Foreign Buyers & Investment in New Zealand Property via Valta

New Zealand has long been prized by global buyers for its beauty, stability, and high-quality lifestyle. In 2025, the government introduced important updates to foreign-buyer policy and investment visa rules that make it possible, under certain criteria, for wealthy overseas investors to purchase property in New Zealand. Valta is here to guide you through every step from understanding the rules to completing your purchase.

What Has Recently Changed

1. Active Investor Plus (“Golden Visa”) enhancements (effective 1 April 2025)

  • Two investment categories now simpler: Growth (minimum NZD $5 million over 3 years) and Balanced (minimum NZD $10 million over 5 years).

  • Broader scope of acceptable investment types under Balanced category—including bonds, listed equities, property investments (especially new residential developments that increase housing supply, or commercial/industrial assets that add value)

  • English language requirement removed.

  • Time-in-country / residency requirements reduced (e.g. fewer days required in NZ) depending on investment amounts.

2. Targeted exception to the overseas buyer ban (as of September 2025)

  1. Overseas-based holders of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) residency visa are now allowed to buy or build one residential property in New Zealand, so long as its value is at least NZD $5 million.

  2. The general foreign-buyer ban introduced in 2018 remains in place for most international buyers who do not hold this visa.

  3. Restrictions still apply: only one property; purchase or building only; minimum value threshold; restrictions on sensitive land (rural / farm / other special categories) remain in many cases.

What You Can And Cannot Do

Can do:

  • If you hold an Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa (or previously Investor‐1 or Investor‐2), you may purchase or build one residential property in NZ worth ≥ NZD $5 million.

  • Use of “Balanced” category investments now allows investment in property development (new residential) and commercial/industrial assets, subject to rules.

  • The visa scheme is more flexible: removed English requirement; reduced time-in-country obligations.

  • Eligible to apply under Growth or Balanced category depending on risk tolerance, investment amount and timeline.

Cannot / Limited

  • If you do not hold that visa (or equivalent investor visa), you cannot buy existing residential property except in the rare cases allowed by existing exemptions. The overseas-buyer ban remains for most foreign nationals.

  • Buying under the exemption still must comply with Overseas Investment Act / Overseas Investment Office rules for any sensitive land or regulated assets. Rural/farm land remains heavily restricted.

  • Only one property allowed under the exemption (you can’t acquire multiple homes under this rule).

  • Minimum house value threshold means only high-end properties are eligible (less than ~1% of NZ residential stock is above NZD $5 million) — most houses are not eligible.

Why Invest in New Zealand? What Kinds of Properties Are Attractive?

Why New Zealand?

  • Stability & lifestyle: political and legal stability, safety, excellent healthcare, education, natural landscapes, and a quality of life hard to match.

  • Lifestyle appeal: many overseas buyers are drawn to areas like Auckland, Queenstown, the Bay of Islands, the Central Otago region — combining scenic beauty, privacy and infrastructure.

  • Growing value segments: luxury home market at top end tends to be less volatile and more insulated; high value, high quality properties often retain or increase value well, especially in premium locations.

What to Invest In

  • Luxury residential homes — existing or new builds in top locations. Prime city penthouses, waterfront estates, premium coastal retreats.

  • New residential developments — especially where AIP Balanced category allows new builds that increase housing supply. These can offer modern design, high-spec finishes, views, etc.

  • Commercial/residential mixed use or high quality vacation homes, where zoning, infrastructure and location are strong.

  • Properties that meet sensitive land rules: avoid rural/farm land or any land classified regulated under Overseas Investment Act unless in exception categories.

Process & Timelines: From Visa to Ownership

Here is generally how the journey works, and the kinds of timeframes to expect:

    • Decide whether you apply under the Growth or Balanced category of the Active Investor Plus visa. Factors include how much capital you have, risk appetite, desired residency time in NZ, and whether you want to invest in property / bonds / equities.

    • Prepare documentation: proof of investment funds, good character, health, legal, personal background.

    Time: Application for AIP visa processing can take several weeks to a few months depending on completeness. The changes in policy are designed to simplify and speed up the process.

    • For Growth/Balanced: commit the investment (meet minimums) in acceptable categories (managed funds, property, bonds, direct investment). Property investments allowed for Balanced category in specific ways.

    • Ensure funds are transferred properly, meet NZ regulations (tax, foreign exchange, anti-money laundering).

    Time: Investments must be completed within 6 months of visa approval in principle; one extension (6 months) may be possible.

    • Once visa is approved, begin property search: either existing luxury home or new build, provided it meets NZD $5 million minimum value and relevant zoning / land sensitivity criteria.

    • Evaluate location, legal title, due diligence, building regulation compliance, infrastructure, etc.

    Time: This depends heavily on the property: finding a top-end luxury home may take a few weeks to months. New builds may take longer depending on developer, approvals, construction timelines.

    • Even with visa and exemption, property acquisition may require oversight or consent via the Overseas Investment Office if it involves sensitive land or regulated categories.

    • Legal review, title search, ensuring property meets all council / building standards, taxes, fees.

    • Negotiate purchase, secure financing if needed, arrange inspections, final clauses.

    • Settlement: payment, transfer of title, registration.

    Time: Once all paperwork and approvals are in place, settlement might take 4-8 weeks (or more) depending on complexity, whether building is completed, etc.

How Valta Can Help You

Valta offers end-to-end support for overseas investors looking to acquire luxury property in NZ. Here’s what we do:

  • Policy & Visa Guidance: We help you understand whether you qualify under the Active Investor Plus visa, which category is right, what investments are acceptable, and what documentation is needed.

  • Property Matching & Search: We source and present premium properties that meet the required minimums and criteria (luxury homes, new builds, desirable locations). If what you want isn’t listed, we use our network to find off-market and upcoming opportunities.

  • Due Diligence & Legal/Regulatory Assistance: We work with legal, financial, and regulatory partners to navigate the Overseas Investment Office, local councils, title issues, inspections, and any sensitive land concerns.

  • Transaction Management: From negotiating price, planning payments, coordinating inspections and closing documents, to the final settlement, we streamline the process.

  • After-Purchase Support: Whether it’s arranging property management, renovations, or ongoing compliance, we help ensure your new home works for you.

Summary & Next Steps

  • If you are a high-net-worth individual and willing to invest NZD $5 million or more, you now have a pathway to not only secure residency (via the Active Investor Plus visa) but also purchase or build a NZ luxury home fulfilling legal requirements.

  • This exemption is still narrow: only one property, high value threshold, and many rules around land types and consent.

  • The process involves visa, investment, property search, compliance, and closing—and can take anywhere from several months to a year, depending on project complexity and location.

If you’re ready to explore what kind of properties are available, whether you qualify, and how to take your first steps, Valta is here to guide you. Contact us and let’s start mapping your luxury investment journey in New Zealand.