Foreign Investors Can Now Buy High-Value Homes in New Zealand

What Has Changed in New Zealand’s Property Ownership Laws?

New Zealand has long restricted foreign buyers from purchasing residential property. This was part of an effort to keep homes affordable and accessible for locals. However, in a recent change, the government has allowed wealthy foreigners who hold an Active Investor Plus visa, often called a golden visa, to purchase or build high-value residential properties.

This adjustment means:

• Eligible investors can buy homes valued at NZD 5 million or more.
  
  
  

• They are not required to live in New Zealand for six months each year.
  
  
  

• The change only applies to those who qualify under the golden visa framework.
  
  

For many international investors, this creates an exciting opportunity to enter the New Zealand housing market while contributing to the country’s economy.

What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?

The Active Investor Plus visa is a pathway designed to attract high-net-worth individuals who are willing to make substantial investments in New Zealand. It was introduced to replace earlier investor visa categories and comes with stricter requirements for active investment in local businesses.

What Are the Investment Requirements?

To qualify for this visa, applicants must:

• Invest at least NZD 15 million in acceptable assets, or NZD 5 million if directed into more active investments such as private businesses.
  
  
  

• Meet English language and health requirements.
  
  
  

• Demonstrate experience as a business investor.

This visa not only opens the door to property ownership but also encourages investors to support innovation, job creation, and long-term growth in New Zealand.

For further guidance on investor pathways, you can explore Business Investor Visa Services.

Why Is This Policy Change Significant for Foreign Investors?

New Zealand has often been viewed as a safe, stable, and desirable place to live and invest. By loosening restrictions for a select group of wealthy individuals, the government is:

• Encouraging inflows of high-value capital.
  
  
  

• Offering incentives to investors who contribute beyond passive investments.
  
  
  

• Opening a unique niche in the property market without creating widespread affordability pressures.
  
  
  

For foreign investors, this provides:

• The ability to diversify assets with luxury property in a stable economy.
  
  
  

• A prestigious pathway that combines investment with lifestyle opportunities.
  
  
  

• Long-term immigration advantages for themselves and their families.

Those interested in family pathways may also explore options such as partnership and dependent child visas.

How Does This Affect the Local Housing Market?

One of the key concerns about foreign property ownership is affordability. In the past, foreign demand was seen as driving up prices in major cities like Auckland. By limiting purchases to homes worth NZD 5 million or more, the government ensures that only the high-end luxury market is impacted.

Effects on the local market:

• Minimal impact on affordability: Most New Zealanders do not purchase homes at this price level.
  
  
  

• Boost to construction and design industries: Investors may choose to build luxury residences, creating local jobs.
  
  
  

• Greater international interest: Adds prestige to New Zealand’s real estate sector.

If you are considering making New Zealand your long-term home after such an investment, you may also want to understand pathways to residency through a Residence Visa.

Who Qualifies to Buy Under This Rule?

Not every foreigner will be eligible. The rule is very specific to holders of the Active Investor Plus visa.

To qualify:

• You must already hold or be approved for the Active Investor Plus visa.
  
  
  

• You must be purchasing or building a residential property worth at least NZD 5 million.
  
  
  

• The property must be intended for personal use, not for speculative large-scale investment.

For more details on applying for this visa type, expert legal assistance from an Auckland immigration lawyer can be invaluable.

How Can Families of Investors Benefit?

A major advantage of the Active Investor Plus visa is that it can include immediate family members. Spouses, partners, and dependent children can be part of the application. This means:

• Children may study in New Zealand under a student visa.
  
  
  

• Partners may qualify for a partnership-based visa.
  
  
  

• Family members can visit freely with the option of a visitor visa.

This makes the investment pathway not just financially rewarding, but also personally meaningful.

What Are the Risks and Considerations for Foreign Investors?

While the opportunity is attractive, it is important to weigh the challenges:

• Strict visa requirements: Not all applicants will qualify for the Active Investor Plus visa.
  
  
  

• Ongoing monitoring: Investments must remain compliant with visa conditions.
  
  
  

• Market dynamics: Luxury homes may take longer to sell or appreciate compared to mid-market properties.
  
  

For those with more complex situations, such as past immigration difficulties, seeking advice on complex immigration cases is crucial.

How Can Legal Guidance Make the Process Easier?

Investing and immigrating to New Zealand involves navigating multiple legal, financial, and immigration requirements. Professional immigration lawyers provide:

• Tailored advice on eligibility.
  
  
  

• Assistance with visa applications and supporting documents.
  
  
  

• Guidance on property purchase requirements and compliance.
  
  
  

• Support with family visa pathways and long-term residency.
  
  

Surani Associates, as leading Auckland immigration lawyers, provide expert services across all visa categories, including accredited employer work visas and dependent visas.

Conclusion: Is This the Right Time to Invest in New Zealand Property?

The shift in New Zealand’s property ownership laws signals a new era for high-value investors. By linking luxury home ownership with the Active Investor Plus visa, the government has balanced its housing policy with a drive for economic growth.

For wealthy individuals seeking both a safe investment and a foothold in one of the world’s most desirable countries, this is an opportunity worth serious consideration. With the right legal guidance, the process can be smooth, strategic, and rewarding.

If you are considering this pathway, connect with trusted Auckland immigration lawyers at Surani Associates for expert support.

Works Cited

Immigration New Zealand. “Investor Visas.” Immigration New Zealand, 2025, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/invest/active-investor-plus-visa.

New Zealand Government. “Overseas Investment Rules.” New Zealand Treasury, 2025, https://www.treasury.govt.nz/.

Statistics New Zealand. “Housing and Property Data.” Stats NZ, 2025, https://www.stats.govt.nz/.

Reserve Bank of New Zealand. “Financial Stability Report.” Reserve Bank of New Zealand, 2025, https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/.

FAQ

1. Can foreigners now buy property in New Zealand?
Yes, but only those with the Active Investor Plus visa can buy or build homes worth at least NZD 5 million.

2. What is the minimum investment required for the Active Investor Plus visa?
The minimum is NZD 5 million in active investments or NZD 15 million in more passive ones.

3. Can family members be included in the visa application?
Yes, spouses, partners, and dependent children can be included.

4. Does buying property automatically grant residency?
No, property purchase must be linked to the Active Investor Plus visa, and residency requires meeting visa conditions.

5. Do I need to live in New Zealand full-time to qualify?
No, this visa does not require you to spend six months each year in New Zealand.