'First-home grant middle-class welfare and scrapping it won't make a difference'

'First-home grant middle-class welfare and scrapping it won't make a difference'
First-home buyers tend to find a way of getting on the property ladder regardless, mortgage brokers say. (Image: NZME)
Maria Slade
Axing grants for first-home buyers will make virtually no difference to their ability to get onto the property ladder, commentators say.The government confirmed on Wednesday that the First Home Grant was gone, with administering agency Kāinga Ora ceasing to take applications at 1pm.The scheme offered eligible first-home buyers a grant of up to $5000 for an existing house and $10,000 for a new build.First-home buyers accounted for record levels of property purchases in the past couple of years and made up 26% of the market in the first quarter o...

More Property

Ryman pulls $240m retirement village plans, lists premium Christchurch land for sale
Property

Ryman pulls $240m retirement village plans, lists premium Christchurch land for sale

CBRE described the property as a ‘generational’ development opportunity. 

Staff reporters 15 Sep 2025
Real estate industry wants AML levy exemption
Finance

Real estate industry wants AML levy exemption

The real estate industry is warning an AML levy will drive up costs in the sector.

Michael Neilson 15 Sep 2025
F&P Healthcare one step closer to new Karaka campus
Policy

F&P Healthcare one step closer to new Karaka campus

Auckland Council has approved a request to rezone nearly 90ha going to hearings.

Oliver Lewis 12 Sep 2025
Average home insurance tops $2,000
Infrastructure Risky Business

Average home insurance tops $2,000

Insurance premiums in New Zealand have increased dramatically in recent years.

Michael Neilson 11 Sep 2025