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25 February 2024
Insights
New Zealand’s deep-rooted relationship with land ownership is not just a modern trend; it’s embedded in the very fabric of our national identity. Since the first settlers arrived on our shores, land has symbolised opportunity, independence, and a better life. Owning property in New Zealand is more than an economic decision—it’s a continuation of a legacy built by resourceful, hardworking people who saw land as the key to freedom and prosperity.
In 19th century England, land ownership was reserved for the aristocracy, and most common people had little hope of ever owning property. For many British settlers, New Zealand represented a land of opportunity—a place where they could start fresh and claim a piece of land that was out of reach in their homeland.
The New Zealand Company, established in 1839, promoted New Zealand as the ideal destination for those seeking new beginnings. Settlers arrived with dreams of farming and shaping their own futures on the land. While there were undoubtedly challenges—including complex and often controversial dealings with Māori land rights—those early European settlers were eager to work the land and transform it into something they could call their own.
From the moment they set foot in New Zealand, these settlers showed their determination. The terrain was often harsh and uncharted, but they carved out farms, towns, and livelihoods from what was once wilderness. This was not easy work—whether it was breaking in the land for agriculture or building homes with limited materials, New Zealanders quickly developed a reputation for their resilience and ingenuity.
This industrious spirit remains at the heart of our national identity today. Kiwis have always prided themselves on being practical and adaptable—qualities that can be traced back to these early pioneers. The same resourcefulness that helped settlers build a new life on the land continues to inspire New Zealanders to own, improve, and protect property.
Since the early days of settlement, property ownership has been central to the Kiwi dream. In the decades that followed, government policies like the 1909 Small Farms Act further reinforced the importance of land by providing opportunities for settlers to purchase smaller plots, thereby democratising land ownership.
In the post-World War II era, as the population grew and urban areas expanded, owning a home became not just a rural dream but an urban aspiration as well. By the 1950s and 60s, homeownership in New Zealand had become a cornerstone of middle-class life. This was the period when the Kiwi “quarter-acre dream” was born—a vision where every family could own their own slice of land and build a future on it.
The importance of land to New Zealanders is reflected in the nation’s property market. New Zealand property prices have consistently risen over time, with long-term gains supported by economic growth, population expansion, and the increasing desire to own land. From the 1990s onwards, despite short-term fluctuations, the market has steadily climbed, proving that property is one of the most reliable forms of wealth creation in New Zealand.
Owning property is now one of the greatest markers of status in New Zealand. What started as a practical necessity—working the land to survive—has evolved into a symbol of success and achievement. Today, owning multiple properties is not just about financial security but a reflection of Kiwi culture. As incomes rise and the population grows, the demand for property increases, and so too does the prestige associated with it.
In fact, housing and property investment have become key drivers of wealth in New Zealand society. Property prices, despite occasional downturns, have consistently trended upward, making real estate the go-to investment for Kiwis looking to build long-term wealth. As New Zealand’s population continues to grow—projected to reach nearly 6 million by 2050—the demand for housing will only intensify, pushing prices higher in the years to come
The settlers who first arrived in New Zealand did so with a dream of owning land and building a better life. Their hard work, resilience, and resourcefulness shaped the country we live in today. They laid the foundation for a culture that values independence, self-sufficiency, and property ownership.
Today, as New Zealand faces new challenges—from rising housing costs to population pressures—the desire to own and invest in property remains as strong as ever. Becoming a landlord, owning multiple homes, or developing land are all modern expressions of the pioneering spirit that brought the first settlers to these shores.
At its core, New Zealand’s property obsession is deeply tied to our history. From the early European settlers to today’s investors, Kiwis have always seen land as a key to prosperity. Our forebears fought for and worked the land, and their spirit continues to drive us today. Whether you’re a homeowner or a landlord, investing in property is not just a financial decision—it’s a continuation of a proud Kiwi tradition that has defined our culture for generations.