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NZ Considers Lifting Foreigner House-Buying Ban for "Golden Visa" Holders
14 Aug
Summary
- NZ government reviewing policy to allow foreign "golden visa" residents to buy homes
- Decision expected in the coming weeks, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis
- Change would loosen existing ban on foreigners purchasing residential property
As of August 15th, 2025, the New Zealand government is actively considering loosening its ban on foreigners purchasing residential property. According to Finance Minister Nicola Willis, the government is looking at allowing foreign residents who gain residency through the country's "golden visa" program to buy homes.
The existing ban on foreign homebuyers has been in place for several years, but the government now appears poised to make an exception for this specific group of foreign nationals. Minister Willis, speaking on a Bloomberg Businessweek show in New York, stated that a decision on the potential policy change could come in the next few weeks.
If implemented, the new rules would open the door for foreign "golden visa" holders to enter New Zealand's housing market, which has seen significant price appreciation in recent years. The government's review of this policy suggests it is seeking to balance concerns over housing affordability with the potential economic benefits of attracting more foreign investment and skilled workers through the residency program.
