Investor visa holders can apply to buy residential property from 6 March

From 6 March 2026, eligible Active Investor Plus, Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa holders can apply for consent to purchase or build residential property valued over NZ$5 million under the reformed Overseas Investment Act.

This confirms that qualifying investor migrants may now secure a residential base in New Zealand through a defined consent pathway.

The reforms include:

• Consolidating the national interest, benefit to New Zealand and investor tests into a single test for most asset classes
• Allowing certain investor visa holders to apply for consent to buy or build a residential property worth more than NZ$5 million
• Revising the Act’s purpose statement to explicitly recognise the role of overseas investment in increasing economic opportunity

Land Information New Zealand will implement a streamlined primary consent pathway under the new framework. While the statutory timeframe will be 15 working days, most applications are expected to be assessed within five working days.

Further implementation detail will follow, including:

• An updated application form
• Primary consent standard conditions
• Production forestry standard and special conditions
• An updated Production Forestry Investment Plan

While the pathway is more streamlined, consent remains technical and subject to conditions. Alignment between immigration status, investment commitments and Overseas Investment Act requirements will still be essential.

For investor visa holders considering residential acquisition, this reform provides clearer structural footing for long term positioning in New Zealand.

New Zealand Immigration Partners can refer you to experts who can help with the legal hoops and real estate agents working in the high end property market. If you would like to assess how the 6 March reforms may apply to you, our team can assist.