The New Zealand government is opening a small door in its strict foreign home buyer rules.

Under a new policy, people who hold the Active Investor Plus Visa and live overseas will soon be allowed to buy or build one residential property in New Zealand. The wider ban on most foreign buyers will stay in place. This is a limited exception, not a full rollback.

The law change is expected to pass by the end of 2026.

Who Can Buy Property Under the New Rule?

The update applies to holders of the Active Investor Plus visa. It will also cover people who gained residence through the older Investor 1 and Investor 2 visa categories.

Here is what matters:

• You can buy or build only one home
• The property must be worth at least NZD 5 million
• You must hold a qualifying investor residence

At this moment, some Active Investor Plus holders cannot buy property because they do not spend enough time in New Zealand each year to meet residency rules. There is no requirement for them to stay at least six months annually, so many live abroad.

This new rule changes that for high-value homes.

Why Is New Zealand Making This Change?

New Zealand has kept tight controls on foreign buyers for years. The aim was to protect the local housing supply.

Now the government wants to attract more foreign investment without fully reopening the housing market. Letting wealthy investor visa holders buy one high-value property is seen as a targeted move.

In simple terms, the message is clear: invest in New Zealand, and you get limited property access.

What Is the Active Investor Plus Visa?

The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand’s main investment-based residence pathway.

If approved, visa holders can live in New Zealand indefinitely. However, many investors choose to stay overseas while keeping their residence status.

In July 2025, the government also updated the investment rules for this visa.

Key changes included:

• At least 75 per cent of committed funds must be invested in listed equities or bonds
• No more than 25 per cent can sit in a New Zealand bank account or term deposits
• Greater flexibility to invest in property development through New Zealand companies

Previously, investors could park up to 100 per cent of their funds in bank accounts or term deposits for a limited time. That option has now been restricted.

What This Means for Foreign Investors

If you are an Active Investor Plus resident living overseas, this is a significant shift.

You will soon be able to secure one high-value home in New Zealand, even if you do not meet the usual physical presence requirement.

But this is not a green light for broad property investment. The NZD 5 million minimum makes it clear that the policy targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

For most foreign buyers, the ban remains firmly in place.

The Bigger Picture

New Zealand is trying to balance two priorities: protecting local housing and attracting serious foreign capital.

This new rule sits right in the middle of that balance.

For global investors watching New Zealand’s property market, it signals cautious openness. Not a housing boom for overseas buyers, but a controlled invitation for big investors willing to commit serious money.