Buying In Australia - for non Australian citizens

If you are not an Australian Citizen or holder of an Australian permanent resident visa the purchase of residential and commercial real estate requires prior Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRD) approval before the purchase can proceed.

Habitat ensures that the majority of projects we identify for investment already have Foreign investment Review Board Approval (FIRB) to streamline the purchase process for Non-Australian Citizens to purchase property in Australia.   This typically means that a certain percentage of the development is pre-approved for purchase by Non-Australian residents.

Generally approval is not given for the purchase of established residences, flats or units unless a foreign company is buying a property for a senior expatriate who will be living in Australia for longer then 12 months or if a foreign national is a temporary resident in Australia for more then 12 months.

The most common types of property that receive FIRB approval are:

New and ‘Off Plan’ Developments:  Many developments have pre-approval for Foreign buyers as long as no more then 50% of the development is to be sold to  foreign interests.   New and off plan refers to properties that have not been previously occupied and or sold and as part of a new development or off plan purchase.

Vacant land – As long as construction commences within 12 months of receiving FIRB approval.   Development must be continuous from commencement.

For a more detailed explanation of Australia's Foreign Investment Policy, visit the Foreign Investment Review Board website at www.firb.gov.au.