HouseNZ$2,750,000
Otago
3 bd 2 ba 204 m²
Buying Property in New Zealand: Overseas Buyer Rules, Regions and Prices
23,276 homes, apartments and plots from local agents and developers, across 56 cities and towns.
- Listings
- 23,276
- Cities
- 56
- Houses
- 20,718
Properties for sale in New Zealand
Listings link to the original agent or portal, where you can contact the seller directly.
24 properties shown
House
HouseNZ$1,250,000
Hawke'S Bay
3 bd 2 ba 205 m²
HouseNZ$865,000
Canterbury
3 bd 2 ba 214 m²
TownhouseNZ$820,000
Auckland
3 bd 2 ba 112 m²
HouseNZ$1,650,000
Waikato
3 bd 2 ba 261 m²
HouseNZ$1,145,000
Nelson / Tasman
4 bd 2 ba 204 m²
HouseNZ$5,400,000
Otago
4 bd 3 ba 330 m²
HouseNZ$859,000
Auckland
2 bd 2 ba 125 m²
HouseNZ$1,100,000
Auckland
3 bd 1 ba
HouseNZ$797,600
Waikato
3 bd 2 ba 149 m²
HouseNZ$850,000
Auckland
4 bd 1 ba 105 m²
HouseNZ$2,200,000
Waikato
5 bd 3 ba 461 m²
HouseNZ$734,999
Otago
3 bd 1 ba 124 m²
HouseNZ$809,000
Wellington
3 bd 1 ba 120 m²
HouseNZ$959,000
Auckland
3 bd 2 ba 147 m²
HouseNZ$799,000
Waikato
4 bd 2 ba 230 m²
HouseNZ$695,000
Waikato
2 bd 1 ba 130 m²
HouseNZ$979,000
Northland
6 bd 5 ba
HouseNZ$1,650,000
Waikato
3 bd 2 ba 261 m²
HouseNZ$910,000
Marlborough
3 bd 1 ba 161 m²
HouseNZ$720,000
Southland
3 bd 1 ba 150 m²
HouseNZ$940,000
Taranaki
3 bd 1 ba 173 m²
HouseNZ$2,348,000
Otago
3 bd 2 ba 211 m²
TownhouseNZ$810,000
Waikato
2 bd 1 ba 140 m²
Where to buy in New Zealand
Cities and towns with the most properties for sale right now.
Auckland5,245 listings
Waikato2,737 listings
Canterbury2,078 listings
Bay Of Plenty1,527 listings
Wellington1,433 listings
Northland1,277 listings
Otago1,016 listings
Nelson699 listings
Manawatu676 listings
Taranaki390 listings
Marlborough365 listings
Hawke's Bay357 listingsMore places in New Zealand (A–Z)
- Carterton28
- Central Otago78
- Christchurch210
- Dunedin120
- Far North208
- Franklin111
- Gisborne84
- Hamilton220
- Hastings77
- Hauraki64
- Horowhenua104
- Hurunui54
- Invercargill64
- Kaipara126
- Kapiti Coast78
- Lower Hutt83
- Manukau179
- Masterton56
- Matamata-Piako98
- Napier56
- New Plymouth140
- North Shore135
- Palmerston North157
- Queenstown81
- Rodney219
- Rotorua37
- Selwyn82
- South Taranaki61
- Southland189
- Tasman113
- Taupo88
- Tauranga169
- Thames-Coromandel239
- Timaru60
- Waimakariri59
- Waipa97
- Waitakere124
- Waitaki53
- Wanaka74
- West Coast119
- Western Bay Of Plenty179
- Whakatane62
- Whanganui90
- Whangarei141
Buyer's guide: New Zealand
Property for sale in New Zealand is high-priced, house-focused and tightly regulated for non-residents. We list 22,888 properties with a median asking price of €474,668 and this guide to buying property in New Zealand explains who can buy, which exemptions exist, what regions cost and how the process works.
New Zealand property market snapshot
The figures come from current listings on RealEstateAbroad and are asking prices, not sales prices. Many New Zealand listings are marketed without a price, so these figures reflect only those with a stated asking price.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Active listings | 22,888 |
| Median asking price | €474,668 |
| Middle 50% of prices (p25 to p75) | €394,224 to €647,047 |
| Median price per m² | €2,994 |
| Median size | 170 m² |
| Type mix | Houses 20,331, apartments 1,270, land 1,165, townhouses 74 |
| Bedrooms | 1: 259; 2: 2,263; 3: 9,460; 4: 6,972; 5+: 2,330 |
Regions and cities to consider
Our location data is mostly by region, which is how New Zealand real estate is commonly searched.
- Auckland: 5,218 listings, median €549,116 and €3,906 per m². The largest city and economic centre.
- Wellington: median €472,169. The capital, with government and tech jobs.
- Canterbury: median €429,649 including Christchurch and a rebuilt city centre.
- Waikato: median €485,660 which includes Hamilton and rural dairy country.
- Bay of Plenty: median €532,128 with Tauranga and Mount Maunganui beaches.
- Northland: median €497,152 the subtropical far north.
- Otago and Nelson cover Queenstown, Dunedin and the sunny top of the South Island.
Browse the full country directory to compare other destinations.
Read more (7 more sections)Show less
Property types
Detached houses on their own section dominate, as the numbers show. Houses for sale in New Zealand are often timber-framed, and weathertightness and insulation vary by age. A building report is a must. Townhouses are common in new developments in the main cities.
Apartments are mostly in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. Overseas buyers may be able to buy new apartments within larger developments in some cases (see below). Land listings include building sections, lifestyle blocks and farmland, with more rules for overseas buyers. Use the cheap property page to look for lower-priced homes.
Can foreigners buy property in New Zealand?
Rules are the strictest of any country in this guide. Under the Overseas Investment Act, overseas persons generally cannot buy existing residential property, a ban introduced in 2018. Key points:
- Residents: people with a residence class visa who live in New Zealand are not treated as overseas persons for this purpose, and can buy a home.
- Australian and Singaporean citizens: exempt under free trade agreements.
- New builds: overseas persons can buy new apartments or townhouses in large developments where the developer has an exemption certificate, and can often buy commercial property, with consent.
- Land: buying more than five hectares of non-urban land, or sensitive land, needs consent from the Overseas Investment Office.
- Investor visas: since 6 March 2026, Active Investor Plus visa holders (and holders of older investor visas) can seek Overseas Investment Office consent to buy one home worth more than NZ$5 million.
Get advice from a New Zealand lawyer before making an offer. Our New Zealand consultation guide lists the questions to ask.
The buying process
- Confirm eligibility and arrange an IRD number and a New Zealand bank account.
- Get a lawyer. Conveyancing in New Zealand is handled by solicitors.
- Get finance approved or proof of funds.
- Find a property and obtain a LIM report (Land Information Memorandum) from the council and a building inspection.
- Choose the method of sale: auction, tender, negotiation or deadline sale. Auction offers are unconditional, so do all due diligence first.
- Sign the sale and purchase agreement and pay a deposit, usually 10% (often held in a trust account).
- Settle, usually in 20 to 30 working days. The lawyer transfers funds and registers title at Land Information New Zealand.
Costs and taxes
New Zealand has no stamp duty or transfer tax on residential purchases. All figures are approx. and should be verified locally.
| Cost | Typical range (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp duty | None | Not charged on purchases |
| Legal fees | NZ$1,500 to 3,500 | Plus disbursements |
| LIM report and building inspection | NZ$800 to 2,500 | Essential for most purchases |
| Agent commission | Paid by seller, around 2% to 4% | Plus GST |
| Annual rates | Roughly 0.3% to 0.5% of capital value | Set by each council |
| Bright-line test | Gains taxed if sold within 2 years | Applies to most residential property |
Mortgages and financing
Major banks lend to people with New Zealand residency and income. Non-residents are typically refused or asked for a very large deposit, and lenders can refuse overseas persons altogether. Loan-to-value limits apply to residents, with deposits often at least 20% for owner-occupiers. Compare options in the mortgage calculator and see the New Zealand financing guide.
Residency and living
Owning a home does not provide a visa. Skilled migrant, work and Active Investor Plus visas are the main routes. See the New Zealand market analysis for price trends and affordability.
Pros and cons of buying in New Zealand
Pros
- Excellent legal system, with transparent title registration.
- No stamp duty and no general capital gains tax outside the bright-line test.
- Lifestyle, safety and a clean environment.
- Residents can buy freely.
Cons
- Overseas buyers face a ban on most existing homes.
- Prices are high relative to local incomes.
- Earthquake, flood and weathertightness risks.
- Remote location and distance from other markets.
In New Zealand the question is who you are, not what you can afford. Establish your status under the Overseas Investment Act before you view a single house.
Last updated 8 October 2026
Buying property in New Zealand: FAQ
Can foreigners buy property in New Zealand?
Generally not existing homes. Overseas persons are banned from buying most residential property, with exceptions for residents, Australian and Singaporean citizens, and certain new developments. Rules are being reformed, so check the current position.
How much does a house cost in New Zealand?
The median asking price in our listings is €474,668. Canterbury is the more affordable at about €429,649 and Auckland is around €549,116.
Is there stamp duty in New Zealand?
No. New Zealand does not charge stamp duty. Costs are mainly legal fees, reports and agent commission paid by the seller.
Can I buy a new apartment as an overseas buyer?
Possibly, if the development holds an exemption certificate allowing sales to overseas persons. Ask the developer and your lawyer.
Do I need an IRD number?
Yes, you will need an IRD tax number and a New Zealand bank account to buy, and to pay any taxes.
What is a LIM report?
A Land Information Memorandum is issued by the local council and lists consents, rates, hazards and any notices on a property. Buyers should always obtain one.
Is New Zealand property a good investment?
Long-term demand is strong but yields are low, and overseas investors are restricted. Residents have most of the options, so tailor your plan to your visa status.
Explore more in New Zealand
Property types in New Zealand
- Houses for sale(20,718)
- Apartments for sale(1,305)
- Land for sale(1,176)
- Townhouses for sale(74)
Popular cities in New Zealand
- Auckland(5,245)
- Waikato(2,737)
- Canterbury(2,078)
- Bay Of Plenty(1,527)
- Wellington(1,433)
- Northland(1,277)
- Otago(1,016)
- Nelson(699)