New Zealand's population is set to swell by 20,000 for this year - the biggest jump in migrants since 2004.

New Zealand house values rose 1 per cent in the 12 months ended November 30, up from a 0.20 per cent gain in the period through October, says QV Valuations.

Two business migrants, wanting to invest $10m each in NZ and described as "serious entrepreneurs", have been given the okay to move here.

Thousands of wealthy foreigners are lining up to move to NZ, ahead of the introduction of business migration laws that will grant them residency almost immediately.