Buyer's Agent for Overseas Buyers: Australian Buyer Guide
Start with eligibility and the intended property use before searching for an Australian purchase. Compare evidence and licensed buyer support.
The short answer
Foreign persons generally need Foreign Investment Review Board approval before buying residential property in Australia, and a temporary ban on buying established dwellings applies from April 2025. Check eligibility with FIRB and expect foreign purchaser duty surcharges in most states.
Check eligibility before shortlisting
Ask a qualified adviser which property categories and approvals apply to your circumstances. Do not assume a listing is available to every purchaser or that a buyer’s agent can approve the transaction.
Build an approved purchase pathway
Record the buyer entity, intended use and legal conditions. Establish which advice and approvals are required before an offer or commitment is made.
Coordinate practical requirements
Plan inspections, documentation, funds transfers and post-purchase arrangements. Confirm service availability only after the eligibility and scope questions have been addressed.
Your next step
Bring your location, budget, timing and the decision you need help with. Confirm service availability and the scope of work before appointing representation.
Your priorities, in order
Confirm FIRB requirements and fees before making any offer. State foreign purchaser surcharges and land tax surcharges can materially change total cost.
- FIRB position confirmed
- Surcharge duty and land tax costed
- Local legal representation
How Shelby fits into your purchase
Shelby is a research and matching platform, not a licensed agency. You can use the Ask Shelby chat on this page to turn your goals for your purchase into a written brief, run the calculators and compare buyer-side support. When you want representation, the engagement is agreed directly with a licensed professional whose coverage, fees and conflicts are confirmed for your brief first.
- Discover: set budget, location and property type
- Plan: test borrowing, stamp duty and holding costs
- Match: compare licensed buyer-side support
- Buy: inspect, negotiate and settle with your advisers
Common mistakes buyers make
Many buyers set a price from listing portals, skip independent inspections to win a competitive campaign, or let a deadline override the brief. Each one shifts risk onto you. Keep a written ceiling, complete inspections before you are bound and walk away when the evidence does not support the price.
Frequently asked questions
Can an overseas buyer buy an established home?
Restrictions and exceptions apply. Refer to the current Australian Government residential land guidance and obtain advice about your circumstances before proceeding.
What should I prepare before enquiring?
Share the target location, total budget, timeframe and any property already under consideration. Include the specific decision or uncertainty you want help with.
How do I confirm the service and fee?
Ask for a written scope identifying the work, responsible representative, fee, payment stages and any separately appointed professionals.
Who pays a buyer's agent?
The buyer pays the buyer's agent under a written agreement. A buyer's agent should not receive payment from the seller; ask them to confirm in writing that they accept no seller-side commissions or referral fees.