What is a LIM report, and do I need one before buying?
A LIM report is a report about a property that the local council prepares when you apply. You must pay for it, and it may take a few days. Apply for one before you sign. A LIM does not include everything, so also check the council's property file and ask your lawyer to review it.
Official figures
- Who can buy without applying
- New Zealand citizens (whether or not they live in New Zealand); people who hold a New Zealand residence class visa and are ordinarily resident; Australian or Singaporean citizens buying residential or lifestyle land. It is enough if you, your spouse or your partner meets one of these.1
- The 3 conditions for being ordinarily resident
- You hold a residence class visa; you have lived in New Zealand for at least the last 12 months, counting back from the day you sign the agreement to buy; and you are a New Zealand tax resident, having spent more than 183 days in New Zealand in the past 12 months.1
- Who must get approval before buying
- People who hold a residence class visa but are not yet ordinarily resident can apply for approval (consent) to buy or build one home to live in.1
- Who generally cannot buy
- Overseas people on a temporary, limited, interim or transit visa (for example, a student, work or visitor visa), and overseas people with no visa.1
- Application fee for a home to live in
- NZ$2,040 for ordinary residential land; NZ$16,900 if the land is also other sensitive land (for example, on an island, by the sea or a river, or next to a reserve).1
Official sources
- Buying residential property to live inToitū Te Whenua LINZ · linz.govt.nz
- Investing in residential land over $5 millionToitū Te Whenua LINZ · linz.govt.nz
- Getting my KiwiSaver savings for my first homeInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
- The bright-line testInland Revenue · ird.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Buying a home: overseas buyer rules and first-home support →
People also ask
- Can I buy a house in New Zealand on a work visa or work permit?
- I just got my resident visa. Can I buy a house straight away, or do I need to apply?
- What does 'ordinarily resident' mean, and how long do I need to live in NZ?
- My partner is a New Zealand citizen and I'm not. Can we buy a house together?
- Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy my first home? What are the conditions?
- Do I pay tax if I sell my house within 2 years? What is the bright-line rule?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
How does this apply to me?
Tell us your situation for practical next steps, with official sources. Try a free question — no sign-in needed.
Share after you sign in with Google and your link will carry your invite code: when a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions. You can still share without signing in — it just won’t earn anything.Your link includes your invite code. When a friend signs up through it, you get 20 more questions (up to 10 friends).
Tap “···” at the top right to send to a friend or share to Moments