Buying an apartment in Australia in 2026

Only new builds are open to foreigners: established homes are closed until 2029, every purchase needs approval with a fee from 15,600 Australian dollars, and the state adds 8-9% of the price to duty.

In 2026 a foreigner can buy an apartment in Australia only as a new build: since 1 April 2025 foreigners and temporary residents have been banned from buying established homes, and the government has announced an extension of the ban to 30 June 2029. Every purchase needs foreign investment approval with a fee from 15,600 Australian dollars, and the states add 8-9% of the price to stamp duty. Buying does not give residence. A detailed look at the market and deal support is on our page on property in Australia; here are short answers to the main questions.

Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Australia

Yes, within narrow limits. Foreigners may buy new apartments and houses, including off the plan, and land for development. Established homes are closed to foreigners and temporary residents until 30 June 2029. Australian citizens and permanent residents living in the country are not foreign buyers and purchase without restrictions.

Russian citizens need a visa to travel to Australia, and banks and lawyers check the source of funds closely. Buying an apartment gives no visa, residence or citizenship.

How much does an apartment in Australia cost in 2026

Apartments are much cheaper than houses, but Sydney remains the most expensive city in 2026. New builds usually sell above the market median: the developer delivers them with finishes, parking and a warranty.

The rate is about 0.697 US dollars to the Australian dollar in 2026. Apartments in Perth and Adelaide are cheaper, and so is rent there.

What a foreigner pays on top of the price

• Approval fee - 15,600 Australian dollars, about $10,870, for a property up to 1 million Australian dollars in the 2026-27 financial year; a pricier property means a higher fee.
• State stamp duty on purchase - about 4-5% of the price, as for any buyer.
• Foreign purchaser duty surcharge - 9% of the price in New South Wales, 8% in Victoria and Queensland.
• Annual land tax surcharge - 3-5% of the land value depending on the state.
• Vacancy fee - if the apartment stands empty for more than 6 months a year.

Example: a new apartment in Sydney for 900,000 Australian dollars. Regular duty is about 35,000, the 9% foreign surcharge 81,000, the approval fee 15,600 and the lawyer about 2,500. In total about 134,100 Australian dollars on top of the price, or about $93,430. This excludes the annual land tax surcharge and building fees. The cost of Murblz support depends on the state and the property; our manager in the chat will calculate it.

How to buy a new build in Australia: step by step

1. Checking your right to buy: your status, the type of property and the state.
2. Choosing a new build and checking the developer, the contract and the construction schedule.
3. Application and fee to the foreign investment authority; the contract is signed subject to approval.
4. Deposit, usually 10% of the price, held in a trust account until completion.
5. Settlement and title registration with the state land registry after completion, with duty and surcharge paid.
6. Annual return on whether the apartment was lived in or rented, to avoid the vacancy fee.

Taxes for an apartment owner in Australia

A non-resident pays tax on rent from the first dollar: 30% on income up to 135,000 Australian dollars a year and more above that. Gains on sale are taxed as income, and from 1 July 2027 the 50% discount gives way to inflation indexation and a 30% minimum rate. Australia has no inheritance tax. Russia suspended its double tax treaty with Australia in 2023, so a Russian tax resident must also declare the rent in Russia without a credit. More on our page on taxes in Australia and in our article on Russia's double tax treaties in 2026.

How we help

The law does not stop you buying an apartment in Australia on your own. But mistakes cost more than taxes: a contract without an approval condition, an established home a foreigner cannot buy, underestimated state surcharges and the vacancy fee. We check whether you may buy, choose a new build, prepare the approval application and handle the deal through to title registration.

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