The rules around overseas investment in New Zealand property have always been a sensitive topic, balancing the need to protect housing affordability for locals with the desire to attract international capital. Recently, the Government introduced a small but significant change that tilts the balance ever so slightly.
Foreign buyers are still broadly restricted from purchasing residential property in New Zealand. However, holders of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa now have an exclusive new opportunity: they may purchase or build one residential property in New Zealand, provided it is valued at NZ$5 million or more.
This isn’t a wholesale reopening of the property market to overseas investors. Instead, it’s a carefully framed policy designed to attract high-value investors who are making a substantial commitment to New Zealand – both financially and personally – through obtaining an AIP Visa.
The conditions
To qualify, there are a raft of requirements investors must meet to obtain the visa including:
- Be in good health
- Be of good character
- Be a fit and proper person
- Invest significantly:
- Either NZ$5 million for at least 3 years under the Growth category acceptable investments, or
- NZ$10 million for at least 5 years under the Balanced category acceptable investments.
- Spend time in New Zealand:
- At least 21 days (for 3-year investors) or
- 105 days (for 5-year investors) with each additional $1m invested reducing the time required to be in NZ by 14 days. So, for an investment of $13m in acceptable Growth category investments the time could be reduced to 63 days.
The AIP visa holders will then be allowed to purchase one residential property, with a minimum value of NZ$5 million.
These criteria ensure the scheme is targeted at investors who are not only bringing capital but also strengthening their ties to New Zealand life.
Why it matters
While this change affects only a very small segment of the housing market, it signals the Government’s intent to use immigration and investment policies in a highly targeted way. It acknowledges the value of encouraging investor engagement in New Zealand, while still keeping protections in place for the broader residential property market.
For those considering this pathway, the opportunity comes with complexity. Visa obligations, investment rules, and property purchase conditions all need to be navigated with care. A misstep at any stage could jeopardise the investment or even the visa itself.
Our perspective
At Aspiring Law, we see this as a reminder of how dynamic New Zealand’s property and immigration rules can be. For anyone looking at this option – or for businesses and professionals supporting international investors – tailored legal advice is crucial.
If you’re considering an investment under the Active Investor Plus visa, or you’re unsure how the new rules might apply to you, our team can help guide you through the process.