In this episode David Cunningham is joined by Squirrel Head of Advisory Callan Wayne-Bowles and Squirrel Adviser Kat McInnes to explore the reality of first home ownership in 2026, revisiting Callan’s headline-making claim that “anyone can buy a house in four years.”

The team breaks down:

• how KiwiSaver can accelerate your deposit
• what banks are really looking for
• the impact of credit cards and Buy Now, Pay Later
• whether 10% deposits are enough
• why more buyers are teaming up with partners, siblings, or friends
• apartments vs townhouses vs standalone homes
• why today’s market conditions may actually favour first home buyers

Plus, they share practical advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or convinced home ownership is out of reach.

If you’re wondering whether buying your first home is still possible, you might want to check this out.

If you have any questions or things you’d like to hear us talk about, get in touch with us at [email protected].

The opinions expressed in this podcast are not financial advice, or a recommendation of any financial product. Any commentary provided are personal views and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of Squirrel. As always, we recommend seeking professional investment or mortgage advice before taking any action.

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