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Costs of Buying Off-the-Plan Property in Australia (2026 Update)

1. Legal Fees (approx. A$2,000–2,500)

When purchasing property in Australia, buyers are 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 services provided, but generally range from around 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).

  • Australian local buyers who are first-time buyers worldwide and purchasing a brand-new home as an 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).

3. Additional Costs for Overseas Buyers

(1) FIRB Application Fee

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

For more details, please refer to:
Latest Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) Fee Update for the 2026–2027 Financial Year

(2) Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD)

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

It is calculated as follows:

  • Apartments and Townhouses: Calculated on the total purchase price.

  • House & Land Package: Calculated on the land price only, with no additional duty applying to the building component.

For more details on stamp duty, please refer to:

The Complete Guide to Australian Stamp Duty (Updated July 2026)

4. Home Loan Application Fees

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

5. Conveyancing and Other Miscellaneous Fees

These include title transfer, government fees and other related administrative costs, 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.