Important Legal Disclaimer
General Information Only: This content and any calculators or tools provided are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute personal financial, legal, taxation, or professional advice. The information provided is based on Australian law and regulations as understood at the time of writing.
Not Financial Advice: The content does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making any property purchase or financial decision, you should:
Verify all current information on official government websites, including:
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- State Revenue Offices (relevant to your state/territory)
- First Home Buyer Government Resources
Consult with licensed and qualified professionals before making decisions:
- Licensed Financial Adviser (for financial and investment advice)
- Licensed Conveyancer or Solicitor (for legal and property matters)
- Registered Tax Agent or Accountant (for tax implications)
- Licensed Mortgage Broker or Bank (for loan and finance matters)
Regulatory Compliance: Under Australian law, only individuals or entities holding an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence or authorisation can provide personal financial product advice. This content and any tools provided do not constitute such advice.
Information Currency: Laws, regulations, government schemes, grants, tax rates, and lending criteria change regularly. Information and calculations provided may become outdated. Always verify current details through official government sources and licensed professionals before making decisions.
No Liability: While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given regarding the completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information. Readers use this information entirely at their own risk.
General Information Only: This calculator gives you general information and estimates. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Australian tax laws are complex. They also vary by state.
Consult Professionals: Before you make any decisions, talk to:
- A tax accountant who works with non-resident tax
- A property lawyer who knows foreign investment rules
- The ATO website for current rules
- FIRB for foreign investment needs
For a detailed breakdown of expat tax strategies and exit planning, see our Expat Property Tax Strategy guide.
Foreign Buyer Stamp Duty Surcharge
Are you a foreign buyer? Most Australian states will charge you extra stamp duty. You pay this on top of normal stamp duty:
- NSW: 8% extra
- VIC: 8% extra
- QLD: 7% extra
- SA: 7% extra
- WA: 7% extra
Non-Resident Land Tax Surcharge
Foreign owners pay extra land tax each year in most states. This is based on your land value:
- NSW: 4% extra on land value
- VIC: 4% extra on site value
- QLD: 2% extra on land value
- SA: 2% extra on site value
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
Non-residents pay CGT on Australian property. The tax rate can go up to 45%. Top earners also pay a 2% Medicare Levy.
Key points:
- Did you buy your property after May 8, 2012? You cannot get the 50% CGT discount.
- The ATO holds back 12.5% when you sell property over $750,000.
- Non-residents cannot claim the main home exemption.
Before buying, compare your options with our rent vs buy calculator to see if purchasing makes sense for your situation.
Rental Income Withholding
Are you a non-resident? The ATO will hold back part of your rental income. They take:
- 30% if you earn under $120,000
- 37% if you earn between $120,000 and $180,000
You can ask the ATO to change these rates. Some non-residents choose rentvesting in Australia as a strategy to enter the property market while living abroad.
Plan Your Investment
Understanding your mortgage obligations is essential for non-resident property investors. Use our Repayment Calculator to estimate monthly payments based on different loan amounts, interest rates, and loan terms before committing to an Australian property purchase.