As a temporary resident, you are subject to FIRB fees and surcharge stamp duty.
FIRB application fees are set by the Australian government and reviewed annually. The fee shown is based on current (2025-26) rates. NSW surcharge purchaser duty is 9% (from 1 January 2025); QLD foreign acquirer duty is 8%.
Surcharge stamp duty is charged in addition to standard stamp duty. States without a surcharge (TAS, ACT, NT) still apply standard stamp duty.
Temporary residents may only purchase new dwellings or vacant land for construction — not established (existing) homes. If you are close to obtaining permanent residency, consider waiting to avoid these additional costs.
Stamp Duty Calculator
Estimate stamp duty and transfer costs when buying property in any Australian state or territory.
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate your monthly mortgage repayments, total interest and loan balance in Australia.
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare renting vs buying property in Australia — model repayments, equity, rent costs and break-even over time.
Foreign persons — including temporary visa holders (482, 485, student, working holiday) — must obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before purchasing residential property in Australia. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens do not need approval.
The foreign purchaser surcharge is an additional stamp duty charge levied by state governments on property purchases by foreign persons. NSW charges 9% (from 1 January 2025), VIC charges 8%, QLD 8%, SA 7%, and WA 7%. TAS, ACT, and NT currently have no surcharge. This is on top of standard stamp duty.
No. Temporary residents are restricted to purchasing new dwellings (never previously occupied) or vacant land for construction. Purchasing an established (existing) home is not permitted unless you obtain a specific exemption, which is rarely granted.
The FIRB fee is charged per application and is based on the property value. For properties up to $1 million the fee is $14,700 (2025-26). For properties between $1M–$2M it is $29,400, and increases by $29,400 for each additional $1M above that. Very low-value properties (under $75,000) pay $4,200.
If you are on a temporary visa and likely to obtain permanent residency within 1–2 years, it may be financially advantageous to wait. Buying now as a temporary resident means paying FIRB fees, surcharge stamp duty (up to 8%), and being restricted to new builds only. Once you have PR, all these restrictions and costs disappear.