Lower interest rates and bulkier KiwiSaver accounts have helped propel first home buyers to the highest share of purchases in 20 years

The Cotality Monthly Housing Chart shows first home buyers account for 27 percent of market activity in July, a 5 percent jump on the long-term average.

It finds subdued house prices and access to credit, have created an opportunity for those entering the market.

Head of Squirrel Mortgages' David Cunningham says time is on the side of house hunters at the moment.

He says there's a lot of stock on the market, and no urgency.