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KiwiSaver & Buying Property in Australia

Property Acquire is helping Kiwi expats turn their super into smart property moves.

It’s pretty straightforward to transfer your KiwiSaver to a compatible Australian super fund.

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Under the FHSS Scheme rules if you transfer an amount into an compatible Australian super fund from a KiwiSaver scheme, the amount will be an eligible contribution (except for certain amounts listed below).

Also, transfers from other foreign funds into an Australian super fund are eligible (except for the amounts listed below). 

Frequently asked Questions about KiwiSaver in Australia

Absolutely – refer to the eligibility criteria here

$15k immediately and $15k thereafter each financial year up to a maximum of $50k.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

KiwiSaver in Australia


Am I eligible to use my KiwiSaver to Buy Property in Australia?

Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy a house in Australia?

If you're a Kiwi living in Australia, the savings you've been contributing to through KiwiSaver could bring you closer to owning property here. While the rules around accessing those funds can feel a bit complicated across borders, the opportunity is real—and worth exploring. At Property Acquire, we don't handle KiwiSaver withdrawals, but we know exactly how to help you maximise those funds once they’re ready to use toward an investment or first home in Australia.

Eligibility: Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy property here?

Many Kiwi expats are surprised to learn they may be eligible to access their KiwiSaver savings for a property purchase in Australia. If you’ve never owned property before, have been part of KiwiSaver for at least three years, and intend to live in the home or meet the conditions for investment, you could qualify. As a New Zealand citizen, you benefit from the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability agreement—designed to make your superannuation savings work across both countries. The first step is always confirming your status with your KiwiSaver provider back home.

The withdrawal process: What to expect

Withdrawing your KiwiSaver isn’t instant—but it’s a clear and manageable process. You’ll start by contacting your provider in New Zealand to assess your eligibility. From there, you'll submit a formal withdrawal application, along with the necessary documents that confirm your intent to purchase property. While approvals can take a few weeks, having the right guidance on your property purchase while this is underway can save valuable time. That’s where we come in—ready to help you act as soon as your funds are released.

What happens after: Making your property purchase count

Once your KiwiSaver funds are unlocked, the real opportunity begins. At Property Acquire, we specialise in helping Kiwi expats make strategic property purchases across Australia. We help you identify areas with strong growth potential, navigate the local market with confidence, and manage the buying process from search to settlement. Whether you’re buying to live in or invest, our team is here to help you make a smart, informed move—backed by real market insights and a genuine understanding of your journey.

Let's talk about your next move

You’ve worked hard to build your KiwiSaver. Now it’s time to make those savings work just as hard for you. Whether you’re ready to start searching now or simply want to understand your options, we’re here to guide you through the next step.

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