Australia directs most foreign residential investment toward adding housing rather than competing for existing homes. Your citizenship, residence status, spouse, ownership structure, property type, and intended use decide whether approval is possible.
What can a foreign person buy?
As of July 2026, the Australian Taxation Office states that foreign persons are generally banned from buying established dwellings from 1 April 2025 through 30 June 2029. Limited exceptions apply.
The ban includes a temporary resident seeking an existing home as a main residence. Permanent residents and some other buyers fall under different rules, while certain joint purchases with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen may qualify for an exception.
Foreign persons can still apply for eligible new or near-new dwellings, off-plan homes, and vacant residential land. Vacant-land approvals usually carry development conditions and deadlines.
An established dwelling bought for redevelopment may be considered when the project significantly increases housing supply. Replacing one demolished home with one home does not automatically satisfy that aim.
When should you apply?
A foreign person normally needs approval before acquiring the residential interest. Do not sign an unconditional contract, bid at auction, or pay a non-refundable deposit before a qualified lawyer confirms the approval path.
Applications are handled through the Australian Taxation Office foreign-investment service, with government fees based on the proposal. Developer exemption arrangements can affect some new-home purchases, but the buyer must verify that the specific lot and approval apply.
What costs and obligations sit beyond the price?
Foreign-buyer stamp-duty surcharges and land-tax surcharges vary by state. Add legal review, building and pest inspection, loan costs, owners-corporation charges for apartments, insurance, council rates, and maintenance.
Approval can include reporting, development, sale, occupation, or vacancy obligations. Keep evidence that every condition was met.
Buying Australian property does not provide a visa, permanent residence, or a right to work. Immigration and ownership are separate legal systems.
Common misconceptions
One misconception is that every foreigner is banned from all Australian housing. New homes and vacant land can remain available with approval and conditions.
Another is that a buyer can sign first and seek permission later. The approval position must be resolved before acquisition.
Summary
Foreign buyers should focus on eligible new housing or vacant land and obtain advice before any binding commitment.
The established-home ban currently runs through 30 June 2029, while exceptions, state surcharges, approval fees, and development duties require property-specific review.
Sources
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