Kevin & JC get on the ladder

Kevin and his sister JC are both hard-working healthcare professionals who emigrated to Aotearoa from the Philippines as teenagers. Sick of flatting, they hope they'll be able to purchase a home together.
Kevin_Jovinee_960x960

Creating a new family base in Aotearoa

Kevin has been trying to buy a home in Auckland for the past five years, an experience he describes as “frustrating and disheartening at times”. The amount needed for a deposit and to service a mortgage has been challenging to achieve alone.

However, when Kevin’s sister JC got a job in Auckland she suggested buying together. “My brother’s a good person and I trust whatever decision he’ll make about the house,” she said.

Kevin agreed that JC was an ideal co-owner for him. “We know how each other ticks and we’re very open with the finances and who is going to look after what. I feel this is an experience we’ll both grow from - and cherish too.”

Kevin-JC-Dee-1920x1000

Kevin and JC worked with Kiwibank Mobile Mortgage Manager, Deepshikha (Dee) Vyas. Get Dee's tips and insights on the home ownership journey.

Kevin and JC grew up in the Philippines surrounded by a large extended family and friends. Their hope is that a new home will help them to start replicating this family hub here in Aotearoa.

Their Mobile Mortgage Manager, Dee Vyas, could appreciate their journey. “Honestly Kevin and JC, I’m so happy for you because as an immigrant myself, I can relate,” Dee said after sharing news of their conditional approval. “I know how great it is to buy your first home. It gives you a sense of belonging. I can’t wait to see you in your own house.”

We want to future proof our family. We want the next generation to be able to go with and not without. Because we also know the feeling of without… and it kinda sucks.
Kevin on co-ownership with his sister, JC

For their deposit, they’ve accumulated $58,000 from Kevin’s KiwiSaver contributions, $22,000 from JC’s KiwiSaver and $10,000 from a government first home buyer’s grant (no longer available).

They’ll split their mortgage repayments with Kevin paying around 70% and JC paying the rest. Kevin’s partner will also join them in the house, and will contribute for utilities and daily expenses.

Reflecting on what advice they’d give other would-be homeowners, Kevin laughs. “Get your sister on board as soon as possible,” he said.

Watch Kevin & JC's story: On the Ladder with Kiwibank is available on ThreeNow.

Threenow-three-lockup-300x113
On the Ladder with Kiwibank is produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paddy Gower gets into Co-own

Paddy-Gower-with-Steve-Jurkovich-1920x1000

Journalist Paddy Gower speaks with home buyers and Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich about what's driving interest in property co-ownership.

Get a home loan specialist on your team

Just like the home buyers in On the Ladder with Kiwibank, you too can benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our Mobile Mortgage Managers and Banking Specialists.

Talk to a specialist

Our home loan specialists can walk you through the process of buying a home and discuss what your options are.

Find a specialist

Try our calculators

Looking to fine tune the structure of your home loan or work out how much you might be able could borrow? Use our calculators to compare your options.

Calculate now

Get first home buyer tips in your inbox

Be at the top of your home buying journey with tips, offers, support and helpful information from our experts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Sign up for the newsletter