New Zealand to allow wealthy migrants to build rental housing
WELLINGTON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - New Zealand will let wealthy visa applicants count investments in approved funds backing build-to-rent housing from December, the government said on Tuesday, tapping foreign capital to help fund new long-term rental homes.
New Zealand plans to allow wealthy visa applicants to invest in approved funds supporting build-to-rent housing starting December, according to the government's announcement on Tuesday, Reuters reported. The move aims to channel foreign capital into the development of long-term rental properties. The centre-right National Party, which is currently in power, has been gradually relaxing the criteria for the Active Investor Plus visa since it was reintroduced in April 2025.
The minimum investment required for the Growth category has been reduced from NZ$15 million to NZ$5 million, and the investment period has been shortened from four to three years. The eligible investments have also been expanded.
Applicants in the Growth category will not be able to directly invest in build-to-rent projects, as the funds must first be invested in approved managed funds. Additionally, investors and their family members will be prohibited from residing in a development financed by their investment. The government introduced these changes to attract high-net-worth foreigners to the country, which is experiencing record net migration and experiencing weak economic growth.
The South Pacific nation, with a population of 5 million, is seeking additional sources of funding to support new long-term rental homes. Other modifications to the Active Investor Plus visa include more lenient English-language requirements for certain applicants and expanded philanthropic investment opportunities.
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