A precursor based method has been developed for the synthesis of nanostructured, single phase Ni-Zn ferrite powders (Ni1-xZn xFe2O4 with x50.20, 0.35, 0.50 and 0.60). Precursor powders were synthesised by reacting aqueous solutions of metal nitrates and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid and then evaporating them to dryness. The precursors were calcined in air for 2.30 h at different temperatures ranging from 250 to 450°C. The powders synthesised in this manner were characterised by using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetric analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurement and SEM. Magnetic characterisation was performed by using a vibrating sample magnetometer. The method provides a simple and cost effective route to produce single phase, Ni-Zn ferrite nanopowders, with average crystallite size of ∼25 nm, at comparatively low temperature. © 2009 W. S. Maney & Son Ltd.