Foreign Buyers in Australia 2026 — Established vs New Property Rules

The current rule has changed

Australian Government guidance updated in July 2026 says foreign investors are generally prohibited from purchasing established dwellings from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, subject to limited exceptions.

That means older articles referring to a 31 March 2027 end date are now outdated.

What remains possible?

New or near-new dwellings can still have foreign-buyer pathways. Residential vacant land can also have a pathway, generally with development conditions such as completing construction within the required period.

Residential property applications for foreign investors are handled through ATO Online Services for foreign investors. Notifications and Register of Foreign Ownership obligations may also apply.

Who may not need a residential application?

Australian citizens living abroad and Australian permanent residents are listed among the situations where a residential foreign-investment application is not required. Some eligible New Zealand citizens and specified spouse-joint-tenant scenarios are also exempt.

Individual circumstances matter, so confirm the exact status before acting.

Buyer roadmap

Australia Buyer Guide: https://www.eltnetwork.com/post/buy-property-australia-2026-buyer-roadmap

Send BUY with buyer status + budget + preferred area + property type + timeframe.

Talk to Thao: 0452 526 888 | info@eltnetwork.com

General information only, not legal, tax or foreign-investment advice.