Aucklander Kim Jennings used the KiwiSaver scheme to help her get into the city's expensive market, buying a two-bedroom house using the first-home-buyers' deposit subsidy.
That enables people to get at least a $3000 contribution from the Government, if income and price criteria are met, after being in KiwiSaver for three years.
Maria Abadingo of Auckland wants to buy, but is finding it difficult to get bank approval. "Our fixed contract rental is due at the end of January," she said.
Many other Aucklanders are renting long-term in an increasingly crowded market.
One renter yesterday told the Herald how he lined up with several potential tenants and was asked by the landlord to pay more rent than was initially being sought because the place was so popular.
An Auckland office worker criticised agents for not replying, demanding meetings only between 9am-5pm, texting instead of calling and being unhelpful.
"And we're looking at having to pay a $1000 letting fee for most places - one week rent plus GST. It's outrageous," she said.
Got my first house... with KiwiSaver bonus
Kim Jennings. Photo / Natalie Slade
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.
