KiwiSaver & Buying Property in QLD
KiwiSaver & Queensland Property: Your Path to Buying in Australia
Transferring your KiwiSaver to an Australian super fund is easier than you think and we’ll guide you through every step.
KiwiSaver in Australia
Under the FHSS Scheme, transferring your KiwiSaver into a compatible Australian super fund counts as an eligible contribution – making it easier to access your savings for a first home (with some exceptions listed below).
Transfers from other overseas super funds into an Australian super fund may also be eligible, provided they meet the criterias.
You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers.
Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy a house in Australia?
Yes, if you're a Kiwi living in Australia, you can transfer your KiwiSaver into a compatible Australian super fund. Once transferred, those funds may count as eligible contributions under the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme, allowing you to put the savings toward buying your first home in Australia.
The withdrawal process: What to expect
Withdrawing your KiwiSaver takes time, but it’s straightforward. You’ll apply through your NZ provider with documents confirming your property purchase. Approvals can take weeks, but having expert help during this period means you're ready to act fast once funds arrive. That’s where we come in—guiding you every step.
What happens after: Making your property purchase count
Once your KiwiSaver is released, the real opportunity begins. Property Acquire helps Kiwi expats find high-growth areas, navigate the Aussie market, and manage the process from search to settlement—whether buying to live or invest. We're here to guide your move with insight, support, and a clear understanding of your goals.
Frequently asked Questions about KiwiSaver in Australia
Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy a house in Australia?
Absolutely – refer to the eligibility criteria here
How much KiwiSaver money can I use as a deposit for my new home?
$15k immediately and $15k thereafter each financial year up to a maximum of $50k.
How can I withdraw my KiwiSaver in Australia?
If you have moved permanently to Australia you may be able to transfer your KiwiSaver into an Australian complying superannuation fund. From there it is classified as a ‘voluntary super contribution’ which may then allow you to access it.
Do I need to be an Australian Citizen to withdraw my KiwiSaver?
No, once you are living and working in Australia you can simply transfer the funds to an eligible superannuation fund and it will be noted as a voluntary contribution.
If I own a property in New Zealand can I still use my KiwiSaver to buy a home in Australia?
Great news! Even if you already own a home in New Zealand, you can still apply for the Australian First Home Super Saver scheme (FHSS) to purchase your first home in Australia.
What contributions are not eligible?
As per GN 2018/1 the following contributions are not eligible:
- Super guarantee (SG) contributions made by your employer
- Mandated employer or member contributions made for you under an award, industrial agreement
- Member contributions made for you by your spouse, parent or other friends or family
- Amounts you receive under a contributions-splitting arrangement
- Government co-contributions
- Contributions under a structured settlement or personal injury order
- Amounts contributed to super as part of the small business CGT concessions
- Amounts transferred from a KiwiSaver scheme that are Australian-sourced amounts or returning New Zealand-sourced amounts
- Applicable fund earnings from a foreign fund transfer that you elect to include in the receiving fund’s assessable income.
How does the FHSS scheme work?
The FHSS scheme works just like saving for a deposit using KiwiSaver: it provides an investment tool to help save for a deposit on a first home while paying less tax on your investments. It allows you to withdraw up to A$50,000 of your investments, plus any associated earnings, to put towards a first home in Australia.
Unlike KiwiSaver, under the FHSS scheme, only voluntary payments you make can be withdrawn. This is money that you have chosen to save each month, not employer contributions. And, fortunately, KiwiSaver funds are considered voluntary.
However, when you transfer your KiwiSaver funds to an Australian super fund, they are regarded as a single voluntary contribution, tied to the date of the transfer. As the Australian Tax Office outlines on its website: “You can’t split this contribution over different financial years.”
This limits the amount of your KiwiSaver you can put towards an Australian home, as you can only apply to have a maximum of A$15,000 of voluntary contributions from any one financial year included in the total funds released under the FHSS scheme, which are capped at A$50,000 contributions across all years.
What contributions are eligible?
These need to be genuine (non-employer) contributions to a maximum of $15,000 per financial year, up to a total of $50,000 across all years. So, any non-compulsory funds from your KiwiSaver can be accessed once transferred to an Australian superannuation account.
You will be restricted to a maximum of A$15,000.
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