Foreign Buyers' Guide: Australia's 2026 FIRB Rules Explained

Overview of 2026 FIRB Rules

The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) regulates foreign purchases of residential property in Australia. For 2026, the rules cover application fees, the approval process, and common reasons for rejection. This guide explains these aspects for overseas buyers.

Application Fees

Foreign buyers must pay an application fee when submitting a FIRB application. The fee amount depends on the property value. For properties valued at or below AUD 1 million, the fee is AUD 13,200. For properties valued above AUD 1 million, the fee increases by AUD 13,200 per additional AUD 1 million (or part thereof).

Approval Process

The approval process involves submitting an application to FIRB, which assesses the purchase against national interest criteria. The application must be lodged before the purchase. FIRB typically provides a decision within 30 days for residential property applications, but this timeframe can be extended if further information is required.

Common Rejection Reasons

Common reasons for FIRB rejection include:

• The property is not considered to be new or off-the-plan, which are the only types of residential property foreign buyers can generally purchase.
• The buyer does not meet the residency or visa requirements.
• The purchase would result in an excessive concentration of foreign ownership in a particular area.
• The buyer fails to provide sufficient evidence of funds or financial capacity.
• The application contains incomplete or inaccurate information.

Conclusion

Understanding the 2026 FIRB rules is essential for foreign buyers. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare the correct application fee, and provide complete documentation to avoid rejection. For more information, consult the FIRB guidelines or seek professional advice.