From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, foreign persons are generally banned from buying established (existing) dwellings in Australia. The measure was introduced to free up existing homes for local buyers, and was extended beyond its original 2027 end date.
New dwellings and off-the-plan apartments stay open to foreign buyers, but still require Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval, with application fees that were tripled in 2024 and are indexed every July. A home left vacant can also attract an annual vacancy fee.
If you are buying from overseas or as a temporary resident, this changes which homes are even possible — so it is worth confirming your status and getting specialist advice before you start looking.
Source: Australian Taxation Office (FIRB) and government announcements, 2025–2026. This is general information, not legal advice — verify your situation with a licensed adviser before relying on it. ato.gov.au
← Back to Market notes