Foreign buyer cost checklist
Add up the cost components a foreign purchaser typically budgets for when buying Australian property, state by state.
Running total
What these figures mean.
Buying Australian property as a foreign person typically means budgeting for more cost components than a local buyer — transfer (stamp) duty, a foreign purchaser surcharge duty, an FIRB application fee, plus the legal and valuation costs any purchase involves. This calculator does not calculate any of these for you: rates, thresholds and surcharge percentages are set separately by each state and territory and by the Foreign Investment Review Board, change without notice, and depend on the specific property type and value, so a hard-coded figure here would be wrong as often as it was right.
Instead, look up each figure for your state and the current FIRB fee tier, enter it as a line item, and the calculator adds them to a running total so you can see the full picture in one place before you commit. Select your state to jump straight to the loan information for foreign investors there. Foreign Investment Review Board approval is a separate process to finance, and is generally required before a foreign person acquires Australian property — seek independent FIRB advice, since Solara does not provide it. Finance for foreign investors on our panel is arranged through banks, private lenders and non-bank lenders, subject to entity structure, source of funds and other lender requirements.
Foreign buyer costs — questions we are asked.
Why doesn't this calculator show duty and surcharge rates for me?
Because they are set separately by each state and territory, tied to property value and type, and change without notice — a fixed figure here would quickly go out of date. Look up the current rate for your state and enter it directly.
Do I need FIRB approval before I can get finance approved?
Typically both processes run in parallel, but settlement usually cannot occur without FIRB approval in place — check timing with your legal adviser early.
Does the foreign purchaser surcharge apply to all types of foreign buyers?
It generally applies to foreign persons, foreign corporations, and some trusts with foreign beneficiaries, though the exact definition varies by state — confirm your status with your solicitor.
Can Solara help with the FIRB application itself?
No — FIRB applications are typically handled by your migration or legal adviser. We arrange the finance once FIRB and legal matters are in hand.