Foreign Buyer Surcharge
Extra 7–8% stamp duty for foreign nationals buying Australian property.
Definition
Most Australian states impose an additional stamp duty surcharge of 7–8% on property purchases by foreign persons. Victoria charges 8%, NSW charges 8%, and Queensland charges 7%. A 'foreign person' includes individuals who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, as well as foreign-controlled companies and trusts. FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) approval is also required for most foreign purchases.
Related terms
Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty)
State government tax paid when you buy a property — usually 3–5.5% of purchase price.
Absentee Owner Surcharge
Extra land tax and stamp duty charged to non-resident or absent property owners.
Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding
15% of sale price withheld unless you get an ATO clearance certificate.
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