With over 40,000 New Zealanders moving to Australia last year, the highest migration in decades, builders have a golden opportunity to tap into a motivated and financially equipped buyer market.

Many of these New Zealanders are settling in affordable estates across South East Queensland like Flagstone, Jimboomba, and Yarrabilba, as well as in Perth and other regional hubs.

A key advantage for these migrants is their ability to use KiwiSaver savings to purchase or build their first home in Australia through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS). 

Here’s how it works and how builders can position themselves to capture this growing market.

How KiwiSaver Works for Home Purchases in Australia

New Zealanders moving to Australia can transfer their KiwiSaver savings to a complying Australian super fund, such as First Super, one of the few funds that accept these transfers. The process typically takes 2-6 weeks and requires transferring the entire KiwiSaver balance. Once in an Australian super account, these funds become eligible for the FHSSS, administered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Under the FHSSS:

• Eligible buyers can withdraw up to $15,000 per financial year from voluntary contributions (including transferred KiwiSaver funds), with a total cap of $50,000 per person.
• Couples can combine their withdrawals, potentially accessing up to $100,000 for a home deposit.
• Funds can be used to purchase or build a first home in Australia, even if the buyer owns or owned property in New Zealand.
• Employer contributions (Super Guarantee) and certain restricted funds (e.g., Australian-sourced amounts transferred back and forth) cannot be withdrawn for FHSSS.

To access these funds, Kiwi buyers must meet ATO criteria, including obtaining an FHSSS determination before signing contracts. If the purchase falls through, the funds remain in the super account for retirement. For more details, visit the ATO’s FHSSS page or First Super’s KiwiSaver guide.

Why Kiwi Buyers Are a Prime Market for Builders

NZ migrants are often young families or professionals seeking affordable homes in growth corridors. Their ability to leverage KiwiSaver funds gives them a head start on deposits, making them attractive clients for builders. In SEQ, where land and house packages are competitively priced, New Zealanders are already a driving force in affordable master-planned communities across the country. Perth’s expanding regional hubs also appeal to these buyers, who value lifestyle and affordability.

Moreover, Kiwi buyers are supported by established financial networks. Banks like Westpac and ANZ, along with mortgage brokers such as Loan Market NZ, specialise in helping New Zealanders navigate KiwiSaver transfers and Australian home loans. This financial ecosystem makes it easier for New Zealanders to transition into homeownership, creating a steady pipeline of potential clients for savvy builders.

How Builders Can Capture the Kiwi Market

To attract NZ buyers, builders need to tailor their marketing and services to highlight the KiwiSaver advantage and simplify the home-buying process. Here are actionable strategies:

1. Targeted Marketing Campaigns

• Branding: Use slogans like “KiwiSaver Welcome” or “Helping NZ Families Settle Sooner” on websites, brochures, and display homes.
• Digital Outreach: Advertise on platforms popular with New Zealanders, such as expat forums, social media groups, or migration-focused websites like movingtoaustralia.co.nz
• Messaging Ideas:
  • “Fresh Start, New Home — Use Your KiwiSaver Here!”
  • “Moved from NZ? Ask us how you could use your KiwiSaver towards your new home.”
  • “Build Your Dream Home in SEQ with Your KiwiSaver Savings.”

2. Partner with Kiwi-Focused Professionals

• Mortgage Brokers: Collaborate with brokers like Loan Market NZ, who specialise in helping New Zealanders access KiwiSaver funds and secure Australian home loans.
• Conveyancers and Financial Advisors: Work with professionals familiar with the FHSSS and Trans-Tasman portability rules to streamline the process for buyers.
• Banks: Leverage relationships with Westpac and ANZ, which actively promote KiwiSaver transfers, to connect with pre-qualified buyers.

3. Educate and Engage

• Workshops and Webinars: Host events explaining how KiwiSaver can be used for home purchases, featuring mortgage brokers and super fund representatives.
• Guides and Resources: Create downloadable guides on your website, such as “How to Use Your KiwiSaver to Build in Australia,” linking to trusted resources like First Super and the ATO.
• Community Involvement: Sponsor local events in Kiwi-heavy areas like Jimboomba or Yarrabilba to build brand trust.

The Opportunity Awaits

The influx of New Zealanders to Australia, combined with the financial power of KiwiSaver and the FHSSS, presents a unique opportunity for builders. By marketing directly to this demographic, partnering with Kiwi-focused financial professionals, and offering tailored home-building packages, builders can position themselves as the go-to choice for Kiwi buyers. In high-growth regions like SEQ and Perth, where Kiwis are already making their mark, acting now can secure a loyal and expanding customer base.

For more information on how KiwiSaver transfers work, visit First Super’s KiwiSaver Guide or the ATO’s FHSSS Page.

Author: Peter Love

Pete was the General Manager of one of Australia’s largest home builders for six years, before starting his own business as a buyers’ advocate, building over 200 homes in five years across South East Queensland and working with over 20 builders to deliver them. Across this time he has seen most facets of the industry, the good, the bad, and the beautiful.