Australia – Buying Property

Can foreign nationals legally buy and own property in Australia?

As a general rule, any foreign person wishing to acquire Australian property — whether residential, commercial, or agricultural — must first submit an application to the FIRB, unless a specific exemption applies. The FIRB sits within the Australian Treasury and provides recommendations to the Treasurer, who holds the authority to grant or refuse approvals. Full details are available through the official foreign investment portal: foreigninvestment.gov.au.

Under Australian law, a “foreign person” is someone who does not ordinarily reside in the country. This covers non-citizens, holders of temporary visas, and certain types of corporations and trusts. Notably, this definition is broader than in many comparable jurisdictions — it is your residency status, rather than your passport, that determines whether the FIRB framework applies to you.

The most consequential recent development concerns what types of property overseas buyers may acquire. The Australian Government has prohibited foreign purchases of established dwellings from 1 April 2025 until 31 March 2027, after which a review will determine whether the restriction should be extended.

There are, however, defined exceptions to the established dwelling ban. Temporary residents may apply to acquire a single existing dwelling for their own use as a principal place of residence. Foreign investors may seek approval to purchase established homes for the purpose of redevelopment that adds to Australia’s total housing stock. In limited cases, foreign corporations may also apply to acquire an established home to provide accommodation for their Australian-based employees.

Outside these exceptions, foreign buyers are permitted to purchase newly constructed dwellings — apartments or houses that have not previously been occupied — as well as vacant residential land, provided that construction of a dwelling begins within four years of the purchase. Australia’s foreign investment framework actively encourages overseas buyers to acquire newly built homes, commonly referred to as ‘off-the-plan’ properties.

Agricultural land is subject to a separate set of rules. Foreign buyers must seek FIRB approval when the cumulative value of their agricultural land holdings in Australia — including the proposed purchase — exceeds AUD $15 million. Agricultural land is defined as land used wholly and exclusively for the purposes of carrying on a primary production business.

Properties situated near defence installations or critical national infrastructure may require additional government clearance, as Australia’s national security laws impose restrictions in these areas. While broadly analogous to border zone regulations found in countries such as France, Australia’s framework places its primary focus on maintaining housing supply rather than protecting territorial boundaries.

Purchasing property without the required FIRB approval carries serious consequences, including compulsory divestment orders and fines that can reach many millions of dollars. The Australian Taxation Office actively cross-references visa records, land title data, and tax information to detect non-compliance.

Buying property jointly with an Australian spouse can, in many circumstances, remove the requirement for FIRB approval. However, you should always confirm your particular situation with a qualified legal adviser before placing reliance on any exemption.

What are average property prices in Australia, and how do they vary by region?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded a mean residential dwelling price of AUD $1,074,700 in the December quarter of 2025. This nationwide figure, however, masks considerable variation across cities, regions, and property types. Prospective buyers should consult live data on portals such as realestate.com.au or Domain to track current market conditions.

Greater Sydney remains among the most expensive markets in the country, posting a median house price of AUD $1,607,046 and a median unit price of AUD $903,080, combining to a median dwelling price of AUD $1,296,039. Sydney values have climbed 31.1% over the past five years.

Greater Brisbane has experienced sustained upward momentum, with a median house price of AUD $1,175,981 and a median unit price of AUD $844,844, producing a combined median dwelling price of AUD $1,080,538 — an 86.1% increase over five years.

Greater Melbourne has lagged behind many other capital cities in recent years, with a median house price of AUD $977,579 and a median unit price of AUD $642,431, yielding a combined median of AUD $826,132. Melbourne’s five-year price growth stands at 11.8%.

Greater Adelaide has delivered strong results, with a median house price of AUD $980,815 and a combined median dwelling price of AUD $922,991, reflecting growth of 79.9% over the past five years.

Greater Perth continues to be among the fastest-growing markets in the country, with a median house price of AUD $1,032,032 and a combined median dwelling price of AUD $989,211 — a 90.3% rise over five years.

Hobart and Darwin remain the most affordable capital cities for buyers. The median unit price across capital cities sits at AUD $757,503, while the regional equivalent is AUD $661,162. Regional and rural markets can offer considerably lower entry costs, though buyers should be aware that liquidity and rental demand in these areas are typically lower than in major urban centres. Always verify the most up-to-date data directly through official sources or established property portals.

Where are the most popular locations to buy property in Australia?

Sydney (New South Wales) continues to attract buyers with its internationally recognised waterfront, a robust financial and professional services sector, leading universities, and vibrant multicultural lifestyle. Sydney has consistently been Australia’s most expensive capital, with premium land values and intense buyer competition. Inner-city precincts such as the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, and Inner West command top-tier prices, while corridors further to the west offer relatively more accessible entry points.

Melbourne (Victoria) holds its reputation as Australia’s cultural heart, celebrated for its dining scene, arts institutions, and major sporting events. The city provides a highly liveable urban environment, an extensive public transport network, and a large established international community. Suburbs including Frankston, Brimbank, and Sunbury are among those recording the most rapid price growth in the metropolitan area.

Brisbane (Queensland) has climbed sharply in prominence in recent years. Annual house price growth of around 10 per cent has pushed Brisbane’s median above those of both Melbourne and Canberra, making it the nation’s second most expensive property market. A subtropical climate, expanding infrastructure, and the 2032 Olympic Games have made Brisbane highly appealing to both lifestyle-oriented and investment-focused buyers.

The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast (Queensland) draw buyers in search of coastal lifestyle properties, solid short-term rental demand from domestic tourism, and price points that remain lower than Sydney or Melbourne. Both regions have benefited from substantial infrastructure spending and ongoing population increases.

Perth (Western Australia) offers a relaxed, outdoors-oriented way of life, close ties to Asia, and an economy driven by natural resources. Property values in Perth have surged 90.3% over five years, making it one of Australia’s top-performing markets, while the city still delivers greater affordability per square metre than Sydney or Brisbane.

Adelaide (South Australia) has emerged as a standout destination for buyers priced out of the eastern seaboard. The city’s historically lower property values helped insulate the market during the period of rising interest rates, though that affordability advantage has been steadily narrowing as national attention has turned to South Australia.

Are there any emerging or up-and-coming areas worth considering in Australia?

South-East Queensland beyond Brisbane — encompassing areas such as Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba, and the Moreton Bay region — is drawing increasing buyer interest, driven by population overflow from inner Brisbane and sustained infrastructure investment connected to the 2032 Olympic Games. House-and-land packages in these areas can be acquired at a fraction of inner-city Brisbane costs.

Perth’s outer suburbs and satellite communities — including Serpentine-Jarrahdale and Armadale — have recorded exceptional growth, with both areas posting gains exceeding 28% over the past twelve months. Western Australia’s resource-based economy and strengthening trade links with Asia continue to attract both local and international buyers to these outer corridors.

Darwin (Northern Territory) stands as one of Australia’s most affordable capital cities and has attracted renewed buyer interest. Darwin’s easygoing lifestyle and low population density proved particularly appealing during and after the pandemic. Having risen 35.2% over the past five years, Darwin’s property values have reached new peaks. Its geographic proximity to South-East Asia and planned public infrastructure investment make it a longer-term emerging market worth monitoring.

Regional coastal towns — including parts of the Whitsundays in Queensland, the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, and sections of the NSW South Coast — have seen a wave of interest from buyers priced out of capital cities. The shift to remote and hybrid working arrangements has accelerated this trend considerably, with many buyers seeking lifestyle properties at more accessible price points than those found in major metropolitan markets.

Canberra (ACT) is frequently overlooked by international buyers yet offers a stable, government-anchored economy, low unemployment, and an enviable standard of living. Home values in Canberra are 6.2% above their February 2025 levels, with overall median house prices having grown 25.2% over the past five years.

What are the current trends in the property market in Australia?

Australian residential values rose 8.6% across 2025, adding roughly AUD $71,400 to the national median dwelling value — the strongest calendar-year performance since 2021, when prices surged 24.5% on the back of emergency-level interest rates during the pandemic period.

National home prices are expected to continue setting new records through 2026, though analysts anticipate the pace of growth will ease. A persistent shortage of housing supply combined with ongoing demand is likely to keep prices supported, potentially cushioning the market against the impact of any further interest rate movements by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

In the December quarter of 2025, total residential dwelling values rose across all states and territories, with the most pronounced increases recorded in Queensland (+5.3%), Western Australia (+7.8%), and New South Wales (+1.7%).

Annual price growth in capital-city housing markets reached 7.5% over twelve months, while regional property prices climbed 11.5%. Unit values also advanced, rising 5.8% in capitals and 10.3% across regional areas. The outperformance of regional markets reflects persistent demand from remote and hybrid workers choosing lifestyle locations away from major cities — a pattern that has proved far more enduring than many initially anticipated.

Median apartment rents across Australian capital cities are forecast to grow by 24% between 2025 and 2030, according to CBRE. By 2030, 92% of two-bedroom apartments are projected to command rents exceeding AUD $700 per week, with capital city vacancy rates expected to fall to just 1.1%.

Sustainability and energy efficiency have become increasingly important priorities in new developments, with state governments introducing minimum energy performance standards for new builds. Buyers should consult the Property Council of Australia and relevant state planning portals for up-to-date policy information. For authoritative market statistics, the Australian Bureau of Statistics remains the primary reference.

Is buying property in Australia a good investment?

Australia has a well-established record of delivering long-term property price appreciation, underpinned by consistent population growth, constrained housing supply, and strong migration flows. Over the coming decade, residential demand is expected to benefit from a convergence of three positive forces: population growth of approximately 4.1 million people, employment growth of around 2.8 million jobs, and income growth of roughly AUD $39,000 per household.

Nationwide gross rental yields were reported at 3.5% for houses and 4.6% for units in mid-2025. Research published by Global Property Guide in August 2025 placed average gross rental yields for apartments at 4.92%. By comparison, prime residential yields in cities such as London and Paris routinely fall below 3%, making Australia relatively competitive on a yield basis — though the upfront entry costs for foreign buyers, including FIRB fees and stamp duty surcharges, reduce net returns accordingly.

The national median weekly rent reached AUD $663 in Q2 2025, with an overall vacancy rate of just 1.6%. Among major cities, Sydney recorded the highest median rent at AUD $792 per week, while vacancy rates ranged from 0.3% in Canberra to 2.2% in Hobart. Such tight rental conditions offer meaningful support to investment returns for buy-to-let purchasers.

For buyers using funds held in overseas currencies, exchange rate movements can materially affect both the cost of acquisition and the value of ongoing mortgage repayments. Currency risk is a significant practical consideration: a weakening Australian dollar may enhance returns when profits are repatriated, but equally has the potential to erode them. Engaging a specialist currency transfer provider and exploring hedging options is advisable.

Foreign buyers face a higher aggregate upfront cost than domestic purchasers — FIRB fees, stamp duty surcharges, and typically larger mortgage deposits all combine to lengthen the break-even period on any given investment. Additionally, when a foreign resident sells a property worth more than AUD $750,000, the purchasing party is legally required to withhold 12.5% of the entire sale price and remit it directly to the Australian Taxation Office. The seller must subsequently lodge a tax return to recover any overpayment.

As with any asset class, property investment in Australia carries genuine risk. Market cycles, interest rate changes, and regulatory shifts — including the current ban on established dwelling purchases — can all affect returns. Independent financial and tax advice from a qualified Australian professional is strongly recommended before making any commitment to purchase.

What types of property are commonly available to buy in Australia?

Australia’s real estate market encompasses a broad spectrum of dwelling types. Familiarising yourself with the terminology used locally will help you navigate listings and conversations with agents more effectively.

• Detached houses — the most prevalent form of residential property in Australia, typically situated on a separately titled parcel of land. They are found across suburban and regional areas and span a wide range from modest family homes through to prestige properties. Most foreign buyers purchasing new builds will encounter this category.
• Apartments and units — concentrated in inner-city and coastal locations, ranging from compact studio apartments to expansive penthouses. Units are a popular choice for both investors and first-home buyers on account of their relative affordability compared to houses, with demand especially strong in metropolitan markets. New-build and off-the-plan apartments represent the most accessible entry point for overseas purchasers.
• Townhouses — typically two-storey attached or semi-detached dwellings found in suburban settings, often governed by a body corporate (strata) arrangement. They sit in a middle ground between standalone houses and apartments with respect to both price and floor space.
• Off-the-plan properties — apartments or houses acquired from a developer prior to or during the construction phase. Australia’s foreign investment framework explicitly encourages this type of purchase, and off-the-plan properties represent the primary avenue through which non-resident foreign buyers can enter the market. They carry development risk but remain the dominant option for this buyer group.
• Vacant land — available to foreign buyers subject to FIRB approval, with the condition that residential construction must commence within four years of settlement.
• Rural and agricultural properties — accessible to foreign buyers above the AUD $15 million cumulative ownership threshold, subject to FIRB approval. Smaller lifestyle rural parcels, such as hobby farms, may be purchasable below this threshold in certain circumstances.
• Strata-titled properties — any apartment, unit, or townhouse within a multi-lot building managed by an owners’ corporation (body corporate). Buyers acquire an obligation to contribute to quarterly strata levies, which fund building maintenance and shared insurance.

What is the typical step-by-step process for buying property in Australia?

In contrast to some European countries where a notary oversees the legal transfer of property, Australia relies on solicitors and licensed conveyancers to manage this process. There is no notarial system of the kind found in France or Spain. The procedure broadly resembles purchasing property in the United Kingdom, with the important addition of FIRB approval as a uniquely Australian requirement for foreign buyers. Settlement — the legal completion of the transaction — typically takes place 30 to 90 days after contracts have been exchanged.

1. Confirm your foreign buyer status and eligibility. Establish whether you are classified as a “foreign person” under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975. Assess which categories of property you are permitted to acquire given the current prohibition on established dwellings. Obtain qualified legal advice at this early stage.
2. Obtain FIRB approval. Applications must be lodged before entering into any property purchase, and every contract should include a clause making the purchase explicitly conditional on FIRB approval to protect against compliance risk. Pay the applicable FIRB application fee — ranging from approximately AUD $4,000 to AUD $150,000 or more in 2025 depending on property value — and await approval before taking any further binding steps.
3. Arrange finance. Foreign buyers are typically required to provide a deposit of 20–30%. Australian lenders offer mortgage products tailored to non-residents, though these generally involve more extensive documentation requirements and higher deposit thresholds than those available to domestic borrowers.
4. Engage a solicitor or conveyancer. Your legal representative will examine the contract of sale, verify that all terms and conditions are clearly set out, and ensure the transaction complies with FIRB and other legal obligations.
5. Make an offer or bid at auction. Australian properties are sold either by private treaty — where an offer is negotiated through a real estate agent — or by public auction, which is particularly common in Sydney and Melbourne. If you intend to bid at auction, FIRB approval must be secured beforehand, as auction contracts are unconditional upon the fall of the hammer. In a private treaty sale, you will sign a contract and pay a deposit, usually representing 10% of the purchase price, once your offer is accepted.
6. Conduct due diligence. Commission a building and pest inspection if there are any concerns about the structural condition or suitability of the property. Your solicitor or conveyancer can recommend qualified inspectors in the relevant state or territory. A title search should also be carried out to identify any caveats, easements, or other encumbrances registered against the property.
7. Exchange contracts. Once both buyer and seller have signed the contract of sale and the deposit has been paid, contracts are formally exchanged. Private treaty sales typically include a cooling-off period — generally two to five business days depending on the state — whereas auction purchases carry no cooling-off entitlement.
8. Pay stamp duty and FIRB surcharges. Your solicitor, conveyancer, or settlement agent will guide you through the payment of stamp duty to the relevant State Revenue Office, together with any foreign buyer surcharge applicable in your jurisdiction. If a mortgage is in place, stamp duty is customarily paid on settlement day.
9. Settlement. At settlement, the contract is completed and the outstanding balance of the purchase price is paid. Your legal representative will confirm that all financial and legal requirements — including taxes and fees — have been satisfied, and will lodge the requisite documents with the state or territory’s Land Titles Office to formally transfer ownership into your name.
10. Register with the Register of Foreign Ownership. Upon buying or selling residential land, foreign persons are required to notify the Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets. This obligation is separate from and additional to the FIRB approval process, and applies at both the acquisition and disposal stages.

Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Australia, and how do I find a reputable one?

It is strongly advisable for all foreign buyers to engage a solicitor who can ensure full compliance with FIRB notification and application obligations. While it is technically possible to use a licensed conveyancer — a non-lawyer specialist in property transfers — for a straightforward transaction, the added layers of FIRB compliance, foreign buyer surcharges, and potential cross-border tax structuring make a qualified solicitor the more appropriate choice for international purchasers.

A property solicitor in Australia will typically: review the contract of sale and any special conditions attached to it; carry out title searches and broader due diligence; manage the FIRB application process and draft conditional clauses correctly; calculate and advise on stamp duty obligations and applicable surcharges; liaise with the vendor’s representatives throughout the exchange process; and oversee settlement and registration of ownership with the relevant Land Titles Office.

Buyers should allow AUD $2,000 to AUD $5,000 for legal fees covering contract review, title searches, and FIRB compliance work (as of 2024–2025), though costs will vary according to complexity, property value, and the firm retained. Always request a written fee estimate before formally instructing any professional.

To locate a reputable solicitor, contact the law society in the relevant state. Key professional bodies include:

• Law Society of New South Wales: lawsociety.com.au
• Law Institute of Victoria: liv.asn.au
• Queensland Law Society: qls.com.au
• Law Society of Western Australia: lawsocietywa.asn.au
• Law Society of South Australia: lawsocietysa.asn.au

The Australian Institute of Conveyancers (aicnsw.com.au for NSW; state-specific branches operate in other jurisdictions) can help identify accredited licensed conveyancers. All practising solicitors must hold current practising certificates issued by the relevant state authority.

What are the most common pitfalls and problems expats encounter when buying property in Australia?

• Signing contracts before FIRB approval is granted. FIRB clearance must be obtained before entering into any binding agreement to purchase. Buyers who proceed without it risk being forced to withdraw from a transaction or forfeit their deposit. Start the FIRB application process as early as possible and do not execute any contract until approval is in hand.
• Bidding at auction without prior FIRB approval. When the auctioneer’s hammer falls, the contract is immediately unconditional and legally binding. There is no cooling-off period to provide a safety net. If FIRB approval has not been secured before auction day, you should not bid under any circumstances.
• Underestimating the full cost of acquisition. Standard stamp duty ranges from 3–5% across Australian states, but foreign buyer surcharges add a further 7–8% to that base rate. When FIRB fees, legal costs, building inspection fees, and title registration charges are factored in, total acquisition costs can easily reach 10–15% above the purchase price.
• Off-the-plan purchase risks. FIRB application fees can rival or even exceed stamp duty in high-value transactions and must be factored into upfront budgeting from the outset. Off-the-plan developments also expose buyers to the risk of developer insolvency, construction delays, or a completed property that diverges significantly from the marketing materials. Thoroughly investigate developer credentials and obtain independent legal advice on all contracts.
• Vacancy fee non-compliance. Foreign owners of residential property acquired on or after 9 May 2017 are subject to an annual vacancy fee if the property is neither occupied as a residence nor genuinely available for rent for at least 183 days within any twelve-month period. The vacancy fee is generally equivalent to the original FIRB residential land application fee paid at purchase.
• Currency transfer risks. Exchange rate fluctuations can significantly alter the total cost of acquisition and the value of ongoing repayments when funds are held overseas. Engaging a specialist currency transfer provider and locking in exchange rates where feasible can help mitigate this exposure.
• Title defects and encumbrances. Properties can carry caveats, easements, restrictive covenants, or outstanding financial charges registered against the title. Instructing your solicitor to carry out a comprehensive title search before exchange is essential to avoid inheriting these complications.
• Using unregulated agents or advisers. Any real estate agent you work with must hold a current licence in the state where the property is located. Buyer’s agents are subject to the same requirement. Verify credentials with the relevant state fair trading or licensing authority before engaging anyone.
• Tax obligations in your home country. Rental income derived from Australian property may be taxable in both Australia and your country of residence. Failing to comply with reporting obligations in either jurisdiction can attract penalties. Seek advice from a tax professional experienced in cross-border matters before proceeding.

Can I buy property in Australia through a company, and is it worth doing?

The question of ownership structure — whether to purchase as an individual, through a company, or via a trust — should be addressed at the outset, since the FIRB implications differ substantially depending on the vehicle chosen. It is entirely possible to acquire Australian real estate through a corporate or trust structure, but the rules and associated costs differ in meaningful ways from an individual purchase.

Structures commonly used by foreign investors include Australian proprietary limited (Pty Ltd) companies, discretionary (family) trusts, and unit trusts. Each carries distinct implications for FIRB classification, stamp duty liability, land tax, income tax treatment, and estate planning. Crucially, certain companies and trusts are themselves classified as “foreign persons” under Australian law, which means that acquiring property through a corporate vehicle does not automatically exempt you from the foreign investment approval framework.

Potential advantages of corporate or trust structures may include: separation of personal assets from investment holdings; greater flexibility for succession and inheritance planning; simplified fractional ownership arrangements between multiple investors; and possible tax planning benefits depending on the investor’s circumstances and country of residence. Against these benefits, additional costs typically include company registration and ongoing compliance obligations, annual ASIC fees, separate tax return lodgement requirements, and in many cases higher accounting expenses.

For existing developed commercial real estate — such as offices, factories, retail premises, and hotels — FIRB approval is not required where the purchase price falls below AUD $330 million, or AUD $5 million for heritage-listed commercial properties. Any proposed acquisition above these thresholds requires FIRB approval prior to completion.

Whether a particular structure is appropriate depends heavily on the individual’s circumstances, tax residency position, and long-term objectives. Independent legal and tax advice from an Australian specialist is essential before proceeding with any purchase through a corporate or trust vehicle.

What taxes and ongoing costs should I budget for when owning property in Australia?

Foreign buyers carry a notably heavier financial burden than Australian residents and citizens. The following table sets out the principal taxes and costs to account for. Always confirm current rates with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the relevant state Revenue Office, as these figures are subject to periodic change and indexation.

For authoritative and current guidance on tax rates applicable to your specific circumstances, consult the ATO’s foreign investment guidance pages.

What are the official sources I should consult when buying property in Australia?

The following official bodies and resources serve as the primary reference points for any foreign national considering a property purchase in Australia. Bookmark these pages and revisit them regularly, as rules, fees, and thresholds are updated frequently.

Frequently asked questions about buying property in Australia as a foreign national

Can a foreign national buy a house in Australia right now?

Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2027, foreign investors are broadly prohibited from acquiring established dwellings, with a limited number of exceptions. Overseas buyers remain eligible to purchase newly constructed homes, off-the-plan properties, and vacant land for development, subject to obtaining FIRB approval. Consult the official FIRB guidance at foreigninvestment.gov.au for the most current information.

How long does FIRB approval take?

The median processing time for approved residential investment applications in the July–September 2024 quarter was 34 days. More involved applications — particularly those raising national security considerations — can take substantially longer. Always apply before signing any contract and ensure the contract includes a condition making the purchase subject to FIRB approval.

Do I need to be in Australia to buy property there?

You can complete a property purchase from overseas, though you will need a reliable local team — typically comprising a real estate agent, a solicitor or conveyancer, and potentially a buyer’s agent — to assist with inspections, documentation, and negotiations. The majority of steps, including execution of contracts, can be handled remotely provided that appropriate legal authority has been granted to a local representative.

How much deposit do I need as a foreign buyer?

Australian lenders typically require foreign buyers to provide a deposit of between 20% and 30%. Some lenders may set a higher requirement, particularly for investment properties or borrowers whose income is sourced from overseas. At the time of exchange, the deposit customarily represents 10% of the purchase price, with the remaining balance payable at settlement.

Do I pay more stamp duty than a local buyer?

Yes. Stamp duty is a compulsory transfer tax that varies by state, typically ranging from approximately 2.5% to over 5% of the purchase price. In addition to this, foreign buyers must pay a surcharge — generally between 7% and 8% of the property value — on top of the standard duty. Rates differ between jurisdictions; the ACT and NT do not currently impose an upfront foreign buyer surcharge.

What happens if I leave my Australian property empty?

Foreign owners are liable for an annual vacancy fee if their property is neither occupied as a residence nor genuinely advertised for rent for more than six months within any given year. The fee is set at an amount equivalent to the FIRB application charge paid when the property was purchased, making it costly to leave a property idle. Victoria imposes its own additional state-level vacancy tax on top of the federal fee.

Can I get a mortgage in Australia as a non-resident?

Yes — a number of Australian banks offer mortgage products designed for non-resident borrowers, though these typically come with stricter documentation requirements and higher minimum deposits than those available to residents. Non-resident applicants generally face a maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of 70–80% and more rigorous income verification processes, and may in some cases be offered less favourable interest rates. Working with a mortgage broker who specialises in foreign buyer finance is strongly recommended.

Is a conveyancer or a solicitor better for a foreign buyer?

A fully qualified solicitor is the recommended choice for foreign buyers. While a licensed conveyancer is well equipped to manage the mechanical aspects of a standard domestic property transfer, the added complexity of FIRB compliance, foreign buyer surcharges, and potential cross-border tax considerations means that the broader expertise of a solicitor is better suited to the needs of most international purchasers.