First Home Buyers

Your first home search is easier when the finance, property checks and offer process move together. In Nelson and Tasman, compare the home with your everyday needs and the work it may require, then confirm the details for the actual address before committing.

Start with a complete budget

Speak with your lender or a licensed financial adviser about your deposit, borrowing position and the repayments and ongoing costs you can manage. Allow for legal work, inspections, council information, insurance, moving and a reserve for repairs or unexpected costs. A suggested purchase limit should fit the whole household budget, not just the advertised price of a home.

Ask what any finance pre-approval covers and what your lender still needs to approve about a particular property. Confirm which funds must be available when an agreement is signed and at settlement. The purchase agreement’s deposit arrangements also need to work with the timing of your funds.

Check current first-home support directly

Kāinga Ora’s First Home Loan information describes a 5% deposit option through selected participating lenders. Eligibility requirements and the lender’s assessment apply. Ask a participating lender about your circumstances before including the scheme in your purchase plan.

Inland Revenue’s KiwiSaver first-home guidance says you must have been in KiwiSaver for at least three years to apply to withdraw funds for a first home, with $1,000 left in the account and other restrictions applying. Contact your scheme provider for your eligibility, available amount, required documents and processing time.

The Govt.nz first-home support page brings the options together and identifies help that is no longer available. These sources were checked on 23 October 2026. Use the provider’s current requirements and written confirmation for your own application.

Make a shortlist around daily life

Decide which features you need now and which you could change later. Compare the route to the front door, parking, steps, storage, room layout, outdoor space and the journeys you expect to make. Visit at different times where practical to understand light, shading and surrounding activity.

A lower asking price can come with more work, and a larger site can bring more maintenance. For a hillside home, look carefully at driveway access, retaining and the use of outdoor areas. For a property with private water or wastewater, ask for the relevant servicing information. Our moving guide provides dated city and district context and current transport links.

Use an open home to organise questions

• Check whether the rooms and storage suit the way you would use the home.
• Look at heating, ventilation, visible moisture or maintenance concerns and ask what records are available.
• Compare parking, shared access, boundaries and the connection between the house and grounds.
• Ask about alterations, consents, chattels, exclusions and any known issues.
• Request the title, relevant council records and the sale documents.
• Record questions for your lawyer, insurer, lender and building inspector after the viewing.

An open home helps you decide what to investigate; it does not replace a professional inspection. Arrange the checks appropriate to the property and your concerns.

Use the right council and advisers

Confirm whether the address is in Nelson City or Tasman District. Their Nelson LIM and Tasman LIM information explains the council records available. Review the title and agreement with your lawyer, check insurance on terms you can accept and obtain suitable technical advice before going unconditional.

Understand the method before making an offer

Ask your lawyer about conditions, deposit arrangements, deadlines and settlement. If the property is for auction, complete the preparation needed before bidding; use our buyer auction guide for the steps to discuss. The listing agent acts for the seller, while your own advisers help you assess your position.

Keep copies of the agreed documents and a checklist for conditions, finance, insurance, the final inspection and key handover. Read the Ray White Nelson and Tasman buyer booklet for more process information.

Talk through your search

Tell Ray White Nelson your budget range, preferred locations, timing and the features that matter to you. We can discuss available listings and the property information to request. Use the form below or call 03 544 8778. Personal lending and support eligibility must be confirmed with your lender and the relevant provider.