Thank you for using Neighbourly
Helping Your Kids Buy a Home: Using the "Bank of Mum and Dad" the Right Way
These days, getting on the property ladder is no small feat. For many young buyers, the Bank of Mum and Dad has become a key resource. While helping your kids secure their first home can be incredibly … View moreHelping Your Kids Buy a Home: Using the "Bank of Mum and Dad" the Right Way
These days, getting on the property ladder is no small feat. For many young buyers, the Bank of Mum and Dad has become a key resource. While helping your kids secure their first home can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to approach it with care to protect your finances—and your family relationships. Here’s how to support your kids wisely and set everyone up for long-term success.
1. Start with an Open Conversation
Before diving into numbers, have a clear, honest conversation with your kids. What are their goals? How much do they need? And just as importantly, what can you realistically provide without compromising your own financial security? Open communication lays the foundation for a smooth and stress-free process.
2. Assess Your Financial Position
It’s natural to want to help, but make sure you’re not stretching yourself too thin. Look closely at your savings, retirement plans, and other financial commitments. A frank discussion with a financial advisor can help you determine how much you can offer without putting your future at risk.
3. Know the Ways You Can Help
The “Bank of Mum and Dad” isn’t just about handing over cash. You might:
- Gift a deposit: A straightforward option, but be aware of potential tax implications.
- Loan the money: If you go this route, it’s a good idea to formalise the agreement.
- Act as a guarantor: This involves using your assets to back their loan, which comes with risks.
Each option has its pros and cons, so take the time to explore what works best for everyone.
4. Get Professional Advice
Property transactions with family can be complex. Consulting a lawyer or financial advisor ensures you understand the legal and financial implications. They can help you navigate tax considerations, create formal agreements, and protect everyone’s interests. A bit of professional guidance now can save a lot of stress later.
5. Set Clear Terms and Boundaries
To avoid misunderstandings, it’s crucial to establish clear terms from the beginning. If you’re gifting money, make sure it’s understood as a gift. If it’s a loan, agree on repayment terms, timelines, and whether interest will apply. These boundaries help maintain trust and ensure everyone is on the same page.
6. Think About Long-Term Implications
While it’s wonderful to help your kids buy a home, consider how it fits into your bigger picture. Will this impact your retirement plans or other financial goals? You’ve worked hard for your security—make sure helping them doesn’t put it at risk.
7. Foster Accountability
It’s important that your kids understand the value of your support and handle it responsibly. Encouraging them to budget wisely, meet financial obligations, and stick to any agreements can help them build a strong foundation for their future.
8. Celebrate the Milestone!
Helping your kids buy their first home is a big deal, and it deserves to be celebrated. Whether it’s a family dinner or simply raising a toast, take time to enjoy this special milestone together.
The Bottom Line
As a parent, being able to help your kids buy a home is an incredible gift, but it’s one that requires thoughtful planning. By having open conversations, setting clear boundaries, and seeking professional guidance, you can provide meaningful support without jeopardising your own financial security. Done right, the Bank of Mum and Dad can be a stepping stone to their future—and a lasting investment in your family’s legacy.
Contact me for any real estate questions you and your family would like advice on. My advice is given freely and without obligation.
✈️Retired teacher but still love to teach?✈️
Classic Flyers NZ is on the lookout for flight school tutors.
All you need is a love of learning and a passion for educating young minds. Full training and teaching materials are provided.
Classes for primary and intermediate school students … View more✈️Retired teacher but still love to teach?✈️
Classic Flyers NZ is on the lookout for flight school tutors.
All you need is a love of learning and a passion for educating young minds. Full training and teaching materials are provided.
Classes for primary and intermediate school students are held on week days at Classic Flyers, Mount Maunganui.
For more info click 'Read More'
Pack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the … View morePack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the lawns to watering the garden, pulling weeds, and even cleaning the windows.
Ryman residents are free to embrace adventure because they're not tied down with home maintenance stress and security worries. They're rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones whenever they feel like it.
Click find out more to discover the lifestyle.
CHEMWASH TAURANGA 021 0253 2179 did an amazing job on cleaning our house, roof, gutters decks and driveway. Great service! It's not often one wants to share but this service needs a HIGH FIVE! Thanks CHEMWASH.
It's well over a year since the 2023 election. Whether you were pleased with the result or not, we'd love to know how you are feeling about the changes the government have made so far?
Share your thoughts below.
Hi neighbours,
I am looking for recommendations for an affordable, qualified heatpump/ aircon installer.
Many thanks 😃
William Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring … View moreWilliam Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring festive cheer without the stress. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or simple ways to enhance your celebrations, these tips will make your Christmas brighter and more enjoyable.
Click read more for Suellen’s tips.
A Wellington man was wrongly issued a parking fine and spent over 40 hours going back and forward with Hutt City Council about it.
Have you ever been unfairly fined?
The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living… View moreThe Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living crisis are pushing more people into need, but donations and government support are dwindling.
Despite this, The Salvation Army continues to provide vital services, including food, counselling, and lifestyle programmes. Donations, no matter the size, bring long-term change to families, ensuring joy this Christmas and beyond.
For more information on how you can support The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, please visit:
www.salvationarmy.org.nz...
or phone 0800 53 00 00
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
Bring your own bag to 5 Clifden Terrace Te Puke - lovely organic Goldfruit last of the season. This weekend only. Wheelbarrow full by the letterbox, come and help yourself to the fruit - not the wheelbarrow. Bring your own bag or box.
At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every … View moreAt Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every story, and every cheer like never before.
This festive season, don’t just be present - be at the heart of the fun.
Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
Are you having computer, Wi-Fi or general IT related issues? have you received a new white sky box and don't know where to start, do you have Wi-Fi coverage issues or problems with Smart TVs, printers or
are you fed up with things not working when they should? are you looking for affordable,… View moreAre you having computer, Wi-Fi or general IT related issues? have you received a new white sky box and don't know where to start, do you have Wi-Fi coverage issues or problems with Smart TVs, printers or
are you fed up with things not working when they should? are you looking for affordable, friendly and local IT and technology support?
If so please get in touch.
No job too small, just give me a call - Kevin 022 3521 402
I am recommended and approved by Age Concern Tauranga and Grey Power Tauranga & WBOP.
I come to you and specialize in providing one to one support and I pride myself on being easy to talk to, flexible and affordable,.
I can advise, train and support problems with computers, laptops, smartphones and TV's. Internet, email and social media problems as well as lots, lots more.
Look out for me driving around your area and give me a wave!
0223 521 402
www.athenasolutions.co.nz...
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…
