How we make buying your first home simpler, faster, and smarter
Most first-home buyers don’t have a perfect deposit, textbook income, or time to learn lending rules. That’s where we come in — to give you a clear path and the right structure from day one.
You get one shot at doing it right and we’re with you the whole way
From pre-approval through to keys in hand, we manage the process, chase the paperwork, and stay one step ahead — so nothing slips through the cracks.
Flexible lenders mean more ways to get you across the line
We work with both banks and non-banks, so we’re not boxed in. Whether you’ve got a small deposit, self-employed income, or been told “no” before — we’ll find a smarter path to “yes.”
We’ll help you make sense of what you can really afford
No spreadsheets required. We’ll map out what you can borrow, what it’ll cost week to week, and how to put your best foot forward — so you can act with confidence.
We know how KiwiSaver, and gifted deposits actually work
You’ve probably got more buying power than you think. We’ll help you unlock every available dollar — and structure things right to boost your chances of approval.
Use our mortgage calculator to see what’s possible.
Get an estimate of your repayments in seconds — and turn rough numbers into a real plan with expert support.
FAQs about buying your first home
How much deposit do I really need?
While 20% is the ideal, many lenders accept as little as 5–10% for first-home buyers — especially with KiwiSaver or a guarantor. We’ll assess what’s realistic for your situation and guide you through your best options.
Can I use KiwiSaver to buy a home?
Yes. If you're a first home buyer and you've been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least 3 years, you can usually withdraw most of your savings — We'll guide you through.
What if I’ve been turned down by a bank?
We’ve helped hundreds of buyers who were told “no” get the right answer elsewhere. Our lender panel looks beyond tick-box criteria — and we know how to structure your case to make it work.
We work with trusted bank and non-bank lenders
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Testimonials
Mortgage Broking & Finance Clients
From our very first interaction, it was clear that Trent was genuinely invested in our success at Gratpak. As a result of his support, we were able to secure the funding necessary to invest in new technologies and streamline our production processes. I wholeheartedly recommend Trent Bradley to any business seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated financial partner. His expertise and support have been invaluable to us, and I am confident he can help others achieve their financial goals as well!
Sandeep Puri
GratPak Ltd
We knew about Luminate last November from our friend. We contacted them with the feeling “give it a try, but no hope” because we tried so many times before. And now…we are sitting on our couch in our living room in our house waiting for Christmas…The biggest Christmas gift ever in our life.. Just like a dream come true guys!
Luminate Financial Group has the best service which is out of your expectation. They are reliable, fast and super easy.
Marita Huynh
I've had the pleasure of working with Trent Bradley from Luminate, and I can confidently attest that he's a game-changer. With decades of experience under his belt, he navigates even the most challenging times with ease, providing unparalleled guidance and support.
If you're looking for a finance expert who will make your financial goals a reality, look no further than Trent Bradley. Highly recommended!
Garry Singh
Ray White NZ
Investors
Something that is troubling when you have funds to invest is trusting a Company to ‘keep it simple’ and deliver a fair ROI …..and who do the job of increasing the capital value, report monthly in a format I can read and understand and be there if I have questions. Luminate has delivered for me over the past 5 years on an investment of a couple of million. It’s a joy, its simple and effortless on my part, which speaks volumes about the quality of the team.
SR
We have known Trent Bradley for 28 years through a mixture of seeking his advice on borrowing, financing or lending funds for various activities we have engaged in.
With Luminate managing our money we have over the past 28 years had complete peace of mind. We are very pleased to share our experiences with Trent as he is a bedrock to our financial progress.
Michael and Gwyn Gray
Still renting? Let’s build your exit plan.
Book a free, no-pressure call with a Luminate adviser. We’ll tell you what’s possible, what you’ll need — and how to move from 'thinking about it' to turning the key.
Market & interest rate updates
More home loan offerings
Refinance your home loan
Refinance your home loan for better rates. Adapt to market changes, lower payments, and save big over time. Boost cash flow with Luminate’s expert guidance.
Build a new home
Building a home? Luminate secures construction loans, navigates lender challenges, and tailors terms to fit your budget and timeline.
Buying your second home
Upsize, downsize, or rightsize your home? Luminate finds the best loan options, negotiates with banks and lenders, and secures funds for your next move.
Build your wealth through property investment
From first-time investors to seasoned landlords, we shape lending solutions around your goals, income, and long-term plans.
