Temporary residents are foreign persons under Australia’s foreign investment rules, so they need approval to buy, and until 30 June 2029 they cannot buy established homes.
Generally a new home or an off-the-plan apartment, with foreign investment approval: from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, temporary residents cannot buy established homes, with limited exceptions.
Some lenders lend to visa holders, depending on the visa and the time left on it, and NSW surcharge purchaser duty adds to the cost.
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Charles and the team at links property finance recently assisted me with my purchase of my first property in Burwood. As a first home buyer, Charles made the process simple and easy. I would recommend Charles to all first home buyers
Had a great experience with Charles at Links Property Finance. He made the whole home loan process straightforward and easy to understand, kept me updated throughout and was always quick to answer any questions.
Charles looked after us really well and his knowledge gave us the confidence to purchase our property. He wasn’t pushy and always ensured we felt comfortable with the repayments.
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A foreign person usually pays an application fee for foreign investment approval, and in NSW pays surcharge purchaser duty on top of standard transfer duty. A land tax surcharge can also apply each year to residential land owned by foreign persons.
Together these can add a large amount, so build them into your budget before choosing a property. Revenue NSW has a calculator for the surcharge. The application fee itself is set out in FIRB fees for buying a home.
Buying as joint tenants with a spouse who is an Australian citizen, or in some cases a permanent resident, can be exempt from foreign investment approval. Holders of partner visas who meet the residence requirement can also be exempt from NSW surcharge purchaser duty.
If you are waiting on a visa decision, see home loans on a bridging visa. These exemptions have detailed conditions, so confirm them with a solicitor or conveyancer before you sign. See home loans for permanent residents.
Not an established house at the moment. The federal ban on foreign persons buying established homes runs until 30 June 2029, with limited exceptions. Temporary residents can still apply for approval to buy new dwellings or vacant land.
Generally yes, before signing a contract, unless an exemption applies, such as a new dwelling covered by the developer’s exemption certificate. Approval involves a fee and can take up to 30 days once the fee is paid.
Yes, with some lenders, usually with a larger deposit and a minimum time left on the visa. Many lenders do not lend on temporary visas, so the choice of lender matters a great deal.
Usually, yes. Foreign persons pay surcharge purchaser duty on top of standard transfer duty when buying residential property in NSW, unless an exemption applies. Revenue NSW has an online tool to check your status.
No. Housing Australia’s guarantees require every applicant to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Once you become a permanent resident, the scheme may become available.
Already a permanent resident? See home loans for permanent residents.
Charles can check which lenders accept your visa, the deposit they would want, and what the approval and duty costs add before you look at properties.
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General information only, not legal, tax or credit advice. Foreign investment rules, fees, duty and lender visa policies change, and exemptions have detailed conditions. Confirm your position with the ATO, Revenue NSW and a solicitor or conveyancer before signing a contract.
Official sources for the figures on this page: Housing Australia, 5% Deposit Scheme. Scheme rules change; the official pages are the final word. Checked against these sources on 12 October 2026.
