Residential real estate

It is the Government's policy that foreign investment in Residential Real Estate should increase Australia's housing stock. That is, the policy seeks to channel foreign investment in the housing sector into activity that directly increases the supply of new housing (such as new developments of house and land, home units and townhouses) and brings benefits to the local building industry and its suppliers.

All Residential Real Estate applications are considered in light of this overarching principle.

Below are a number of questions which relate to different types of Residential Real Estate which you may be considering acquiring. Please select the question which best describes your circumstances. For answers to more specific questions please visit the frequently asked questions page.

Some acquisitions of Residential Real Estate do not require approval. Am I exempt?

Acquisitions available to all foreign persons

I want to buy a new dwelling (house, unit etc.) What do I need to do?

I want to buy a single block of vacant land. What do I need to do?

I want to buy vacant land to build multiple dwellings. What do I need to do?

I want to redevelop an existing property. What do I need to do?

Acquisitions of established (second-hand) dwellings

I am a temporary resident and want to buy an established (second-hand) dwelling? What do I need to do?

I am a foreign non-resident and want to buy an established (second-hand) dwelling? What do I need to do?

Other types of acquisitions of Residential Real Estate in Australia

I represent a foreign company/trust that wants to buy Residential Real Estate in Australia. What do I need to do?

I have already bought a Residential Real Estate in Australia and did not obtain approval. What do I need to do?