Can Foreigners Buy Property in New Zealand?
- McSweeney Immigration Law
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Buying property in New Zealand has long been attractive to overseas buyers, thanks to the country's stable economy, lifestyle appeal, and strong legal protections. However, foreign property ownership in NZ is tightly regulated --- and recent changes have left many prospective buyers asking the same question:
Can foreigners buy property in New Zealand? Learn the latest foreign buyer rules, recent changes, and how investors may still qualify.
The short answer is: most foreigners cannot buy residential property, but there are important exceptions, particularly for high-value investors and those pursuing residence pathways.
Below, we explain the current rules, recent policy changes, and how overseas investors may still be able to buy property in New Zealand.
New Zealand's Foreign Buyer Rules Explained
New Zealand introduced restrictions on foreign buyers under the Overseas Investment Act, primarily to ensure residential housing remains accessible to New Zealanders.
Under the current rules, you are generally restricted from buying residential property in NZ if you are:
Not a New Zealand citizen or resident
Not ordinarily a resident in New Zealand
Not an Australian or Singaporean citizen (special exemptions apply)
For most overseas buyers, this means purchasing an existing home or apartment is not permitted.
Who Can Buy Property in New Zealand?
Despite the restrictions, several categories of foreign buyers may still qualify:
Australian and Singaporean Citizens
Due to free-trade agreements, Australian and Singaporean citizens are treated differently and may purchase residential property in NZ.
Foreign Buyers Purchasing New Builds
In some cases, overseas buyers may purchase newly built apartments or developments, subject to Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval.
High-Value Investors
Foreign nationals making a significant contribution to New Zealand's economy may be eligible to purchase property as part of a wider investment and residence strategy.
Recent Changes to New Zealand's Foreign Buyer Settings
The New Zealand government has recently taken a more pragmatic approach to attracting high-value migrants and investors, while still protecting the residential housing market.
Rather than reopening the market broadly to foreign buyers, policy changes have focused on:
Encouraging productive investment
Attracting experienced business owners and global investors
Linking property ownership to residence and investment commitments
This shift has made investment-led immigration pathways more relevant than ever for overseas buyers.
How the Active Investor Plus Visa May Assist Investors
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed for experienced and high-net-worth investors seeking to make a substantial, qualifying investment into New Zealand, alongside a commitment to spending time in the country.
Applicants under this category must:
Invest at least NZ$5 million into investments that are specifically approved under the Active Investor Plus policy
Retain that investment for the full investment period
Meet minimum physical presence requirements in New Zealand
Satisfy health, character, and English language criteria
For clarity, residential property does not qualify as an acceptable investment under the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Any potential purchase of residential property by a non-resident remains subject to separate assessment and approval by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO). Under current policy settings, only residential property with a value of at least NZ$5 million may meet the relevant approval thresholds, and approval is not guaranteed.
Accordingly, the Active Investor Plus Visa should be viewed as part of a broader and carefully structured residence strategy, rather than a mechanism to acquire residential property.
👉 You can learn more about this pathway on our Active Investor Plus Visa page.
Why Immigration Strategy Matters When Buying Property in NZ
One of the most common mistakes foreign buyers make is treating property ownership as a stand-alone transaction.
In New Zealand, property, immigration status, tax obligations, and investment compliance are closely linked. Taking the wrong step can lead to:
Breaches of the Overseas Investment Act
Costly delays or forced divestment
A clear immigration and investment strategy from the outset can make the difference between success and frustration.
How McSweeney Immigration Law Can Assist
At McSweeney Immigration Law, we regularly advise investors, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals on:
Investor and residence visa options
Structuring investments to meet immigration objectives
Long-term strategies that align property ownership with residence goals
Our team of New Zealand immigration lawyers has extensive experience navigating the complexities of overseas investment and property ownership.
If you are considering buying property in New Zealand and want to understand what is realistically possible, speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer based Auckland early is essential.
Thinking About Investing in New Zealand?
If you're exploring property ownership, investment migration, or the Active Investor Plus Visa, our team can help you assess the best pathway forward.
Contact MILNZ today to arrange a confidential consultation and get clarity before you commit. Book an online consultation with McSweeney Immigration Law (MILNZ) today.
