FAQs tagged with 'Financing & Repayments'

Unfortunately, you can’t purchase a HouseMe transportable home using your KiwiSaver.

It would be great if you could, as it would help many Kiwis get into affordable homes. However, KiwiSaver first-home withdrawals are restricted to permanent house and land purchases where a legal property title is issued. Since HouseMe units are transportable and not tied to a land title in the traditional sense, they do not meet the eligibility criteria set by KiwiSaver providers.

If you're looking for financing options, we do have FinanceMe, which might be a suitable alternative. Feel free to reach out to discuss your options!

HouseMe does not offer a rent-to-own option.. However, we do provide a straightforward and flexible finance solution to help make owning a HouseMe home more accessible.

Our financing option allows you to secure a home with a fixed deposit and manageable repayments, giving you a clear and structured path to ownership. Unlike rent-to-own arrangements, which often come with hidden costs and complexities, our finance solution provides transparency, flexibility, and certainty.

If you’re interested in learning more about how HouseMe finance works and whether it’s the right fit for you, get in touch with our team—we’re happy to walk you through the process.

You can make a start on our website by clicking here.

• We don't do Rent-to-Own/Buy, we offer Finance.
• The applicant must be living in New Zealand and have a full-time job.
• Up to 3 people can form a joint application.
• No equity or property ownership is required; however, the applicant must have good credit.
• The Landowner will be required to sign a one-page document allowing the unit on the property [if the applicant doesn't own the land].
• Interest rates range from 14.95% to 19.90% and are based on your credit history, deposit amount, and risk profile.
• Term length is up to 10 years.
• Repayments start from $200 p/week
• There is no limit to the loan amount. 
• A minimum deposit is required on all Finance Deals.
• You can not use your Kiwisaver.

Deposit Requirements:

• A deposit of $10,000 is required for purchases under $100,000, and a deposit of $20,000 is necessary for orders exceeding $100,000. All 12.5 x 4.4 (Three Bedroom) orders require a $30,000 deposit. This deposit is payable upon placing your order and is essential for reserving your position in our production schedule. Please note that we cannot place your order in the queue until your deposit has been received.

Deposit Policy:

• Please be aware that all deposits are non-refundable.

Refund Conditions:

• In the uncommon scenario where HouseMe assesses that delivery of a unit to your site is not feasible, a full refund of your deposit will be issued.
• If you place an order with a deposit, and then your finance application is declined, we will refund your deposit.

Sales and Purchase Agreement:

• You will receive a detailed Sales and Purchase Agreement outlining your purchase terms.

Payment Terms:

• The total balance of your purchase must be paid in full 10 days before the delivery of your unit.
• You must pay for and take possession of your unit within 4 months of the initial deposit payment.

What funding options are available for Māori land housing developments?

The best approach is to explore grants and funding support before seeking bank finance. Several funding options are specifically designed for Māori land developments:

1. Kāinga Ora – Māori Housing Support

Offers grants, technical support, and low-interest loans for whānau, hapū, and iwi developing housing on Māori land:

• Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga Fund – Supports papakāinga developments, infrastructure, and housing projects.
• Capability Building Support – Assists with feasibility studies, planning, and consents.

2. Te Puni Kōkiri – Māori Housing Network

Provides direct financial and advisory support for Māori housing initiatives, including:

• Infrastructure & Feasibility Funding – Helps with planning and development.
• Papakāinga Housing Grants – Contributes to land preparation and building costs.

3. Kāinga Whenua Loans (Kiwibank & Kāinga Ora)

A loan option specifically for Māori trusts and individuals building on Māori land:

• Up to $500,000 per dwelling
• No deposit required (if land security is approved)
• Lower interest rates than standard loans
• Requires a Licence to Occupy or Māori Land Court agreement

4. Māori Land Court – Papakāinga Housing Support

Helps ensure the land structure meets funding criteria through:

• Ahu Whenua Trusts – A common structure for managing Māori land.
• Licences to Occupy & Lease Agreements – Required for funding approval.
• Land Partitioning Support – Makes financing easier.

5. Iwi & Rūnanga Housing Support

Many iwi have dedicated housing funds or government partnerships, such as:

• Ngāi Tahu’s Te Pā Tāhuna Housing Project
• Waikato-Tainui’s Home Ownership Programme
  Check with your iwi or rūnanga for available funding.

6. Private Lending & Investment Partnerships

Some Māori trusts work with private investors or community finance organisations, including:

• Māori Women’s Development Inc. (MWDI) – Provides micro-loans for Māori housing.
• Local Council Initiatives – Some councils offer targeted funding.

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Confirm Land Structure – Ensure you have the correct legal framework (Ahu Whenua Trust or similar).
2. Apply for Māori Housing Grants – Start with Te Puni Kōkiri, Kāinga Ora, and Iwi funding before seeking bank loans.
3. Explore Kāinga Whenua Loans – Consider Kiwibank’s Kāinga Whenua Loan if additional funding is required.
4. Consider Co-Funding Partnerships – Look into iwi partnerships, local council support, or private investors.

For more details, visit the relevant government and iwi websites or seek legal and financial advice.