Buy property in NZ as an overseas buyer
Eligibility, consent rules, and practical paths to property ownership in New Zealand. Pick your country to see the rules that apply to you.
Australia
For Australian buyers
Australian citizens are treated almost the same as New Zealanders for most property purchases. You can buy a home, an investment property, or commercial real estate without OIO consent, provided the land is not classified as sensitive. Sensitive land still triggers consent, even for Australians.
No OIO consent ordinarily required
USA
For American buyers
Americans cannot buy ordinary residential property in New Zealand without OIO consent, and consent is rarely available for a typical home. There are limited exceptions for large multi-storey apartment developments, hotel units, and most commercial property. We help American buyers map the realistic options before they sign anything.
OIO consent required for residential land
United Kingdom
For British buyers
British citizens are treated as overseas persons under the Overseas Investment Act. OIO consent is required for residential land, and consent is rarely granted for an ordinary home purchase. Commercial property and qualifying apartment or hotel developments are open paths.
OIO consent required for residential land
Canada
For Canadian buyers
Canadian citizens are overseas persons under NZ law. OIO consent is required for residential land, and consent is rarely granted for a typical home. The practical paths are qualifying apartment and hotel units, or commercial property which is largely exempt.
OIO consent required for residential land
China
For Chinese buyers
Chinese citizens are overseas persons under the Overseas Investment Act and need OIO consent for residential land. Consent is rarely granted for a typical home. Qualifying apartment units, hotel units, and most commercial property remain open paths.
OIO consent required for residential land
Singapore
For Singaporean buyers
Singaporean citizens are treated similarly to Australians under the Overseas Investment Act. Most non-sensitive land purchases do not require OIO consent. Sensitive land still triggers consent regardless of nationality.
No OIO consent ordinarily required
Hong Kong
For Hong Konger buyers
Hong Kong residents are overseas persons under the Overseas Investment Act. Residential land needs OIO consent, and consent is rarely available for a typical home. Commercial property and qualifying apartment or hotel developments remain practical options.
OIO consent required for residential land
Japan
For Japanese buyers
Japanese citizens are overseas persons under the Overseas Investment Act. OIO consent is required for residential land, and consent is rarely granted for a typical home purchase. Commercial property is largely open, as are qualifying apartment and hotel developments.
OIO consent required for residential land
