First home buyers' 26.4 percent market share is the highest on record

CoreLogic figures show the group's share over the third quarter of 2021 was well above the long-term average of 21.8 percent.

Chief property economist, Kelvin Davidson says it goes against the perception of first home buyers struggling.

He says they're using Kiwisaver, the bank of Mum and Dad, and getting in with less than 20 percent deposit -- as well as looking at different locations, and smaller properties like townhouses.

But, from here, things will get harder for them.

Davidson says low deposit spend limits have been halved; and mortgage rates and house prices are going up.