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From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, the Australian Government has banned foreign persons from purchasing established residential dwellings. This is one of the most significant changes to Australia's foreign investment rules in decades.
The ban applies to foreign nationals. Temporary residents (including NZ citizens on SCV) are not subject to this ban and can still purchase one established dwelling as their principal place of residence, with FIRB approval.
FIRB application fees and screening thresholds are indexed to inflation and updated every 1 July. The 2026–27 rates came into effect on 1 July 2026.
Always verify the exact current fees at foreigninvestment.gov.au before lodging an application — the fee displayed by this tool is indicative based on 2025–26 rates.
FIRB fees are non-refundable and payable on application. Applying before a threshold reset with the wrong fee can result in delays. Many buyers and conveyancers check thresholds at the start of July each year when buying off-the-plan properties with long settlement periods.
Common questions about FIRB approval and buying property in Australia as a foreign buyer, temporary resident, or expat.
Yes, but with significant restrictions since 1 April 2025. Foreign nationals can purchase new dwellings (off-the-plan, brand new) and vacant residential land with FIRB approval. However, they are currently banned from purchasing established (previously occupied) dwellings until 30 June 2029.
Temporary visa holders — including New Zealand citizens on an SCV — are not subject to the established dwelling ban and can purchase one established dwelling as their principal place of residence with FIRB approval.
On 1 April 2025, the Australian Government introduced a ban preventing foreign persons from purchasing established (previously owned or occupied) residential dwellings. The ban runs until 30 June 2029 — four years — and is part of broader housing affordability measures.
If you are a foreign national or temporary resident, yes — FIRB approval is required to buy a new dwelling (including off-the-plan apartments) in Australia. The good news is that new dwellings are not affected by the established dwelling ban and remain available to foreign buyers with the right approval.
In many cases, the property developer will have obtained a New Dwelling Exemption Certificate from FIRB, which covers sales of units in a new development without each buyer needing a separate application. Ask your conveyancer or the developer whether an exemption certificate is in place.
FIRB fees for residential real estate applications are updated annually on 1 July and scale with property value. Based on 2025–26 indicative rates (verify 2026–27 rates at foreigninvestment.gov.au):
Important: FIRB application fees are non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or rejected. Budget for this cost in addition to stamp duty, conveyancing fees, and other purchase costs.
The standard statutory review period is 30 days from the date the application is registered as complete (including payment of the application fee). In practice, most straightforward residential applications are decided within this window.
The Treasurer has the power to extend the review period to 90 days for more complex cases. In exceptional circumstances, an interim order can extend review further. FIRB approval must be obtained before exchanging contracts — approval cannot be sought retrospectively.
Yes, with FIRB approval and conditions. Temporary residents are not subject to the established dwelling ban that applies to foreign nationals:
If your temporary visa has less than 12 months remaining at the time of application, this may affect the outcome. Consult a FIRB specialist.
No. New Zealand citizens residing in Australia on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) are treated as temporary residents under the FIRB framework, not as Australian residents. FIRB approval is required for property purchases.
Like other temporary residents, NZ citizens can purchase one established dwelling as their principal place of residence with FIRB approval, and can buy new dwellings and vacant land with approval. The established dwelling ban that applies to foreign nationals does not apply to NZ citizens on an SCV.
No. Australian citizens are not considered "foreign persons" under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, regardless of where they live or how long they have been overseas. An Australian citizen living and working in Singapore, London, or anywhere else can purchase property in Australia without any FIRB approval.
Important caveat: if you are jointly purchasing with a foreign national spouse or partner, your partner may require their own FIRB approval depending on the ownership structure. Seek specialist advice for joint purchases involving a foreign national.
The consequences are severe and can include:
Always obtain FIRB approval before exchanging contracts. FIRB approval cannot be sought retrospectively after exchange.
FIRB applications for residential property are lodged online through the official portal at firb.gov.au. You will need to:
It is strongly recommended that you engage a FIRB-specialist conveyancer or property lawyer to prepare and lodge your application. Errors or omissions in the application can cause delays or rejections.
FIRB rules are complex, change annually, and errors can be costly. A FIRB-specialist conveyancer or property lawyer can prepare and lodge your application correctly — and advise on any conditions attached to your approval.
Conveyancers with FIRB experience typically bundle the FIRB application with the full property conveyancing service. Typical total cost: $1,500–$3,000 depending on complexity. The most efficient path for a straightforward residential purchase.
If your situation is complex — trust structures, company ownership, multiple buyers, visa conditions, or a potential condition on your approval — a specialist property or migration lawyer provides the most comprehensive advice.