Preparing financially
Buying property in Australia as a non-citizen
The current ban on established-dwelling purchases, FIRB approval requirements for what's still allowed, and why confirming your specific status matters.
- From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, foreign persons are generally banned from buying established dwellings, with limited exceptions.
- Buying new/near-new dwellings or vacant land for development generally still requires FIRB approval.
- Whether these rules apply to you depends on your specific residency status — confirm directly with FIRB rather than assuming.
The current ban on established dwellings
From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, foreign persons — including temporary residents and foreign-owned companies — are generally prohibited from purchasing established (previously lived-in) dwellings in Australia (Foreign Investment Review Board / Australian Government, verified 29 Jul 2026), with limited exceptions (for example, redevelopment that significantly increases housing supply). This is a real, current, time-limited policy — not a permanent rule — so confirm the current position directly before relying on it, especially as the end date approaches.
What's still generally allowed
Buying a new or near-new dwelling, or vacant residential land for development, generally still requires Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval and notification to the Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets — a separate process from the established-dwelling ban, with its own fees and conditions.
Practical checklist
Before a non-citizen purchase
- Confirm your specific residency status and whether FIRB approval is required
- Check whether the established-dwelling ban applies to your circumstances
- Apply for FIRB approval before signing a contract, not after
- Budget for FIRB application fees, which are separate from duty and other costs
Questions for a professional
- Given my residency status, do I need FIRB approval for this specific purchase?
- Does the established-dwelling ban apply to me, and are there exceptions I might qualify for?
Official resources
Sources and methodology
- Residential land — foreign investment guidance — Foreign Investment Review Board / Australian Government (retrieved 29 Jul 2026)
Figures on this page are drawn from Delora's local knowledge graph, refreshed from these primary sources and checked for changes on a regular schedule. If a figure here looks out of date, the official source above is always the authority — please let us know.