Alex Wright and Matilda Smith are looking forward to moving into their brand-new one-bedroom home in Roskill Development this year. The couple bought their home, part of Jalcon Homes’ Ōwairaka Collection, after a chat at work about KiwiBuild got the ball rolling.

Matilda recalls Alex being excited when he heard how Kāinga Ora home ownership products and KiwiBuild can help people buy their own home. “I remember him saying, ‘Oh, I’ve talked to someone who’s bought a KiwiBuild house,’ and then, becoming obsessed!” she says.

“We could see KiwiBuild was the best way for us to purchase a house in Auckland,” Alex says. “And not have a massive mortgage,” Matilda adds.

The couple had thought Roskill was outside their price range, but they were thrilled to sign up for a one-bedroom apartment, built to a high standard by Jalcon Homes. They’re excited to move in to their new home once it’s complete.

The couple have visited the display apartment, which is what their new home will be based off. “It's very nice,” Matilda says. “It’s got really high ceilings (2.7m), which I really like. It's a ground-floor, one-bedroom apartment with a nice garden area, and a deck. When you walk into the living room, dining room, and kitchen, it's all open plan. It's really lovely, with loads of storage.” Alex likes its appliances, double glazing, and the fact that it’s nicely insulated.

What advice do they have for others who want to be on the path to homeownership in great communities with fantastic amenities?

The couple say if you’re eligible for KiwiBuild, apply and be ready. “We were able to go for it because Alex had already done the KiwiBuild application,” Matilda says.

“It was partly the right time and right place, but also being prepared,” Alex says. “KiwiBuild customer service was very responsive.”

“Keep your finger on the pulse because developments are coming up all the time, but you just have to have everything ready to submit when something comes up or you might miss out on the opportunity. If you have your approval, it's good for six months and then you can just be ready when homes become available,” he adds.

The Kāinga Ora First Home Loan was also crucial in their path to homeownership. “At the time, we had less than a 20% deposit. We had our pre approval through the bank via the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan. And then over the period of time waiting for our home to be completed, we managed to save up to get closer to a 20% deposit. We wouldn't have been able to do it without that First Home Loan,” Alex says.

“It's pretty cool that you're able to secure a home and then still work to build up savings and your deposit,” Matilda says.

Alex was able to withdraw from his KiwiSaver and Matilda would have been able to had she been a member of KiwiSaver for more than three years.

The couple are pleased their new home is not far from where they had been living in Mt Eden, and that it’s pet friendly. “We have a dog, and we have our favourite dog walking spots, so it’s nice to still go to them,” Alex says. They have enjoyed learning about their new community. “We did a lot of research to figure out our new coffee shops and restaurants in Ōwairaka,” Alex adds with a smile. “There are loads of great places, such as Young George just across the road and L’Oeuf nearby.”

*Ōwairaka’s wide leafy streets, beautiful modern homes, standout connectivity and cool indie cafes and eateries, put this hidden urban gem boldly on the map. If you’d like to get to know more about the area, visit roskilldevelopment.co.nz/neighbourhoods/owairaka.

*If you would like to find out more about The Jalcon Ōwairaka Collection, visit Jalcon Homes’ display apartment at 87 Hendon Ave, Ōwairaka, open Thursdays to Sundays 11am-3pm or by appointment. Learn more at jalcon.co.nz/developments/theowairakacollection/.

*To check your eligibility for KiwiBuild, visit www.kiwibuild.govt.nz and for First Home Loan, visit www.kaingaora.govt.nz/home-ownership.