If you live outside New Zealand and are considering purchasing a property in Auckland or Northland, you've come to the right place.
Our residential, rentals and commercial teams have a wealth of local knowledge we can share with you as well as answers to some of those commonly asked questions.
Many members of our staff speak different languages and regularly work with people from overseas so we not only have a good understanding of your needs but we have a wealth of local knowledge we can share with you.
Who can buy property in New Zealand?
There are a few types of property that can’t be bought by non citizens or permanent residents without government permission, so you will need to make sure that you make the real estate agency aware of your status.
The New Zealand Government's foreign investment policies are administered by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), whose prime role is to assess applications for consent from foreigners who intend making substantial investments in New Zealand.
The following groups can buy new or existing property in New Zealand without restrictions:
- New Zealand citizens
- New Zealand permanent residents
- Australian citizens
- Singaporean citizens
All other nationalities are subject to restrictions on buying 'residential' or 'lifestyle' property and may require consent from the Overseas Investment Office. The OIO has published some useful guides to the restrictions.
View Can you buy a home in New Zealand to live in?
View Investing in New Zealand
You will need an IRD number
If you enter into a contract to buy land/property, you will need to provide a New Zealand IRD number before the settlement can take place, and you can take possession.
This applies to the sale or purchase of ALL land/property in New Zealand.
You'll need to give your New Zealand IRD number to your lawyer, and you'll need to complete and sign a Tax Statement before settlement can occur and possession be given.
Offshore buyers and sellers will need to provide a New Zealand IRD number or obtain a New Zealand IRD number before the settlement date.
If you are an offshore buyer or seller and you do not have a New Zealand IRD number, you will need to open a New Zealand bank account before applying for a New Zealand IRD number.
Offshore parties also need to provide their tax number/details from their country of origin.
You can find more information in our
one-page guide:
Taxation (Land Information) Legislation information - what you need to know
How do I find out more about the property market and house prices?
For an in-depth look at the Auckland housing market and the latest information on house prices, check out our market reports section.
How do I find out more about rental prices?
For the latest information on rental prices across Auckland sign up to our monthly property management newsletter.