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International buying-cost guide

Do you pay stamp duty in New Zealand?

Unlike Australia or the UK, New Zealand charges no stamp duty when you buy a home — at any price. That makes it one of the cheapest developed countries to transact in. Here's what you do pay, and the one property tax that can still catch you.

Last updated June 2026

The direct answer: no stamp duty

New Zealand abolished stamp duty in 1999 and has never replaced it with a land-transfer or conveyance tax. So whether you buy a $600,000 first home or a $3,000,000 house, the government transfer duty is $0. There is also no annual land tax. This is genuinely unusual — almost every other developed country charges a tiered duty that runs into the tens of thousands.

What you actually pay instead

  • LINZ title registration — a fixed ~NZ$122 (e-lodgement) government fee to register the transfer.
  • Lawyer / conveyancer — typically NZ$1,000–$2,500; fees vary a lot, so settled.govt.nz advises shopping around.
  • LIM report — a Land Information Memorandum from the council, ~NZ$200–$400.
  • Builder's / pre-purchase inspection — ~NZ$450–$1,200.
  • GST — 15%, but only on new builds, where it's already included in the developer's price. Resale homes are exempt.

That keeps total upfront costs well under 2% of the price for most purchases — try the New Zealand cost calculator.

Deposit, KiwiSaver and the First Home Loan

The norm is a 20% deposit. Eligible first-home buyers can buy with as little as 5% through the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, and you can use a KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal if you've been a member at least three years and will live in the home (you must leave a minimum of $1,000 in the account). Note the First Home Grant was discontinued on 22 May 2024 — it's no longer available.

The bright-line test (the tax that does apply)

While there's no stamp duty, New Zealand taxes quick resales. Under the bright-line test, if you sell a residential property within 2 years of buying it (for sales on or after 1 July 2024), the profit is taxable at your marginal income-tax rate. Your main home is generally excluded. Foreign sellers also face residential land withholding tax (39% for individuals).

Can foreigners buy in 2026?

Most overseas buyers cannot purchase existing homes under the Overseas Investment Act (Australian and Singaporean citizens are exempt and buy like locals). From 6 March 2026, holders of an Active Investor Plus, Investor 1 or Investor 2 visa can get consent to buy or build a home worth over NZ$5 million.

Run the numbers for your price: 🇳🇿 New Zealand buying-cost calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Does New Zealand have stamp duty when buying a house?

No. New Zealand abolished stamp duty in 1999 and has no land-transfer tax, so there is $0 government duty on a residential purchase at any price. Your only government cost is the LINZ title-registration fee (~NZ$122 e-lodgement).

Is there an annual property tax in New Zealand?

There's no national land or property tax, but you pay local council rates each year based on the property's value — roughly NZ$2,500–$6,000 depending on the council (Auckland averages about NZ$4,000).

Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy my first home?

Yes — if you've been a member for at least three years and will live in the home, you can withdraw almost all of your KiwiSaver, leaving a minimum of $1,000. The funds go to your solicitor before settlement.

Is the First Home Grant still available?

No. It was discontinued on 22 May 2024 and no new applications are accepted. The Kāinga Ora First Home Loan (5% deposit) and the KiwiSaver first-home withdrawal remain.

What is the bright-line test and will I pay it?

If you sell a residential property within 2 years of buying it (sales on or after 1 July 2024), the profit is taxable at your marginal income-tax rate. Your main home is generally excluded.

More guides

First-home buyer stamp duty in Australia (2026) Help to Buy & the First Home Scheme in Ireland (2026) Can foreigners buy property in Canada in 2026?