Nelson, New Zealand: Houses and Land for Sale at the Top of the South Island

Nelson city sits on Tasman Bay, with the Maitai River running through the centre and a compact arts and café scene. Tahunanui has the best-known beach and flat sections favoured by families. The Wood, close to the centre, has older villas, while Atawhai and Stoke offer a mix of newer housing and larger sections. Richmond to the south is the main commercial hub of the wider Nelson Tasman area and often has newer houses at lower prices than inner Nelson.

The region has high sunshine hours, a major horticulture and seafood industry, and a strong outdoor lifestyle with the Great Taste Trail cycle route and Kahurangi National Park. Nelson Airport provides flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Winters are mild but the market is small, and healthcare and specialist services are less extensive than in the main cities.

This is the most important question. New Zealand restricts most overseas buyers under the Overseas Investment Act.

• Existing homes: Non-resident, non-citizen buyers are generally banned from buying existing residential property. Australian and Singaporean citizens are exempt under free trade agreements, and residents who hold a resident visa and meet the residency test can buy.
• New builds: Developers may obtain consent to build and sell new dwellings to overseas buyers.
• Rural and lifestyle land: Larger blocks and 'sensitive land' may need consent.

Rules have been revised several times and may differ for investor visa holders, so get legal advice before making an offer.

Process: Offers are made through a real estate agent on a sale and purchase agreement. A due-diligence condition and a LIM report (a council property file) are normal. A builder's report is strongly recommended. Read more in our New Zealand buying guide and financing guide.

The closest big-name comparison is Wellington across Cook Strait, while Canterbury holds Christchurch. In the north, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty are the largest markets, with Northland offering a warm, remote alternative. The whole country is covered on property for sale in New Zealand.