Deposit Builder 101: Why We’re Bullish on First Home Buyers in 2026 (Despite the Headlines)

In the first Blueprint Finance Podcast episode of 2026, Daniel Lipman and Rory McSweeney break down what’s actually happening for first home buyers in New Zealand.Despite headlines saying it’s harder than ever, the data tells a different story. Over half of our first home buyers are entering the market with less than a 20% deposit — and many are still getting it done.Ready to buy your first home in New Zealand but not sure how to build your deposit? In this episode of the Blueprint Finance Podcast, we reveal the real strategies Kiwis are using to go from renting to owning.We bust the biggest myths about first home deposits, explain how more than half of our buyers are getting in with less than 20%, and share actionable tips to accelerate your savings. From KiwiSaver and side hustles to creative living arrangements and family support options, we cover it all. Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & 2026 market outlook07:00 – The truth about deposit requirements (less than 20% is possible!)15:00 – How real Kiwi are building deposits (without big gifts)20:00 – Creative strategies: living at home, subletting, side hustles27:00 – Maximising KiwiSaver for your first home31:00 – Family support: gifts, loans, and legal tips36:00 – Income, budgeting, and the 3-year planReady to start your deposit-building journey? Book a free chat with our team (link below) and let’s make your homeownership dream a reality!Talk with an expert: https://calendly.com/blueprintnz/15-min-introductory-call-with-an-adviserGet a First Home Pre-Approval: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/mortgage-pre-approval/Tips to win with your first mortgage: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/first-home/KiwiSaver Planning: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/kiwisaver-planning/Thanks,Rory, Daniel, and the Blueprint Finance team. See the full podcast archive: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/the-podcast/Subscribe to download mortgage calculators: https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/poai-newsletter/