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NZ Capital Gains Tax: Labour's Plan and What's Already Law
Watch out – the rules could change in 2027
AI summary
New Zealand's tax landscape may change with the Labour Party's proposed Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for the 2026 election. The plan would introduce a 28% tax on profits from investment and commercial properties sold after 1 July 2027, with the family home remaining exempt.
This proposal expands on the existing bright-line test, which already taxes short-term property sales. Property owners are advised to await the election outcome before making changes and to seek professional advice if the law passes.
In this article you’ll learn:
What is a capital gains tax?
Does NZ already have a capital gains tax?
What happens in here (and in voting booths) will ultimately decide whether or not we end up with a more broad CGT.
A closer look at Labour’s capital gains tax proposal
The case for a capital gains tax in NZ
The family home is exempt from Labour's proposal.
The case against a capital gains tax in NZ
Against a capital gains tax generally
Against the details of Labour’s plan
I own a property, what should I do now?
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