Owning a beautiful home—with a garden, open kitchen, at least two rooms, and maybe even a pool—is a dream many Indians carry as soon as they land in New Zealand. It marks the start of their journey to becoming a Kiwi-Indian. But when the time comes, the process can feel overwhelming, with countless questions and concerns.
To help first-time buyers, especially within the Kiwi-Indian community, McVeagh Fleming Lawyers is hosting a seminar titled ‘Your Path to Homeownership,’ will take place on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the McVeagh Fleming Manukau office at Level 2, Van Den Brink House, 652 Great South Road, Manukau City Centre 2104, covering essential legal, financial, and immigration guidance.
It is a free event, with attendees required to register online. Mortgage broker Kaushik Gorasia will also be present to offer expert financial advice.
“This seminar is about giving attendees the right knowledge—covering everything from immigration considerations to property law—so they can make informed decisions with confidence,” says Arran Hunt, an Immigration Partner at McVeagh Fleming.
He highlighted that by understanding the legal and financial steps early, first-time buyers could avoid common pitfalls and set themselves up for success.
The event promises to offer a comprehensive introduction to the homeownership process in New Zealand, with a focus on the unique concerns of Kiwi-Indians.
Hunt noted that what sets this seminar apart is its holistic approach, combining financial guidance, legal considerations, and immigration matters. Additionally, attendees will gain insight into settlement support, pathways to permanent residence and citizenship, and the impact of the Overseas Investment Act on property purchases.
Recognising the linguistic diversity within the Kiwi-Indian community, the organisers have also ensured that language support will be available.
“We will have lawyers at the event that are fluent in Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Urdu,” Hunt confirmed, ensuring that attendees who may not be entirely comfortable with English can still navigate the complexities of homeownership with ease.
While various homebuyer events have been hosted in the past, this seminar is unique in its dual focus on home purchasing and immigration considerations.
“This is the first time we are hosting a seminar that combines first-home purchasing with immigration considerations in one event,” Hunt revealed.
He expressed confidence that this approach would be particularly valuable to Kiwi-Indians and other new residents looking to establish themselves in New Zealand. By addressing financial, legal, and immigration aspects in one session, the seminar aims to provide a well-rounded perspective on homeownership.
For those embarking on their home-buying journey, Hunt stressed the importance of early planning. “One key rule for new residents looking to buy a home in New Zealand is to ‘get your ducks in a row’ early,” he advised. He explained that this includes understanding legal eligibility, securing finance in advance, and seeking the right professional support, such as a lawyer and mortgage broker, before making an offer. Proper planning, he noted, can help prevent delays, unexpected costs, or legal complications, making the process smoother and more manageable.
Topics covered will include settlement support, pathways to permanent residence and citizenship, an overview of the first-home buying process, sale and purchase agreements, and the importance of financial preparedness. Light refreshments will be provided for attendees.
With homeownership being a significant milestone for many new residents, this seminar is expected to provide invaluable guidance, helping first-time buyers navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
Register for the event by clicking here.
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