How a Hamilton Teen Gave Up the Social Life – and the Fancy Car – to Buy His First Home at 20

While most 18-year-olds are still deciding what to do with their lives, Zack Kendrick was unknowingly preparing to become a homeowner by 20.

Now a qualified welder and fabricator in Hamilton, Zack recently became the proud owner of a three-bedroom unit in Hamilton East — a milestone few reach at his age.

But his path wasn’t paved with shortcuts. It was built on long hours, financial discipline, and a no-frills approach to life.

“I work about 60 hours a week, six days a week. I don’t really go out with mates — my time goes into work and saving,” said Kendrick.

No flash car, no debt — just focus

One of the smartest decisions he made early on, Zack says, was resisting the urge to finance an expensive car. Instead, he picked up a humble 2001 Toyota Corolla and never looked back.

“Most people my age want the newest car or the flashiest thing they can drive. But I knew if I went into debt for that, a house would be out of the question,” he said.

The payoff? Within two years, he saved $27,000 — just enough to qualify for a 5% deposit under Kāinga Ora’s First Home Loan scheme.

A new relationship, a new mindset

While Zack had initially brushed off the idea of buying property, things changed when he met Lily Davey at 18.

The pair quickly became a couple, and with Lily’s parents working in real estate — as business owners of LJ Hooker Hamilton City — conversations around housing became regular dinner table talk.

Lily’s mum suggested Zack move in with them rather than waste money renting a place he was barely home to enjoy.

That decision proved to be a game-changer, allowing him to accelerate his savings while gaining valuable insight into the local market from experienced professionals.

“It gave me a completely different way of looking at things,” Zack shared. “Being around a family that lives and breathes real estate made me think more seriously about what was possible.”

From tearoom talk to homeownership

The idea of homeownership wasn’t just floating around his personal life — it was being discussed constantly at work too.

Many of Zack’s workmates were also starting their property journeys, creating an environment where homeownership felt more achievable than aspirational.

Encouraged by the momentum, Zack teamed up with a mortgage broker from Debt Free Diva NZ, who helped him navigate the finance side. With the backing of Kāinga Ora, Zack and Lily began house hunting in April.

They lost out on their first choice — a Forest Lake property snapped up in a multi-offer situation. But persistence paid off. Shortly after, they secured a tidy three-bedroom unit in Hamilton East for $520,000.

Sharing his story to inspire others

Zack settled on the home just before his 20th birthday, and now he’s speaking up to show other young New Zealanders that it’s not out of reach — if you’re willing to make the right sacrifices.

“The market is brutal for first-home buyers, but it’s not impossible. You just have to really want it,” said Zack.

His advice?

Be smart with money, live simply, ignore the pressure to keep up appearances, and don’t underestimate the power of putting yourself in the right environment.

“People say it’s too hard, but if you cut back on the stuff you don’t need, stay focused, and surround yourself with people who know what they’re doing, it can happen.”