Migrants
On a temporary visa? The property rules changed
The rules changed in 2025 and again in the 2026 Budget. This timeline shows what applies now.
If you're on a temporary visa, you're generally treated as a foreign person when you buy property. Which means the rules below apply to you, even if you've lived here for years. Here's what changed, on one line.
1 April 2025
Foreign persons, including temporary residents, generally can't buy established homes.
2026 to 27 Budget
The ban is extended by two years and three months.
1 August 2026
In Queensland, temporary residents generally lose home concessions on transfer duty.
30 June 2029
The ban is due to end, unless it changes again.
The extra duty for foreign persons, by state
On top of ordinary transfer duty, as a share of the price.
9%
New South Wales
8%
Victoria
8%
Queensland
8%
Tasmania
7%
Western Australia
7%
South Australia
0%
ACT
None found
Northern Territory
ACT: no extra duty when you buy, but a yearly land tax surcharge unless it's your main home. NT: we found no extra duty; confirm with the Territory Revenue Office. SA: permanent visa holders don't pay it.
Still possible
Temporary residents can apply for foreign investment approval to buy a new home or vacant land. There are fees.
Source: ATO: Banning foreign purchases of established dwellings, Revenue NSW: Surcharge purchaser duty, State Revenue Office: Foreign purchaser additional duty, Queensland Revenue Office: AFAD, State Revenue Office Tasmania: Foreign investor duty surcharge, WA Government: Foreign buyers duty, RevenueSA: Foreign ownership surcharge, RevenueSA: Stamp duty document guide, ACT Revenue Office: Foreign ownership surcharge, Territory Revenue Office: Stamp duty, Queensland Revenue Office: Home concession changes
Whether you count as a foreign person depends on your visa. Check with the ATO and a solicitor before you sign. General education, not legal or migration advice.
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