What Types of Properties Can Overseas Buyers Choose When Buying in Australia

Firstly, all overseas persons are able to buy property within Australia. However, overseas persons of different visa statuses are subject to different rules when buying property in Australia.

1. Overseas persons holding a temporary residence visa (meaning overseas persons holding a visa with a duration of more than 12 months) may only purchase one established property. When submitting the FIRB application for an owner-occupier home, the applicant must be within Australia. Furthermore, this established property may only be used as an owner-occupier residence and cannot be rented out; the property must be sold within three months of moving out of the residence.

2. Overseas persons holding a temporary residence visa are not subject to the above requirements when purchasing new properties and may buy any number of them.

3. Overseas persons without a visa, or with a visa of less than 12 months' duration, cannot buy established properties and may only buy new properties or buy land to build on for investment purposes.

4. Overseas persons holding a bridging visa cannot buy an established property in their own name alone.

5. Overseas persons holding a tourist visa cannot buy established properties, even if the visa period exceeds 12 months.