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Buying property in Invercargill is easy!

Kia-Ora, NZ and its government welcome you! There are very few barriers to buying or investing in New Zealand property for international purchasers (in fact quite the opposite is true, in that the NZ government continues to make investing in New Zealand property very attractive).

General OIO Overview

• Area: Where the land area exceeds 5 ha in area.
• Foreshore: Where the land includes foreshore/seabed or adjoins foreshore/seabed.
• Lakes: Where the land exceeds 0.4 ha in area and adjoins or includes the bed of a lake.
• Reserves: Where the land exceeds 0.4 ha and includes or adjoins a reserve, park or conservation land.
• Islands: Any land on most off-shore island.
• Historic Places: Where the land exceeds 0.4 ha and includes or adjoins most historic or heritage areas.

• A non-New Zealander who is not resident in New Zealand
• An overseas incorporated company,
• A New Zealand company, partnership or joint venture where 25% or more of its shares or voting power or control is held by an OP
• A trust where 25% or more of the trustees are Ops, or where Ops have an entitlement to 25% or more of the trust property
• Any nominee of and OP.

• Whether the Overseas Person:
  a. has business experience and acumen.
  b. is demonstrating commitment to the investment.
  c. is of good character.
   
• Whether the acquisition is in the "national interest". This might include the creation of new job opportunities, new technologies or new export markets. Where farm land is involved you must also show that the acquisition is likely to result in substantial and identifiable benefits to new Zealand, or to a region or other part of New Zealand.
   
• Whether adequate mechanisms are in place to protect flora, fauna, historic heritage or public walking access.
   
• If the purchase is a "lifestyle" property (holiday home or acquisition for a non-economic purpose) the application will normally be viewed favourably in terms of the "national interest" test where the applicant:
  a. Will significantly develop the property, or
  b. Will make another significant investment in New Zealand, or
  b. Has an intention to reside permanently in New Zealand (this will usually require a grant of permanent residence or other immigration status superior to visitor status)
  c. Before selling land to an OP you must also satisfy certain additional requirements if farm land or foreshore, seabed, riverbed or lakebed is involved. This may include special advertising provisions or giving the Crown the first right of refusal.
   
• Your ability to secure OIO consent may be linked to your NZ immigration permit/.residency status. In most cases immigration permits will be an important feature of your OIO consent application and immigration and OIO issues should be considered contemporaneously.