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Cost of Buying Off-the-Plan Property in Australia (Updated 2026)

1. Legal Fees (approx. A$2,000–2,500)

When purchasing property in Australia, the buyer is advised to engage a solicitor to handle all legal procedures involved in the purchase and settlement. For overseas buyers, the solicitor will also assist with the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) application. Legal fees vary depending on the scope of services provided, but generally range from approximately A$2,000 to A$2,500.

2. Stamp Duty

Owner-occupied home:

  • Approximately 2.7%–4.5% of the total purchase price (based on a property price of A$800,000 to A$2,000,000).

  • Local Australian buyers who are first-home buyers globally, purchasing a brand-new home as their owner-occupied residence, may be eligible for a full stamp duty exemption.

Investment property:

  • Approximately 3%–5% of the total purchase price (based on a property price of A$800,000 to A$2,000,000).

Queensland stamp duty rates and first-home buyer concessions are subject to the figures published by the Queensland Revenue Office: Stamp Duty Rates Table, First Home (New Home) Concession.

3. Additional Costs for Overseas Buyers

(1) FIRB Application Fee

From 1 July 2026, for residential properties with a total purchase price under A$1,000,000, the FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) application fee is A$15,600.

For further details, please see:
2026–2027 Financial Year Update on the Latest Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) Fees

Fees are subject to the fee schedule published on the Australian Treasury foreign investment website: foreigninvestment.gov.au.

(2) Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD)

From 1 July 2024, overseas buyers purchasing property in Queensland must pay an 8% Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty.

It is calculated as follows:

  • Apartments and townhouses: calculated on the total purchase price of the property.

  • House and land packages: calculated on the land price only; the building component is not subject to the additional duty.

For the scope and calculation method of AFAD, please refer to the Queensland Revenue Office: AFAD Residential Land.

For further details on stamp duty, please see:

Complete Guide to Australian Stamp Duty (Updated July 2026)

4. Australian Home Loan Application Fees

Overseas buyers can apply for a loan of up to 80% of the property value (subject to the bank and the applicant's circumstances). Lenders typically charge overseas borrowers loan application or assessment fees, with the actual amount varying according to each financial institution's policies. Please contact Aobo Realty for the latest information.

5. Conveyancing Fees and Other Miscellaneous Costs

These include conveyancing, government charges and other related administrative fees, amounting to approximately A$4,000–8,500 (based on a property price of A$800,000 to A$2,000,000). The actual cost will vary depending on the property price and the specifics of the transaction.