Eligible investors to be able to buy or build one high-value home; general foreign buyer ban remains
In a significant update to New Zealand’s residential property policy announced today, holders of the government’s Active Investor Plus residence visa will soon be permitted to buy or build one home in the country, provided the property’s value is at least NZ$5 million. This marks a notable exception to the longstanding ban on foreign buyers purchasing residential houses.
The Active Investor Plus visa is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals willing to invest substantially in New Zealand’s economy. Under this announced change, eligible visa holders will be able to either purchase an existing home or build a new one—so long as it is their sole residential property in New Zealand and meets the NZ$5 million minimum value threshold.
This adjustment is carefully targeted. The government has emphasised that the general ban on foreigners buying residential properties will remain in place. The change is intended to incentivise large-scale investment while ensuring that broader problems with housing affordability and availability are not exacerbated.
Industry experts expect the new rules to have a limited impact on the broader housing market, focusing instead on ultra-high-value properties that are typically out of reach for most New Zealanders. The government hopes that this carefully controlled exception will maintain the integrity of the national housing framework, while continuing to attract the kind of investment that benefits New Zealand’s economy and communities.
Our Property and Immigration teams are experienced in advising high-net-worth individuals and investors. Our property team has particular experience in advising on the acquisition of high value properties and can provide guidance on the application of the Overseas Investment Act.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
