The short version
The Singapore dollar is a top-tier currency on broker lists. The two things that catch people are the state surcharges (8–9% on top of duty in Victoria, Queensland and NSW) and the vacancy fee if the home sits empty.
Are Singaporeans foreign persons in Australia?
Yes. Singapore citizens and residents are foreign persons in Australia unless they also hold Australian citizenship or a permanent visa.
Moving money to Australia
The home-market constraint most Singaporeans know — Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty of 60% for foreigners and 20–30% on a citizen’s second and third homes — counts only Singapore property. IRAS excludes residential property outside Singapore from the ABSD count, so an Australian purchase does not push you up the ABSD ladder.
Tax treaty
Yes — a double tax agreement has been in force since 1969.
Home loans and SGD income
Broker lists put the Singapore dollar in the top tier of currencies accepted by Australian lenders that take foreign income. How much you can borrow depends on the lender and on your residency status — see the home loans page.
Lender policy changes. See our home loans guide for how lenders generally treat overseas borrowers.
Visas
Skills in Demand (482), points-tested skilled (189/190), student (500) and partner (309/820) visas are the usual pathways. On a temporary visa you remain a foreign person until you hold a permanent visa.
Next steps
- Check the application fee and your state’s surcharge.
- Read the FIRB approval guide.
- Look at new homes foreign buyers can purchase.
Need a loan from Singapore?
We can introduce you to a licensed broker who works with overseas buyers. Free to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need FIRB approval to buy property in Australia from Singapore?
Yes, unless you are an Australian citizen or permanent visa holder (or a New Zealand citizen with a Special Category visa, or buying as a joint tenant with such a spouse). Foreign persons need approval to buy a new home or vacant land, and cannot buy established homes until 30 June 2029.
Does Australia have a tax treaty with Singapore?
Yes — a double tax agreement has been in force since 1969.
Sources
- IRAS — Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (overseas property excluded from the count)
- Treasury — Income tax treaties
- Treasury — Guidance Note 2: Key concepts (v5, 12 December 2025)
- ATO — Banning foreign purchases of established dwellings
- ATO — Tax rates for foreign residents
- Home Loan Experts — Foreign income home loans (broker page)
- Odin Mortgage — Australian expat home loans (broker page)
Checked 5 October 2026.
firbapproval.com.au is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to the Foreign Investment Review Board, the Australian Treasury or the Australian Taxation Office. We do not lodge or process applications. Applications are made to the ATO. General information only, not legal, tax, migration or financial advice.