First-home buyers face challenges as KiwiSaver balances drop

Mortgage brokers report first-home buyers are concerned about KiwiSaver balance slumps due to US tariffs. Experts advise getting financial advice and ensuring funds match individual goals and timelines. David Boyle recommends conservative funds for those needing money soon to avoid locking in losses.

By Susan Edmunds of RNZ Mortgage brokers say they are hearing from many first-home buyers wondering what to do about the slump in their KiwiSaver balances caused by United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs . Share markets are having a tough time as they digest the potential impact of the tariffs . The NZX had its steepest fall since March 2020 on Monday and markets in the US were braced for a rough start to the week’s trading.



Many KiwiSaver members have seen their balance fall by thousands of dollars as a result..