New Zealand opens doors for global investors: Home ownership now possible
On 1 September 2025, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a major shift in New Zealand’s foreign investment policy, holders of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa will now be permitted to purchase or build one home in New Zealand, provided the property is valued at over NZ$5 million.
This targeted exemption to the Overseas Investment Act is designed to deepen the connection between AIP visa holders and New Zealand, while maintaining the integrity of the broader housing market. With fewer than 1% of homes exceeding the NZ$5 million threshold, the policy seeks to strike a balance between economic growth and housing affordability.
Why This Matters
Since its relaunch in April 2025, the AIP visa scheme is reputed to have attracted over 300 applications, representing a potential minimum investment of NZ$1.8 billion into the New Zealand economy.
The visa offers two pathways:
- Growth Category: NZ$5 million investment over 3 years in direct investments in New Zealand businesses.
- Balanced Category: NZ$10 million investment over 5 years in other options, including property.
However, until now, AIP visa holders were largely excluded from home ownership due to the foreign buyer ban (unless certain requirements were met). This restriction was seen as a deterrent for families seeking to build a life in New Zealand. The new exemption removes that barrier, allowing investors to establish a more permanent connection to the country.
Next steps
While the announcement has been made, the enabling legislation is yet to be passed. Key details such as how the NZ$5 million threshold will be assessed (especially for new builds) and the scope of land types eligible will be important.
We are closely monitoring these developments and will provide updates as soon as the legislation is enacted.
Carson Fox Legal Can Help
At Carson Fox Legal, we specialise in guiding international investors through New Zealand’s immigration and property frameworks.
Our team can assist with eligibility assessments for the AIP visa, property acquisition including compliance with the Overseas Investment Act and legal due diligence for new builds and high-value purchases.
We also have significant contacts within the real estate industry for those looking for the right property.
