Key facts
- New Zealand will allow wealthy visa applicants to invest in approved funds for build-to-rent housing from December.
- The minimum investment for the Growth category of the Active Investor Plus visa has been reduced to NZ$5 million.
New Zealand will permit wealthy visa applicants to invest in approved funds backing build-to-rent housing starting in December. This move aims to attract foreign capital to finance new long-term rental homes amid record net migration and weak economic growth.
The policy change aims to address New Zealand's housing shortage and stimulate economic growth by leveraging foreign investment for build-to-rent developments, while also attracting wealthy individuals to the country.
WELLINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - New Zealand will allow wealthy visa applicants to count investments in approved funds backing build-to-rent housing from December, the government announced Tuesday. This initiative aims to attract foreign capital to help finance new long-term rental homes.
The centre-right National Party-led government has progressively eased the requirements for New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa since its relaunch in April 2025. The minimum investment for the Growth category has been reduced to NZ$5 million ($2.93 million) from NZ$15 million, and the required investment period has been shortened from four years to three. The range of eligible investments has also been broadened.
Under the new rules, applicants in the Growth category will not be permitted to invest directly in build-to-rent projects; their money must be channeled through approved managed funds. Additionally, investors and their family members will be barred from residing in any development financed by their investment.
These changes to the visa scheme, designed to attract affluent foreigners, come as New Zealand, a nation of 5 million people, is experiencing record net migration and sluggish economic growth. Other adjustments to the Active Investor Plus visa include relaxed English-language requirements for certain applicants and expanded options for philanthropic investments.