New Zealand Capital Gains Tax
Detailed capital gains tax rates and rules for New Zealand in 2026.
New Zealand does not have a comprehensive capital gains tax. However, gains on certain assets may still be taxable as income under specific provisions. The bright-line property test taxes gains on residential property sold within specified holding periods — currently within 2 years for new builds and 10 years for other residential property (excluding the main home). Gains from the sale of personal property bought with the intention of resale are also taxable as ordinary income. Profits from share trading conducted with a pattern of regularity or with the intention of disposal at the time of acquisition are treated as taxable income. Financial arrangements such as bonds may be subject to the financial arrangements rules which tax accrued returns.
Standard Rate
0%
Exemptions
- No general capital gains tax applies in New Zealand
- Property held as the family home (main home exclusion under the bright-line test)
- Inherited property is generally exempt from the bright-line test
- Relationship property settlements
How New Zealand Capital Gains compares
New Zealand’s capital gains tax rate of 0% is the 154th highest of 203 countries TaxAtlas tracks, below the global average of 13.8% and Oceania’s regional average of 4.3%.
