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  3. Overseas buyers and investors FAQs

Commercial

Overseas buyers and investors - FAQs

If you live outside New Zealand and are considering purchasing a property in Auckland or Northland, you've come to the right place.

Our commercial team have a wealth of local knowledge we can share with you as well as answers to some of those commonly asked questions.

Many members of our team speak different languages and regularly work with people from overseas so we not only have a good understanding of your needs but we have a wealth of local knowledge we can share with you.

How we can help you buy property in New Zealand

  • Local knowledge: Barfoot & Thompson specialises in Auckland and Northland real estate so our salespeople have a wealth of local knowledge. From important amenities to shops, schools and recreation, all our salespeople can give you the advice you need to help you find the right investment
  • We cover a large area: Barfoot & Thompson is not franchised, which means our salespeople have access to every listing in our system and can help you buy property in any part of Auckland or Northland
  • Our salespeople speak different languages: We have a number of salespeople who speak different languages
  • International reach: We sell to more off shore customers than any other agency in New Zealand. We conduct business on a daily basis in 55 languages and our staff have direct access through their communities and networks to international investor communities.
  • We sell 1 in 3 Auckland homes: As Auckland’s largest real estate company, selling around one in every three homes, we've helped many people buy their dream property.

How do I find out what properties are for sale?

As Barfoot & Thompson specialises in Auckland and Northland real estate, this website is a great place to start. For properties elsewhere in New Zealand you could also try Realestate.co.nz or Nzrealtors.co.nz.

Are there any restrictions for overseas investors?

There are a few types of property that can’t be bought by non citizens or permanent residents without government permission, so you will need to make sure that you make the real estate agency aware of your status.

The New Zealand Government's foreign investment policies are administered by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO), whose prime role is to assess applications for consent from foreigners who intend making substantial investments in New Zealand.

You will need an IRD number

On 1 October 2015, some of the rules around buying and selling changed due to new legislation that came into force. Here's what you need to know:

  • If you enter into a contract (to buy land/property) on or after 1 October 2015, you will need to provide a New Zealand IRD number before the settlement can take place, and you can take possession
  • It applies to the sale or purchase of ALL land/property in New Zealand 
  • It also applies to contracts entered into before 1 October 2015, where the settlement date is on or after 1 April 2016
  • You'll need to give your New Zealand IRD number to your lawyer, and you'll need to complete and sign a Tax Statement before settlement can occur and possession be given
  • "Offshore" buyers and sellers will need to provide a New Zealand IRD number or obtain a New Zealand IRD number before the settlement date. If you are an offshore buyer or seller and you do not have a New Zealand IRD number, you will need to open a New Zealand bank account before applying for a New Zealand IRD number. Offshore parties also need to provide their tax number/details from their country of origin.

You can find more information in our one-page guide: Taxation (Land Information) Legislation information - what you need to know

Will buying property help with me with my immigration application?

In some instances, investment in New Zealand property or businesses can assist your immigration  application. We can discuss your individual requirements with you or with your chosen immigration consultant.

How do I find out more about Auckland and Northland?

Check out our Auckland and Northland section. You can also find information about areas and suburbs in Auckland and Northland, under find a branch or by contacting one of our salespeople or property managers, or talk to one of our commercial managers. 

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