Simplicity has expanded its Build to Rent pipeline in New Zealand after securing the land required for its new Build to Rent development in Queenstown. Recently, the KiwiSaver provider has acquired an additional three hectares of land, completing the site assembly needed for its planned 1,078-home scheme within a ten-hectare area close to Remarkables Park.
“We have this line, there’ll be no Jafa ski houses – this is built for locals. There is a really large need, which is why we’ve scaled up the size of the project from the initial 600 homes we were envisioning to over 1000.
“While still a relatively new concept here, superannuation funds around the world choose to invest in long-term rental housing for the stable, long-term returns they can deliver as a small part of a diversified investment portfolio.”
Sam Stubbs, Managing Director, Simplicity
The scheme has also been referred to New Zealand’s fast-track consenting process, with Simplicity targeting a construction start date in January 2027 as it looks to accelerate delivery in one of the country’s most supply-constrained housing markets.
The Build to Rent arm of Simplicity – Simplicity Living – stated that it is continuing to work alongside Queenstown Lakes District Council and NZTA on the design and delivery of the infrastructure required to support the development.
“We have extremely high levels of occupancy in our developments because of their quality and ten-year rental options, and this delivers strong business performance for our investor while providing much-needed housing for Kiwis.”
Shane Brealey, Managing Director, Simplicity
The latest acquisition represents another step in the company’s strategy to expand professionally managed rental housing across New Zealand, building on recent activity in the sector.
“I’m sure the fast-track panel will take an objective look at how the proposal sits against our current plan,s and we look forward to seeing the end result.”
John Glover, Mayor, Queenstown Lakes
