Frequently Asked Questions

Investing in Australian property has become popular with overseas investors and Australian expats looking for strong returns and stability.

Surprisingly, many Australian residents who hold temporary visas or permanent visas don’t even realise they can qualify for a home loan and are missing out on the benefits of the Australian real estate market.

Yes, foreign residents, temporary residents, and short-term visa holders are allowed to buy investment properties and residential real estate in Australia, provided that they’re granted permission to do so by the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).

The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) is responsible for ensuring that most foreign property investment is targeted at new dwellings instead of established dwellings. The application process is fairly straightforward. Foreign residents also need to pay a fee when applying to FIRB, and the fee depends on the transaction price. Please refer to the table below:

1. Find the right property and pay reservation fee in order to reserve your preferred property. This transaction will ensure your preferred property is taken off the market and no one else can purchase it during the reservation period.
2. Sign the Contract of Sale.
3. Transfer 10% deposit into Vendor’s solicitor trust account. The balance of the full purchase price will be made upon the completion of property.
4. Once the deposit transaction have been made successfully, the reservation fee will be fully refunded at this stage
5. We suggest you to prepare your mortgage application about three months prior to settlement date. We can also connect you with some of the reputable banks and financial advisors.
6. On the day of settlement you will then make the final payments. Congratulations !  Transaction is completed and you now have the ownership of you property.
7. We offer inspection service to all clients as well.

The Australian Stamp Duty rates for most properties typically range between 4% to 5% of your property’s value. This will vary from State to State. In the last few years, the State Governments have imposed additional Stamp Duty of up to 8% for anyone who is a foreign buyer. There is currently no Foreign Buyers Stamp Duty Surcharge in the Northern Territory and the ACT. In NSW and VIC, it’s 8%, and for the rest of the states, it is 7%. For more detail , please consult at your property advisor.

In general, we can refer clients to mortgage broker, which they have more experienced.

Renovation is not necessary because there is a detailed building inspection process. Once the property is completed, floors, carpets, ceilings and lights are all fully installed and no additional renovations are required. The contract will be clearly itemised.

The Australian government is very strict in regulating real estate, and there are laws and regulations to protect the rights and interests of consumers. Chances are extremely rare. Moreover, according to Australian laws, within 7 years after the completion of the property, the builder can be held responsible for any quality problems, and the contractor must make remedies or compensation.