New Zealand Property Investment For Sale

"Stunning diversity makes New Zealand undeniably attractive to the lifestyle buyer."

Made up of two main land masses – the North and South Islands – New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, extensive flora and fauna, marine reserves and its healthy, outdoors lifestyle.  The geography of New Zealand , coupled with its temperate climate, its relaxed way of life and low crime levels have made New Zealand a popular choice (particularly with the British) when considering relocation.

As one of the worlds most developed countries, both politically and economically, New Zealand has transformed itself from an agrarian economy dependent on the British market to a more industrialised, free market economy. There has been steady growth in real incomes and the economy which was hit, like so many by the global financial crisis, has recovered well.

The property market is considered to be buoyant one and has shown healthy price rises – especially in the South Island where prices are at their highest.  Auckland commands both the highest house prices and very healthy rental returns and all indicators are that real estate values will continue to increase, helped by the lack of restrictions on foreigner ownership and very favourable tax laws.

A desirable location for those considering relocation, New Zealand has also witnesses a healthy growth in tourism possibly fuelled the success of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

Geography

The country is made up of two main land masses; the North Island and South Island, separated by the Cook Strait, plus a wealth of smaller islands that surround the mainland, giving a total area of 268,680 square kilometres. New Zealand boasts 15,134 kilometres of coastline from which an array of aquatic adventures can be launched, and with the protective haven of the marine reserves there is a multitude of flora and fauna waiting to be explored. Huge mountainous ranges divide open, rolling plains from luscious vineyards, whilst sub-tropical islands are scattered off the coast of vibrant, green jungles.

Government

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy, with the British MonarchI as its head, and a democratically elected government who run the country. The country is divided into sixteen regions, the highest form of local government, and 73 territorial authorities which form the local, elected governments and have the power to set rates and delegate power within the local community. National holidays are Waitangi Day on 6th February, and ANZAC Day on 25th April.

Language

English and Maori are the official languages in New Zealand.

Standard of Living

New Zealand offers a standard of living not dissimilar to that of the UK; whilst some services and goods may be cheaper than in the UK, other commodities are slightly more expensive. Average house prices are much cheaper than in the UK. Lifestyle is very much based in the outdoors and is said to be pretty relaxed.

New Zealand has a reasonably stable economy but as the country relies heavily on trade it can be vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Its principle exports are agriculture-based. Tourism plays a considerable role in New Zealand's economy and providing jobs for a tenth of the native workforce. 

As one of the worlds most developed countries, both politically and economically, New Zealand has transformed itself from an agrarian economy dependent on the British market to a more industrialised, free market economy. There has been steady growth in real incomes and the economy which was hit, like so many by the global financial crisis, has recovered well.

Key industries:

New Zealand has a healthy trading industry, with its principle exports being largely agriculture based – dairy, meat, wood and fish, as well as machinery. Its main trading partners are Australia, the United States and Japan, although a smaller percentage of trade is also conducted with China and the United Kingdom.

Canterbury

The Canterbury region is said to have it all: the vertiginous mountains down which to throw oneself on skis, the unending Canterbury Plains, the soothing Pacific Ocean, and of course, the city of Christchurch. Described as the most English city outside the UK, the cultural city boasts a multitude of parks and tree-lined avenues, havens of green in the bustling and vibrant atmosphere.

This lively city offers all one might expect from a cosmopolitan area, including huge architectural variety. The range of property on offer reflects all elements of taste, but of particular interest may be the luxury apartment developments that are springing up across the city, with the overseas investor in mind. Many come with rental guarantees, and with no capital gains tax or stamp duty, investment here is attractive. As the tourist influx to New Zealand looks set to rise for the foreseeable future, it can be safely assumed that demand for tourist accommodation can be relied upon.

Auckland

The northern part of the North Island has been partly fragmented into new islands as the ocean gradually reclaims the land that emerged from it so long ago. The Auckland region includes an array of enchanting sub-tropical islands, many that are used solely for holiday retreats. Auckland City itself sprawls across two harbours, spreading out over the two land masses both sides and guarded all around by luscious rainforests. The Polynesian and Maori heritage pervades all aspects of this city, creating a multicultural atmosphere with unique experiences for both the tourist and the resident.

Housing in Auckland tends to be more expensive than the national average, reflecting the desirable qualities of the location which are also reiterated through the consistently high rankings of the city in international lifestyle surveys. The forecasting of the city's population to double by 2050 confirms the future need for accommodation, and should guarantee the fluidity of the market in years to come. In investment terms this translates to one of New Zealand's most promising opportunities for growth.

Central Otago

The soaring mountain peaks and the deep, cavernous gorges of the Otago region, forever immortalised in the visually indulgent Lord of the Rings trilogy, constitute the backdrop for another of the country's fastest growing regions. Once the scene of a mighty gold rush, the valleys of the region are now covered with Pinot Noir vines as the New Zealand 'wine rush' takes root, with visitors coming from all over the world to visit the wineries.

Queenstown is heralded as the adventure capital of New Zealand, with everything from snowmobiling, to luge-riding, to off-roading. The region's strong economic base, due to a year round industry, fuels consistent demand for accommodation and creates a lucrative real estate market equating to reasonable investment potential.

New Zealand's oldest city, Dunedin, meanwhile is competitively priced, reflecting the quality of housing available. The architecture, culture and history of the city, with its proximity to the powerful landscapes nearby, make Dunedin a highly desirable second home location.