FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board)
Approval required for most foreign buyers of Australian property.
What is FIRB?
The Foreign Investment Review Board oversees foreign investment into Australian real estate. Most non-residents must apply to FIRB for approval before purchasing Australian property, with application fees and restrictions on what can be bought.
Why it matters for you
Foreign residents generally cannot buy established residential property (with narrow exceptions). Temporary residents can buy one established home as a principal place of residence. Application fees range from $14K to $140K+ depending on purchase price. State-based foreign purchaser duty surcharges apply on top.