Australia’s FIRB Ban on Existing Homes: What Foreign Buyers Need to Know Until 2029

What changed

From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, foreign investors are generally prohibited from purchasing established dwellings in Australia. The restriction is national and applies in Western Australia as well as every other state and territory.

It is commonly called the FIRB ban, although residential applications and compliance are administered under Australia’s foreign-investment framework and FIRB advises the Australian Government.

What is an established dwelling?

An established dwelling generally means residential property that does not qualify as a new or near-new dwelling under the foreign-investment rules. Previously owned or occupied homes commonly fall within this category.

Qualifying new dwellings and vacant residential land may still be available to foreign buyers, but approval, notification, development conditions, fees and reporting obligations can apply.

The prohibition has limited exceptions

Official guidance describes a general prohibition with limited exceptions, including certain redevelopment, commercial-scale housing and qualifying employment circumstances. Some people are not treated as foreign investors for residential application purposes. These rules are technical and a visa label alone does not settle the issue.

What a WA buyer should confirm

Obtain advice before paying a non-refundable reservation fee or signing an unconditional offer.

• Whether the buyer is a foreign person
• Whether the property is established, new, near-new or vacant land
• Whether a genuine exception or exemption applies
• Federal approval, fees and reporting
• WA transfer duty and foreign transfer duty