Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval
An Australian federal approval required before a foreign person acquires certain interests in Australian residential real estate, administered under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975.
Foreign persons — including non-resident individuals, foreign corporations, and certain trusts — generally need approval under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 before acquiring residential real estate in Australia. The application is made to the Australian Taxation Office, which administers the residential real estate rules on behalf of the Treasurer.
The policy restricts foreign buyers to new dwellings, off-the-plan purchases, and vacant residential land intended for development, with narrow exceptions for temporary residents buying an established dwelling as a principal place of residence. A fee applies to each application.
Since December 2023, fees have been significantly increased on established dwelling applications by foreign investors to support the government’s housing policy. Approval conditions, fees, and eligibility rules are set by the Treasurer and change periodically — always verify against the foreigninvestment.gov.au guidance before acting.
Primary source
Australian Government — Foreign investment in real estate →Last reviewed 15 April 2026. Rates, thresholds, and deadlines change — always verify against the primary source before making decisions.