Relocating to New Zealand and owning a property

[opigez1358]

We are a French couple living around the world and for the past 3 years we have stayed in the U.S! When in the US we did not purchase a property and just rented out but looking at Property in New Zealand it seems it’s a good time to buy but not aware if non New Zealand citizen can legally buy properties!
We are moving to New Zealand and accordioning to the moving company we have hired for transportation of our goods ( usgshipping.com), we should not pay any duty when moving to New Zealand so it seems the rules are not complicated for relocating to New Zealand but I am not aware of how owning a property is possible for a foreigner?
The property price are not as high and it seems even if we decide later on to sell , it a not a bad timing to purchase a property.
Can anyone advice if we can legally buy a property even if we are using a visa Waiver to reside in New Zealand?

[Minz]

I am not exactly sure but you do need to be a resident of NZ and have been residing in NZ for the 6 months prior to purchase. NZ, Australian and Singaporean citizens can also buy.

[eri]

as above your biggest challenge will be the new laws passed by the current coalition gov.

am not too sure what the exact wording and interpretation of their "ban on foreign buyers" currently is

but a newspaper story last year said

"Anyone holding a

- resident visa,
- that has been living here for at least a year
- including at least 183 days in the past year,

will still be able to purchase a home."

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/106307986/explainer-who-does-the-foreign-buyer-ban-really-affect

not sure a "visa waiver" will cut it, a property lawyer should know