Do New Zealand citizens have the same property-buying rights in Australia as Australian PR holders?

1. When New Zealand citizens purchase a home to live in within Australia, they enjoy the same policy treatment as Australian citizens and permanent residents. There is no need to submit an FIRB application or pay any application fee, they can buy either a new or established property, and they are not required to pay the overseas buyer stamp duty surcharge — provided they are physically within Australia at the time of signing the contract.

2. The situation is different when purchasing an investment property. If you are already in Australia at the time of signing, have activated your 444 visa, and meet the “ordinarily resident” standard (that is, living in Australia for at least 183 days per year), you are likewise exempt from the FIRB application and the additional stamp duty, and may purchase either a new or established property.

3. If you do not meet the “ordinarily resident” requirement — that is, you live in Australia for fewer than 183 days per year — you will still need to pay the overseas buyer stamp duty surcharge when purchasing an investment property, though you are still permitted to buy an established property.