The combination of Coronavirus pandemic and political uncertainty has driven Americans' interest in relocating to New Zealand, reports South China Morning Post (13 November 2020). While Chinese nationals used to be the main group applying for New Zealand's Investor Visa, they have been overtaken by Americans between April and October this year. New Zealand is currently virtually free of Covid-19, while the US is battling a resurgence, averaging over 100,000 daily cases since the start of November. Georg Chmiel, head of the Chinese real estate portal Juwai, said the reason for fewer Chinese applicants was likely that staying in China was the safer option. "In China, both the economy and the coronavirus are looking better than in any other country. Any applicants who have postponed are thinking that it wouldn't hurt to wait a little longer to see how things shake out," he said, adding that many of his Chinese customers inquire about buying property in New Zealand in tandem with applying for the Investor Visa. Next year they'll have more money and know better what the emerging risks are.
