you must meet the eligibility criteria. You also must apply within 1 year after buying your home.

Note: there is a first home owner boost available.

Your application

Anyone who will own any part of your home must be included on the application (PDF 745 K). You only need to lodge one application for your home, regardless of the number of applicants. Only one grant is payable per application. 

Your application must be:

  • signed by all applicants
  • witnessed
  • completed (including the age restriction/disqualifying arrangements/residency requirements addendum).

See the supporting documentation checklist for information you need to include in your application.

Where can I apply for the grant?

You can apply for the first home owner grant through an approved bank or lending institution. 

You can also apply directly to the Office of State Revenue by sending us your application.

Note: You may be paid the grant sooner if you apply through an approved bank or financial institution.

How long do I have to apply for the grant?

You must apply for the grant within 1 year of buying or building your home.

Buying your home  You must apply within 1 year of taking possession of the home and your title being registered.
Contract to build  You must apply within 1 year of the home being completed, for instance, the final inspection report being issued.
Owner–builder  You must apply within 1 year of the home being completed, for instance, the final inspection report being issued.

In some special cases, this period may be extended. If you are applying outside the application period, you need to include in your application a written statement explaining your circumstances.

Additional information

In order to determine whether or not you are eligible for the grant, we may ask you for additional information.

There are penalties for giving false or misleading information.

Top call centre questions

How can I apply for the grant?

You must complete an application form. Application forms are available from most banks and lending institutions.

You can submit your completed application to an approved bank or lending institution or directly to us. You may get the grant sooner if you apply through an approved bank or lending institution.

How long do I have to apply for the grant after buying or building my home?

You must apply for the grant within 12 months. In some cases, this period may be extended.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

If you apply through an approved bank or lending institution, it will depend on their timeframes.

However, most applications are processed within 10 working days, when no further information is required.

What can I do if my application is not approved?

If you are dissatisfied with a decision regarding your application for a grant, you may lodge a written objection with the commissioner. You must state the grounds of your objection in full and lodge the objection within 60 days of receiving notice of the decision.

Where can I get a registration confirmation statement or current title search?

The Department of Environment and Resource Management issues registration confirmation statements and titles searches.

I am a New Zealand citizen and my passport has expired. What other documentation can I submit?

If you do not have a copy of a current passport, you may submit a Certificate of Residence from the Department of Immigration.

I have separated from my spouse. What documentation do I need to submit to explain why they are not included on my application?

You need to provide a statement outlining your relationship with your former spouse.

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Last reviewed 19 October 2009

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