1. Do foreign buyers need approval to buy property in Australia?
Yes. All foreign individuals must apply for approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before purchasing residential property. You can estimate your approval cost with our FIRB Application Fee Calculator.

2. What properties can foreign buyers purchase?
Foreign buyers can usually buy new dwellings, vacant land for development, or off-the-plan apartments. Established homes are generally not allowed unless specific exemptions apply.

3. How much is the FIRB application fee?
The fee depends on the property price and is updated annually. Use the FIRB Application Fee Calculator to find your estimated government charge for 2025–2026.

4. Do foreign buyers pay more stamp duty?
Yes. Foreign buyers pay standard stamp duty plus a foreign purchaser surcharge in most states. You can estimate total duty instantly using the Stamp Duty Calculator for all Australian states and territories.

5. When is stamp duty paid?
Stamp duty must usually be paid within 30 days of settlement. Use the Stamp Duty Calculator to understand your total cost and payment timing.

6. Do different states charge different stamp duty rates?
Yes. Each state and territory sets its own rates and surcharges. The calculator automatically applies the correct schedule for your location.

7. Do foreign buyers pay land tax each year?
Yes. Land tax is charged annually on the land value of non-owner-occupied property. Foreign owners also pay a foreign owner surcharge, which can be estimated through the Foreign Buyer Land Tax Calculator.

8. What is the foreign owner land tax surcharge?
It’s an additional tax that applies to foreign individuals who own residential property. The surcharge rate varies by state and can be added automatically using the Land Tax Calculator.

9. What is the vacancy fee?
If a foreign-owned residential property is vacant for more than six months, the owner may owe a federal vacancy fee to the ATO. Use the Vacancy Tax Calculator to estimate your total holding cost.

10. Do any states have their own vacancy tax?
Yes. Victoria and the ACT apply additional state-based vacancy taxes. These are already included in the Foreign Buyer Land Tax Calculator 2025 for accurate results.

11. When do I report a vacant property?
Foreign owners must lodge an annual Vacancy Fee Return with the ATO, even if no fee is payable. The return confirms whether the property was occupied or vacant.

12. What happens if I don’t report a vacancy?
The ATO may impose penalties or cancel your FIRB approval. Always check your property’s occupancy and reporting dates.

13. Do foreign owners receive land tax exemptions or thresholds?
Usually not. Land tax generally applies from the first dollar of land value for foreign owners. The Land Tax Calculator accounts for this rule automatically.

14. How are land values determined?
Each state’s Valuer-General issues an unimproved land value every year. That figure forms the basis for your annual land tax calculation.

15. Can land value differ from market value?
Yes. Land value excludes buildings and improvements, while market value includes them. Calculators use land value to calculate annual taxes correctly.

16. Can foreign buyers buy property through a company or trust?
Yes, but FIRB approval and surcharge rules still apply. The Australian Property Buyer & Investor Essential Guide explains how ownership structures affect tax and compliance.

17. Do temporary residents also need FIRB approval?
Yes. Temporary residents and visa holders must also seek FIRB approval before buying residential property.

18. Can foreign buyers qualify for first home buyer concessions?
No. Foreign citizens and most temporary residents are not eligible for first home buyer grants, discounts, or shared-equity programs.

19. What ongoing costs should foreign owners expect?
Common annual expenses include land tax, council rates, insurance, and possibly a vacancy tax. Use our calculators to estimate each component before purchasing.

20. What is included in the Foreign Buyer Land Tax Calculator 2025?
It combines base land tax, foreign surcharge, and vacancy taxes (both federal and state) to show total estimated annual holding costs.

21. How often are rates and thresholds updated?
Rates are revised annually by each state and the federal government. StampDutyAu.com calculators are updated to reflect current 2025–2026 schedules.

22. Are the calculators official?
They are based on official schedules published by state revenue offices and the ATO. Use them as a guide to understand potential liabilities.

23. Can foreign investors sell property freely?
Yes, but capital gains may be subject to foreign resident withholding tax. This topic is covered in the Australian Property Buyer & Investor Essential Guide.

24. Are rental properties affected by foreign ownership rules?
Foreign owners renting out property must declare Australian rental income and comply with local tenancy and tax laws.

25. Can foreign buyers get Australian bank loans?
Yes, but lending criteria are stricter. Many lenders require larger deposits. Always confirm with your bank before signing.

26. What happens if I buy off-the-plan?
Off-the-plan purchases are common for foreign investors, but require extra care with deposits, approvals, and timing. The Buying Property Off-the-Plan Essential Guide explains every step in detail.

27. How do I calculate my total property purchase cost?
Use all three tools together — Stamp Duty Calculator, FIRB Application Fee Calculator, and Land Tax Calculator — for a full picture of upfront and annual government charges.

28. Can foreign owners transfer property to family members?
Transfers are subject to the same duties and surcharges as standard purchases. Always confirm with your state revenue office before proceeding.

29. Are these calculators free to use?
Basic stamp duty estimates are free. Advanced calculators for foreign buyer, FIRB, land tax, and vacancy fee require a $1 monthly subscription for unlimited access.

30. Where can I learn more about buying or investing in Australia?
Download our eBooks:

• Australian Property Buyer & Investor Essential Guide – full overview of rules, structures, and costs.

• Buying Property Off-the-Plan Essential Guide – detailed guidance for new and off-the-plan buyers.