Newsletter - July 2025
As we transition into the second half of the year, the change in season (yes, apparently it is getting a little warmer, as the days get longer) is a timely reminder that nothing stays still for long - especially in New Zealand. Whether it’s the weather shifting gear or the evolving economic landscape, both individuals and businesses are being asked to adapt in real time.
Across the country, many are feeling the effects of ongoing economic uncertainty, with shifting financial conditions and everyday cost pressures creating new challenges. In times like these, staying informed and remaining adaptable isn’t just wise - it’s essential.
At Turner Hopkins, we’re committed to helping you navigate these changes with clarity and confidence. In this edition, we’re sharing insights from our recent Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey, highlighting what you’ve told us we’re doing well - and where we can do better. You’ll also find a helpful Q&A section addressing common property law questions, and a timely update on immigration developments and the success of the updated Active Investor Visa.
As always, if you need advice tailored to your specific circumstances, our team is only a phone call away.
Turner Hopkins - Net Promoter Survey
We recently invited our clients to share their thoughts through our latest Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey - and we’re pleased to report a strong result, with an overall score of 58. This places us well above industry benchmarks and reflects the trust and satisfaction you have in our team.
We were especially encouraged to see high scores across key areas, with communication, value for money, website usability, and overall service all rating above 8 out of 10.
These results reinforce our ongoing commitment to delivering a responsive, transparent, and client-focused experience.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback. We’re using your insights to identify opportunities for further improvement - because while we’re very proud of the results, we’re always looking for ways to do better.
A few key things we are going to be focussing on in the coming months are more efficient ways for us to gather the key details we need from you, when you engage our services, a guide for new clients explaining how our service works (for many people, using a lawyer can be perceived as a bit nerve-wracking) and some improved website services for new and returning clients as well.
Your feedback, through our bi-annual surveys, helps us to keep our services modern, accessible and at the standards we set.
Legal Questions?
We Have The Answers…
Buying property in New Zealand can be an exciting milestone - but it can also be confusing, especially with the variety of sale methods, legal processes, and terminology involved.
Many buyers, often first-home purchasers, come to us with common misconceptions about how property transactions work - from believing a deposit is always refundable, to thinking pre-approval guarantees a purchase.
This Q&A section is designed to cut through the noise. We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients and provided clear, practical answers to help you navigate the buying process with confidence.
Whether you're a first-home buyer or a seasoned investor, a little clarity goes a long way.
Buying By Auction
-
A: An auction is a public sale where the property is sold to the highest bidder on auction day. Bidding is unconditional, so all due diligence (finance, LIM, building report, insurance) must be done beforehand.
-
A: No. All bids at auction are unconditional, so your finance and inspections need to be sorted before bidding.
-
A: If bidding doesn’t reach the seller’s reserve price, the property may be passed in. The highest bidder may then be invited to negotiate with the seller.
-
A: Set a clear budget, complete all due diligence, and have your lawyer review the agreement beforehand. Auctions move quickly and can be emotional.
Deadline Sale
-
A: A deadline sale is a sale process where offers must be submitted by a certain date. Unlike tenders, the vendor can accept an offer before the deadline.
-
A: Yes, but offers with fewer or no conditions may be more attractive to the seller. Acting promptly and being prepared is key.
-
A: Yes. The seller can accept an offer at any time before the deadline, so it’s important to act quickly if you're interested.
-
A: Absolutely. Since the seller may accept an offer early, completing your checks upfront gives you the flexibility to make a strong, timely offer.
Negotiation
-
A: It means there’s no fixed price — buyers can make offers at any time, and terms (such as price or conditions) are open for discussion with the seller.
-
A: Yes. You can include clauses for finance, building inspections, or other needs — subject to the seller’s agreement.
-
A: Yes. An asking price is often a starting point. You may be able to negotiate depending on the market, the vendor’s expectations, and the strength of your offer.
-
A: Research comparable sales, get legal and financial advice upfront, and consider using a buyer’s agent to help you structure your offer.
To contact a member of our property team, use the links below or call us on +64 9 486 2169.
Kate Chivers (Partner) - kate.chivers@turnerhopkins.co.nz
Joy Yuan (Principal) - joy.yuan@turnerhopkins.co.nz
Dawn Fullam (Senior Associate) - dawn.fullam@turnerhopkins.co.nz
Stay tuned for more FAQs coming in each monthly newsletter. If you have a legal question that you need answered, email our team: law@turnerhopkins.co.nz or call us on +64 9 486 2169
Immigration Updates
The “Golden Visa” Success Story
On April 1, 2025, the New Zealand government unveiled a revamped Active Investor Plus visa policy, streamlining its structure and significantly lowering barriers to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth. This was essentially an overhaul of the Active Investor programme introduced in 2022, that can only be described as the visa policy equivalent of a lemon.
Two new investment options were introduced in the updated policy:
Growth – NZD 5 million invested over 3 years in approved managed funds or NZ businesses; requires just 21 days of physical presence over that period.
Balanced – NZD 10 million over 5 years in a broader mix (e.g. bonds, equities, property development); requires 105 days in‑country over five years—residence days may reduce with larger investments.
The updated system which is far simpler, easier to navigate and places fewer commitments on applicants (in terms of time required in New Zealand) has proven to be incredibly popular outstripping the early version’s performance over two and a half years, in just a few months.
In less than three months, 189 applications were received, far outpacing the prior 2.5 years of the previous scheme. This represents a potential $1.3 billion in new investment in to New Zealand although obviously not all that money has found its way here yet.
International competition is tightening, making New Zealand even more attractive: Australia and several European countries are winding down or tightening their investor programs, positioning New Zealand as an increasingly attractive alternative (or in some cases the only option).
Ongoing discussions within government may lead to further flexibility around property investment rules, though political debate remains active on foreign ownership and housing affordability. Several recent news stories suggest that the coalition government, might be close to opening the door for investors to purchase property here, but it will take a bit of time for any official rule changes to come in to force.
New Zealand’s enhanced Active Investor Plus visa is now more accessible, competitive, and tailored to attract transformative capital and human capital. The program has already sparked strong demand - especially from U.S. investors - and stands to deliver much‑needed investment and business development.
As the scheme matures, its long-term economic and social impacts will be an important focus - particularly given there is a growing shortage of investments for these applicants to place their funds into. The Government needs to keep a close eye on the investment vehicles approved under this scheme and could potentially look at broadening the scope of investments, particularly under the growth pathway.
If you would like to discuss how the Active Investor Visa works in more detail, or consider your own eligibility, then get in touch with our immigration team today (immigration@turnerhopkins.co.nz)
Need Help - Get In Touch
As we navigate a season of both literal and economic change, we hope this edition has provided practical insights to help you stay informed and prepared - whether you're considering a property purchase, keeping up with immigration developments, or simply curious about how we're working to improve your experience with us.
At Turner Hopkins, we're committed to being more than just your legal advisers - we're your partners in making confident, well-informed decisions in an ever-evolving environment. Thank you to all our clients who took part in our recent NPS survey; your feedback continues to shape the way we deliver our services.
If there’s a topic you'd like to see covered in a future edition, or if you have any questions about what you’ve read today, we’re always here to help.
Until next month…
