Investment property: Australia
Australia is one of the most mature and transparent property markets in the world, centered on Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
For a non-resident, however, it is also one of the most restricted developed markets: any purchase by a foreign buyer requires approval from the FIRB regulator, and approval is generally limited to new builds and land for development. Established homes are effectively off-limits to non-residents, and the rules have tightened further in recent years. Buying property does not grant residency or citizenship and never has - even the investor visas that once existed did not count real estate, and those routes have since been wound down. This is a market for those who already have or are pursuing Australian status, or who deliberately target the new-build segment.
Our work here starts with checking feasibility itself: whether your status and goal fit within the FIRB rules. If they do, we select from the permitted categories, vet the developer and the contract, manage the FIRB approval and the transaction, and advise on ownership structure and non-resident taxes, which in Australia are substantial. If the rules do not allow your scenario, we say so on the first call and suggest alternative jurisdictions.
What a foreigner can buy in Australia in 2026
Since 1 April 2025 foreigners and temporary residents have been barred from buying established homes, and in the 2026-27 budget the government announced an extension of the ban to 30 June 2029. New builds and land for building remain, and every purchase needs foreign investment board approval with a separate fee.
We will calculate online the full purchase cost for your budget: taxes, fees and transaction costs.
Foreign buyer surcharges by state
| State | Purchase duty surcharge | Annual land tax surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (Sydney) | 9% of the price | 5% of land value |
| Victoria (Melbourne) | 8% of the price | 4% of land value |
| Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast) | 8% of the price | 3% of land value |
Example: a new AUD 1 million flat in Sydney costs a foreigner AUD 90,000 in surcharge, about $62,700, on top of the standard state duty.
Tax on sale
Australia has no separate capital gains tax: the gain is added to income and taxed on the scale. From 1 July 2027 the 50% discount will be replaced by inflation indexation of the purchase cost, with a minimum 30% rate on the real gain.
What we do
- We check whether you may buy: status, property type, state.
- We prepare the foreign investment board application.
- We calculate duty, state surcharges and annual land tax.
- We support the new-build purchase from contract to registration.
What we do
- Property shortlist for your investment goal
- Legal due diligence on the property
- End-to-end transaction support
- Ownership structuring (company, trust)
- Property management and letting
See also
Company formation · Business account · Personal account · Country taxes · All country programs
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy property in Australia?
Does buying property give residency in Australia?
Where do we start?
Can a foreigner buy an established home in Australia?
How much extra does a foreigner pay buying a home in Australia?
What tax applies when selling Australian property?
Does a foreigner need approval to buy a new build in Australia?
Does Australia have inheritance tax?
Want to buy property in Australia?
We check whether you need foreign buyer approval, shortlist properties you are allowed to buy and review the documents. Every country is in the searchable catalogue.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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