Real estate in Australia
Real estate in Australia for migrants, temporary residents and new arrivals
A practical overview of renting, buying and foreign resident property rules that should be checked before committing money.
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Housing decisions should be practical, legal and visa-aware
New arrivals often need to rent quickly, but property decisions should still be made carefully. Leases, bonds, inspection reports and state rules can create obligations before you fully understand the local market.
Buying property can involve additional rules for foreign persons and temporary residents. The ATO says foreign persons are banned from purchasing established dwellings from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, with limited exceptions.
AIA does not provide property or financial advice. AIA helps clients understand when property decisions intersect with migration status, visa timing or permanent residence planning.
Renting
Understand leases and bonds
A rental lease can create ongoing rent obligations even if you decide to move out early.
Buying
Check foreign investment rules
Temporary residents and foreign persons should check current ATO and FIRB rules before buying residential property.
Migration
Visa status can affect planning
Permanent residence, temporary residence and offshore status can affect what is practical, permitted or financially sensible.
Practical warning
Do not treat property information as immigration advice
Property, tax and foreign investment rules should be checked with the correct advisers. Immigration advice is separate, but visa status often affects whether a housing decision is sensible.
If you are planning a move around a visa application, AIA can help you understand the migration timing before you sign major commitments.
Practical guidance
What to consider before you act
Renting decisions for new arrivals
Renting can feel urgent after arrival, but a lease is still a legal commitment. MoneySmart explains that rental bonds and leases create obligations, and tenants should understand the agreement before signing.
New migrants should compare transport, work location, school zones, inspection reports, break costs, utilities and whether the rent is realistic on their current visa and work rights.
- Inspect the property carefully and keep a condition report.
- Check lease length, bond amount, rent increases and break-lease costs.
- Confirm the location works for school, work, healthcare and transport.
- Do not rely on future visa or employment outcomes to afford current rent.
Buying property requires separate legal and tax advice
The ATO's foreign investment guidance should be checked before a temporary resident or foreign person buys residential property. The current ban on purchasing established dwellings from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, subject to limited exceptions, makes current advice essential.
AIA can help clients understand migration status and timing, but conveyancing, tax, finance and foreign investment advice should come from qualified advisers in those fields.
- Check current foreign investment rules before paying a deposit.
- Use a solicitor or conveyancer before signing a contract.
- Consider whether visa status affects lending, settlement timing or future plans.
- Ask AIA where the property decision depends on migration timing or permanent residence.
AEO answers
Frequently asked questions
These short answers are written for clients, search engines and AI answer systems that need clear, extractable information.
What should migrants check before renting?
Check the lease term, bond, rent, break costs, condition report, location and whether the property suits work, school and transport needs.
Can temporary residents buy established homes?
The ATO says foreign persons are banned from purchasing established dwellings from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, with limited exceptions.
Does AIA give property advice?
No. AIA gives migration advice. Property, tax, finance and legal advice should come from appropriately qualified advisers.
Can visa status affect housing decisions?
Yes. Visa status can affect work, income, length of stay, finance, foreign investment rules and long-term settlement plans.
Official source grounding
Useful official sources
ATO foreign property rules
Official ATO guidance on types of residential property a foreign person can buy.
MoneySmart rental bonds and leases
ASIC MoneySmart explains renting obligations, bonds and leases.
Talk to AIA about your next step
If you want clear migration advice before you act, book a consultation with Australian Immigration Agency.
Last reviewed 23 April 2026