Foreign investment in New Zealand

Co-author: James Hurwood

The rules on foreign property investment in New Zealand are based on whether you’re a part-time resident or not and what type of real estate you’re planning on buying.

New Zealand’s foreign investment regulations were tightened in October 2018, particularly around foreign investment in residential land. Most overseas people are not able to buy homes in New Zealand to live in, but some can apply to the Overseas Investment Office for consent.

This is obviously a tricky field to navigate, so we’ve put together a handy little guide to foreign property investment in New Zealand. Please note, we have concentrated on residential property only, and not business assets, farming land or forestry.

Property investment by permanent residents

If you have a New Zealand permanent resident visa, you are free to buy a New Zealand property to live in or develop on residential land. You will need to be able to show the Overseas Investment Office that you’ve lived in New Zealand for at least 12 months and have spent at least 183 days of the past 12 months here.

If you have a New Zealand permanent resident visa and do not live in New Zealand, you’ll need consent from the Overseas Investment Office to buy a home to live in or to develop on residential land. To get consent, you’ll need to be currently living in New Zealand, and if you move away you’ll have to sell your property.

Property investment by Australian and Singaporean citizens and permanent residents

If you are an Australian or Singaporean citizen, you won’t need consent from the Overseas Investment Office to buy a New Zealand property to live in or to develop on residential land. However, you will need to show that you have lived in New Zealand for at least 12 months, and have spent at least 183 days of the past 12 months here.

If you have an Australian or Singaporean permanent resident visa and don’t live in New Zealand, you must apply for consent before buying a home to live in. To get consent, you’ll need to be currently living in New Zealand, and if you stop living here you’ll have to sell your property.

Property investment by temporary visa holders

If you hold a temporary visa, such as a visitor, student, working holiday or work visa, you cannot buy a New Zealand property to live in.

There are other ways you may be able to invest in property, including developing on residential land. However, you will need consent from the Overseas Investment Office before you invest.

Do your research before you buy

Land Information New Zealand provides comprehensive information for non-Kiwis looking to buy a slice of New Zealand real estate.

To find a home loan that’s right for you, use the Canstar website to compare home loan on offer in New Zealand.

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