A foreign person buying a new home or vacant residential land in Australia pays a FIRB application fee based on the price. For 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 it is $15,600 for a property up to $1 million and $31,300 up to $2 million. Foreign persons are banned from buying established homes from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029.

FIRB application fees, new homes and vacant land, 2026-27
Purchase price Fee
Under $75,000 $4,600
$1 million or less $15,600
$2 million or less $31,300
$3 million or less $62,600
$4 million or less $93,900

Who needs FIRB approval to buy a home?

Foreign persons, which for a home buyer usually means temporary visa holders and people living overseas who are not Australian citizens. You do not need approval if you are:

  • an Australian citizen, including one living overseas;
  • a permanent resident;
  • a New Zealand citizen who holds, or is eligible for, a subclass 444 visa;
  • buying as joint tenants with your spouse who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.

What can a temporary resident buy?

A new dwelling, such as an off-the-plan apartment or a house and land package, or vacant land to build on, with approval. From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, buying an established dwelling is banned for foreign persons, including to live in, with only limited exceptions. The ban was due to end on 31 March 2027 and has been extended. The temporary resident home loans page covers what lenders accept on a visa.

How long does approval take?

The ATO, which handles residential applications, says it can take up to 30 days to consider an application after the fee is paid in full. You apply through the ATO’s online services for foreign investors. Apply before you sign, or make the contract conditional on approval. From 19 September 2026, card payments are no longer accepted for foreign investment fees.

What other costs come with a foreign purchase in NSW?

  • Surcharge purchaser duty of 9% of the price, on top of ordinary transfer duty, unless an exemption applies.
  • Surcharge land tax of 5% of the land value each year for foreign owners of residential land, with no threshold.
  • A vacancy fee if the home is not lived in or rented for at least 183 days in a year.

A worked example

A temporary resident on a work visa buys a new $650,000 apartment in Parramatta to live in.

Government costs on a $650,000 new apartment
Cost Amount
FIRB application fee $15,600
NSW transfer duty $23,437
Surcharge purchaser duty, 9% $58,500
Total before conveyancing and the deposit $97,537

These costs are on top of the deposit, and most lenders want them paid from the buyer’s own funds. The stamp duty calculator shows ordinary duty for other prices.

Can the fee be avoided by buying with a partner?

If your spouse is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen and you buy as joint tenants, no FIRB application is needed. That exemption is for FIRB only: NSW surcharge purchaser duty is assessed separately, and a foreign spouse may still owe it on their share. Check both before you sign.

Where do temporary residents usually buy in Sydney?

Because only new homes are open to them, most temporary residents buy off the plan or in recently completed buildings, often near work and transport in places like Parramatta, Rhodes, Wolli Creek and Zetland. Lenders are cautious about some new buildings, especially small units and suburbs with many apartments, so check lender policy for the specific building before paying a deposit. The off-the-plan home loans page explains valuation at completion, and the Rhodes and Wolli Creek pages cover two of those markets.

What do lenders need from a buyer who needs FIRB approval?

  • The FIRB approval letter, or evidence the application has been lodged.
  • Your visa and how long it has to run.
  • A larger deposit than a citizen would need, often 20% or more.
  • Funds to cover duty, the surcharge and the FIRB fee.

Questions people ask

How much is the FIRB fee in 2026?

For 2026-27, $15,600 for a new home or vacant land up to $1 million, and $31,300 up to $2 million. Fees are set each financial year.

Do permanent residents pay FIRB fees?

No. Permanent residents do not need FIRB approval to buy a home, though NSW surcharge duty depends on time spent in Australia.

Can a temporary resident buy an established house in Sydney?

Not from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, except in limited cases. New homes and vacant land remain possible with approval.

Charles Touma works out the full cash needed for a visa purchase, including FIRB, duty and the surcharge, before you commit. A free 30-minute call covers which lenders accept your visa. General information only, not credit, tax or migration advice.

Sources: ATO, residential fees for foreign persons 2026-27; ATO, residential property applications; Treasury, foreign investment in residential real estate; Revenue NSW, surcharge purchaser duty for individuals, checked 18 October 2026.

General information only, not credit, legal or tax advice. Your situation is assessed properly before any recommendation. Government scheme details change; figures are current at the time of writing.