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FIRB ApprovalIndependent guide

Checked 5 October 2026

New homes foreign buyers can buy

New dwellings are the main thing a foreign person can buy in Australia while the ban on established homes runs from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029. This section lists current new townhouse projects by city, drawn from public developer and portal listings. Appearing here does not mean a project is open to foreign buyers: that depends on the home, the developer’s exemption certificate and your own approval.

  • MelbourneVIC57 projectslisted$579,900 to $2,995,000price fromView
  • SydneyNSW30 projectslisted$970,000 to $4,180,000price fromView
  • BrisbaneQLD40 projectslisted$709,900 to $2,550,000price fromView
  • PerthWA10 projectslisted$820,000 to $2,890,000price fromView
  • Gold CoastQLD17 projectslisted$1,300,000 to $5,795,000price fromView
  • AdelaideSA14 projectslisted$629,000 to $1,250,000price fromView
  • Sunshine CoastQLD10 projectslisted$950,000 to $3,500,000price fromView
  • CanberraACT14 projectslisted$619,900 to $2,099,000price fromView

What to ask before you commit

  • Is the home a new dwelling: not previously sold as a dwelling and not lived in?
  • Does the developer hold an exemption certificate, and does it cover this lot and my total spend in the development (the limit is $3 million per buyer)? If not, I need my own approval before the contract becomes binding.
  • Will the contract be conditional on FIRB approval, and what happens to my deposit if approval is refused or delayed?
  • What is the state surcharge on my purchase price, and is it payable on contract or at settlement?
  • If I plan to leave it empty, I will owe the annual vacancy fee. How easy is it to get a tenant?

The exemption certificates guide and FIRB approval guide explain each step.

Ask about a project

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FIRB Approval is an independent guide, not a real estate agent. If you send this form we pass your name, contact details and what you tell us to a sales consultant who works with property developers. We may receive a referral fee from the developer or agent if you go on to buy; it does not change the price you pay. We do not give legal, tax, migration or financial advice and we do not lodge FIRB applications. See our privacy policy.

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners buy a new townhouse in Australia?

Yes, with FIRB approval, or under a developer’s exemption certificate if one covers the project. A new townhouse is a new dwelling if it has not been sold as a dwelling or lived in.

Can foreigners buy off the plan?

Yes. Off-the-plan dwellings are treated as new dwellings. The contract should be conditional on approval.

Where do these listings come from?

Public developer websites and property portals, compiled at townhouseaustralia.com.au. Prices and availability change, so confirm with the developer.

Sources

Project data compiled from public listings; confirm every detail with the developer.

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.