An increasing number of US property buyers are turning to New Zealand to find their second home. But what explains this trend? And could you join them?
US buyers are choosing New Zealand for a second home
The promise of stunning landscapes…
In a recent New York Times article, New Zealand property developer Jim Rohrstaff revealed that there has been a growing trend of US buyers choosing to purchase a second home in New Zealand. But why is this?
Firstly, it’s the appeal of an English-speaking country that sees people buying holiday homes, moving full-time and retiring to the US, Canada and Australia.
Secondly, for many US buyers, New Zealand has the benefit of feeling like it is far enough away from many of the ills of the world. Its remote, but you’ll be able to understand what everyone is saying. Plus, there are direct flights from major US cities to New Zealand.
From the perspective of a US buyer, another advantage is that New Zealand has their summer in winter. And a desire to escape the winter is certainly something British buyers can relate to. At the time of writing, it is 11°C in London, and shockingly there’s no expected rain today – but with the caveat of a 90% chance of it tomorrow. Meanwhile, Auckland can expect a sunny day with highs of 20°C. I know where I’d rather be.
The power of golf
Cape Kidnapper Golf Course. Source: Yevgen Belich/Shutterstock.
Moreover, one of the biggest pulls to New Zealand for US buyers is golf. Increasingly, golf course architects are collaborating with property developers to create waterfront homes. Imagine that. A short walk to the golf course, the ocean as your backdrop. Jim Rohrstaff is part of a development on the Tara Iti golf course. It is often credited as the top golf course in New Zealand and frequently secures a position as one of the best worldwide, by top100golf courses, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.
Tara Iti
Approximately 100 kilometres north of Auckland, Tara Iti is located on the heavily forested eastern coast of the North island. It encompasses eleven kilometres of ocean frontage and 225 acres of sand dunes. So, if you are keen to live as close to golf as possible, but your partner would rather sunbathe and swim, there’s certainly an argument to be made that a property here would suit you both. It’s also a superb spot for surfing. While the golf course has a private golf club, it does have a one-off visit pass – perhaps, something to try out when you head out to New Zealand to look at potential properties to purchase.
Cape Kidnappers
Located in Clifton, Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers is another highly praised golf course. The par 71 golf course covers over 6,5000 metres and promises to challenge golfers of all abilities. Built on a ridge-and-valley landscape, you get to play to a dramatic ocean backdrop.
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
Positioned on the Kapiti Coast, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is conveniently located just 45 minutes from the capital, Wellington. The course has held the New Zealand Open twelve times, a record not surpassed by any other course.
But aren’t overseas buyers banned from buying in New Zealand…
Unfortunately, the New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018 means that there are only two types of property that a non-resident foreign national can purchase in New Zealand. One is a hotel unit that can be leased back to a hotel. The other is an off-plan property from a developer who has permission to sell a certain percentage of properties to foreign buyers. So, the great news is that a development of new homes on a golf course are accessible for overseas buyers.
New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018 was introduced by a Labour government. But in October, the conservative National Party beat the current centre-left Labour party government. They won a razor-thin majority to govern in a coalition with other right-wing parties. Recently, Christopher Lux, leader of the National Party, refused to comment on whether he had plans to change the ban on overseas buyers.
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