Almost 100 first home buyers in Dunedin are making the most of a new government funding scheme.

Since the HomeStart programme was launched in April, the government's received 89 applications from within Dunedin.

Of those, 75 have been paid out.

HomeStart replaces the KiwiSaver first home deposit subsidy. It allows first home buyers to apply for grants of up to $20,000.

Nationwide almost 7,000 applications have been lodged, and just over $7m paid out.