FAQs tagged with 'Financing & Repayments'

Unfortunately, you can’t use your KiwiSaver to buy a HouseMe transportable home directly — but there are a few ways it can play a role if you already own or plan to buy land.

KiwiSaver first-home withdrawals are designed for buying a property where the house and land are purchased together under one legal title. Because HouseMe homes are built off-site and delivered later, they don’t initially meet that requirement. The home isn’t legally tied to the land until it’s permanently installed and added to the property’s title — which is where the KiwiSaver rules get tricky.

Here’s how it breaks down in real terms:

Why you can’t use KiwiSaver upfront

KiwiSaver providers can only release funds once there’s a legal property title that includes the dwelling. With HouseMe, that’s not the case at the time of purchase — it’s still considered a movable asset.
So even though it’s a legitimate home, it doesn’t yet meet the legal definition of a “house purchase” under KiwiSaver regulations.

The technical (but messy) way you could use it

It’s technically possible to use KiwiSaver, but the process is backwards and rarely worth the hassle:

• You’d need to fully fund the home upfront yourself — through cash or finance.
• The home would then be transported, installed, and connected on your land.
• Once it’s permanently fixed to the site and legally recorded on your land title, you could then apply to draw down your KiwiSaver funds, effectively reimbursing yourself after the fact.

In short, KiwiSaver won’t fund the purchase itself — only after the house is complete, installed, and legally recognised as part of your property. That timing makes it nearly impossible for most buyers to rely on KiwiSaver as their main funding source.

How you can use your KiwiSaver effectively

If you’re starting from scratch, the smart way to involve KiwiSaver is to use it to buy the land first.
Once you own the section, you can then purchase and install a HouseMe home on it using your own funds or through our in-house finance solution, FinanceMe.

Many customers take this route:

1. Use KiwiSaver for the land purchase (since it has a legal title).
2. Fund the build and delivery of the HouseMe unit separately.
3. Once the home is sited and added to the title, you’ve effectively created a full house-and-land property that builds long-term equity.

A practical example

Let’s say you buy a $250,000 section using your KiwiSaver and a small top-up loan. You then finance a $130,000 HouseMe home through FinanceMe. Once the home is delivered, installed, and added to the title, your property is now worth, say, $420,000. You’ve used KiwiSaver exactly as intended — to help secure permanent housing — just in a roundabout way.

Why it should change

It would make sense for KiwiSaver rules to evolve. Off-site homes like HouseMe are permanent, consented, code-compliant dwellings — they just happen to be built smarter and faster. The current system doesn’t reflect that reality, and it’s stopping a lot of Kiwis from accessing affordable housing solutions.

Until those rules catch up, KiwiSaver can only help before (buying land) or after (reimbursement once the home is on title), not during.

If you’re ready to get started, our FinanceMe option bridges that gap — it’s quick, flexible, and designed for people who don’t want to wait for outdated systems to catch up.

We sure do! We offer a few different finance solutions to help you get into a new, affordable home as soon as possible.

Unless you already own land, getting finance from a bank for a transportable home is almost impossible — that’s where FinanceMe comes in.

Our flexible finance options let you secure a home with:

• Finance with deposit – standard option with flexible terms and no limits on home size.
• No-deposit finance – available for homes under $100,000 (our 3m-wide range).
• Rent-to-Buy – for those needing time to build credit before converting to a finance contract.

All options come with manageable repayments and a clear path to ownership.

If you’d like to learn more about how HouseMe finance works and whether it’s right for you, get in touch with our team — we’ll happily walk you through it.

You can also get started on our website [here].

Basic criteria:

• Ideally, you have a full-time income (not always required).
• You live in New Zealand.
• Up to three people can apply jointly.
• No land or equity ownership required — the landowner simply signs a one-page permission form allowing the home on their property.

Key details:

• Interest rates: 14.95% – 19.90%, based on credit, deposit, and risk profile.
• This is not a mortgage, and is similar to a personal loan.
• Term length: up to 10 years.
• Repayments from $200 per week.
• No limit to loan amount.
• Minimum deposit required for higher-value homes.
• KiwiSaver funds cannot be used.
• Can only be used for the home purchase, not site works or council related costs

Yes — we sure do! Our Rent-to-Buy option is designed to help more Kiwis get into a home of their own, even if they’re not quite ready for traditional finance.

It’s perfect if you’re building your credit history or don’t yet have a deposit saved. You’ll make affordable weekly payments while living in your new home, and once you’re ready, you can easily transition into full ownership through one of our finance options.

Rent-to-Buy gives you a clear path to owning your home — no banks, no endless waiting, just progress.

If you’d like to learn more or check if you qualify, get in touch with our team — we’ll walk you through how it all works and help you get started.

How Rent-to-Buy Works

• Available on homes $100,000 and under — this includes our 3m-wide range.
• You select your new home and enter a Rent-to-Buy agreement.
• You’ll make fixed weekly payments while living in your home, just like rent — but those payments go toward ownership.
• Over time, you build a solid payment record and credit history.
• Once you meet the finance criteria, your agreement is converted into a standard finance contract.
• From there, it’s officially yours — and you’ve already been living in it the whole time.

Rent-to-Buy is a practical way to get started when banks say no, giving you stability, structure, and a genuine path to ownership.

What’s the Difference Between Finance, No-Deposit Finance, and Rent-to-Buy?

• Finance (with deposit):
  The standard option. You pay a deposit, sign a finance contract, and own the home immediately. Best suited for buyers with stable income and good credit.
• No-Deposit Finance:
  Designed for homes under $100,000, this option lets you secure a home without an upfront deposit. You’ll need solid credit and affordability to qualify.
• Rent-to-Buy:
  Ideal if you’re working on improving your credit score or can’t yet meet finance approval. You rent the home while building a payment track record, then convert to full finance once you qualify.

Deposit Requirements

• A $10,000 deposit is required for purchases under $100,000.
• A $20,000 deposit is required for orders over $100,000.
• All 12.5 x 4.4m homes require a $30,000 deposit.

Your deposit is payable when you place your order and secures your position in our production schedule.
Please note — we cannot allocate your build slot until your deposit has been received.

Deposit Policy

All deposits are non-refundable once your order is confirmed.

However, there are two exceptions:

• If HouseMe determines that delivery to your site is not feasible, your deposit will be fully refunded.
• If your finance application is declined after you’ve placed your order, your deposit will also be refunded in full.

Sales & Purchase Agreement

Once your order is placed, you’ll receive a detailed Sales and Purchase Agreement outlining all terms, specifications, and conditions of your purchase.

Payment Terms & Final Balance Payment

The remaining balance of your purchase is due 10 days before delivery of your unit — or whenever your home build is complete, whichever comes first.

You must complete payment and take possession of your unit within 4 months of paying your deposit, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Please note, we do not offer free storage once your home is complete.

If you choose to cancel your contract, HouseMe reserves the right to retain your deposit and resell the home to recover costs incurred.

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.

At HouseMe, we know everyone’s financial situation is different — that’s why we offer a few flexible ways to help you get into your new home sooner. Each option is designed to suit where you’re at right now and give you a clear path to ownership.

1. Finance (with Deposit)

This is the most common option for customers ready to buy straight away.
You’ll pay a deposit, sign a finance contract, and take full ownership of your new home immediately.

Key points:

• Terms up to 10 years
• Interest rates between 14.95% – 19.90% depending on credit and risk profile
• Deposit required (usually $10,000–$30,000 depending on home size)
• No restrictions on home size or value
• No property ownership required
• Up to 3 people can form an application

Perfect if you have stable income, reasonable credit, and want to get into your home quickly with a straightforward finance structure.

2. No-Deposit Finance

For homes $130,000 and under (our 3m & 3.6m-wide range), we now offer No-Deposit Finance — helping customers who can afford the repayments but don’t yet have savings for a deposit.

Key points:

• No deposit needed
• Homes must be $130,000 or less
• Same flexible terms (up to 10 years)
• Approval based on income, credit history, and affordability

This is ideal if you’re earning steady income and have a solid credit profile but haven’t managed to save a deposit yet.

3. Rent-to-Own

Our Rent-to-Own option is designed for customers who want to start living in their new home now while working toward finance approval.

You’ll make fixed weekly payments while living in your HouseMe home. Those payments help build your credit record and demonstrate affordability — giving you a proven track record when you’re ready to switch to a finance contract.

Key points:

• Available for homes $130,000 and under (3m & 3.6m-wide range)
• Affordable weekly payments
• Live in your home while you build credit
• Convert to a standard finance contract once eligible

Perfect if you’re on a benefit, rebuilding credit, or just not quite ready for traditional finance.

Each pathway has been built to make home ownership achievable — no banks, no red tape, just practical solutions for everyday Kiwis.

If you’re unsure which option suits you best, get in touch with our team. We’ll walk you through your options and help you find the right fit.

Yes — you can absolutely use FinanceMe as bridging finance to get your HouseMe home built and delivered now, then refinance to a lower-interest bank loan later once it’s installed and added to your property title.

This approach works perfectly for anyone whose bank won’t immediately approve a top-up, or who doesn’t yet have enough equity to fund the build through their mortgage.

Why banks can’t fund you upfront

Most banks won’t give you a mortgage for a transportable home until it’s delivered, installed, and legally recognised on your title. Until that point, it’s classed as a movable asset — not a fixed dwelling — so it falls outside standard mortgage criteria.

That means if your land is bare or your equity’s tight, the bank will often say “come back once it’s built.”
That delay can hold you back for months and cost you valuable opportunities.

FinanceMe fills that gap

FinanceMe provides short-term funding for the build, transport, and installation of your HouseMe home.
The process is quick, with flexible approvals based on your ability to service the loan — not outdated banking red tape.

You can:

• Lock in your build slot immediately
• Avoid waiting for bank valuations or consent hold-ups
• Secure your home now before costs or rates change again

It gives you the freedom to move when you’re ready, not when the bank says so.

How the bridging process works

1. FinanceMe funds your build
You use FinanceMe to get your home built, delivered, and installed on your section.

2. Home becomes part of your property title
Once it’s connected, Code Compliant, and permanently fixed to the land, it becomes a legal dwelling.
That changes everything — the home is now part of your title, and the banks can recognise it as a mortgageable asset.

3. Refinance with your bank
With the completed home on your property, the bank can revalue the full house-and-land package and offer you a standard home loan.
You then refinance out of FinanceMe into your long-term mortgage, usually at a lower interest rate.

Create equity while you do it

One of the biggest advantages of this approach is that you often build instant equity.
Because you’re adding a high-quality, code-compliant home to your land, the total property value usually jumps as soon as the home’s in place.

That extra equity strengthens your financial position, gives you leverage with the bank, and can even help you secure a better interest rate when you refinance.

Example 1: Bare land build

Land value: $250,000
HouseMe home: $130,000 (funded through FinanceMe)
Total cost: $380,000
Bank valuation once complete: $440,000–$460,000

By using FinanceMe, you’ve completed the project without waiting for bank funding.
Once installed, you’ve built around $60,000–$80,000 in instant equity, putting you in a stronger position to refinance and secure a lower long-term rate.

Example 2: Existing home adding a minor dwelling

Existing home value: $900,000
Current mortgage: $720,000
Equity: $180,000 (20%)

New HouseMe minor dwelling: $145,000 (funded through FinanceMe)
Total borrowing after install: $865,000
New property value once complete: $1,100,000–$1,150,000
New equity position: $235,000–$285,000 (21–25%)

Here, FinanceMe allows you to add a new income-generating unit or family space without waiting for bank approval.
Once the unit is installed and added to your title, your property value increases, your equity improves, and you can refinance at a lower rate — all while adding long-term value to your property.

Why this strategy works

• Fast: You start building right away instead of waiting months for bank approval.
• Flexible: You bridge the gap with short-term finance and exit when it suits you.
• Smart: You create equity and refinance later at a lower rate.
• Practical: Ideal if your bank won’t top up or your current equity is limited.

In short:
FinanceMe gets your build moving, helps you create equity, and puts you in a stronger position to refinance later at a lower interest rate. It’s the smart, no-nonsense path for anyone who’s ready to build now but doesn’t want to sit around waiting for the bank to catch up.