Overseas Investment in New Zealand – Land Purchases

Overseas residents can purchase land in New Zealand. However, there are controls.

The controls apply to the size of the land that can be purchased.  If the land is not bordered by the foreshore (of a lake, sea, river etc) or a reserve, you are likely to be able to acquire up to 5 hectares.  In the event the land borders the foreshore, a reserve or is situated on certain offshore islands, there are restrictions and the area you can purchase is reduced to 2,000M2 (approx. ½ acre) or, in some cases, where just a reserve is involved, 4,000M2  (approx. 1 acre).

If you are making an application for New Zealand residency, you may be granted approval to purchase land in excess of these amounts.

The criteria can change from time to time and should be checked with us.

With regard to investments other than land, there are some restrictions, usually based on the value.  These should be checked with us before making a purchase.

Richard Ayton of our firm keeps up-to-date with the overseas investment provisions and contact should be made with him in the first instance.