Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Helping Foreign Property Buyers Buy in Melbourne

Yes, non-residents can buy properties in Victoria, but some might be subjected to additional stamp duties on the share of the property being acquired. Every foreign investor is different. Have a chat with us. Let our property advisors help you understand what you need to do. Details here.

Generally, a non-resident foreigner can buy new residential dwellings, off-the-plan apartments, and vacant land for development in Australia, provided they receive FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) approval. In 2026, foreign investment rules have tightened to prioritize housing supply. Here is a breakdown of what you can and cannot buy: New Dwellings: You can purchase an unlimited number of brand-new homes or apartments that have not been previously occupied. Off-the-Plan: You can buy properties that are still under construction or in the planning phase. Vacant Land: You can buy land for residential development, but construction must typically be completed within four years of the approval date. Established (Second-hand) Dwellings: Non-resident foreigners are generally prohibited from buying established homes to live in. However, you may be allowed to buy an established dwelling for redevelopment if the project increases Australia's housing stock (e.g., knocking down one house to build three townhouses). Commercial Property: Different rules apply to commercial real estate, which often has higher threshold limits before FIRB approval is required. Important for 2026: Be aware of the increased FIRB application fees and the Annual Vacancy Fee, which applies if your Australian property is not occupied or rented out for at least six months of the year. Expert Tip: Before you sign a contract, ensure it includes a "Subject to FIRB Approval" clause to protect your deposit. [Learn more about our Foreign Investment Advisory services here]. Note: Regulations for Foreign Buyers are constantly changing. The above information is accurate as at March 2026, and may change with little warning. Click here for more information.

No. Did you know that not all property buyer experts are licensed? As licensed and insured property agents, buyer's agents are bound by the same code of conduct and legislation to ensure their clients receive appropriate home buying services and protection. However, there are many unlicensed buyers agents who claim to be property investment experts and charge fees for their "property mentoring programs" and "good investment properties". These fake buyers agents receive substantial commissions from the developers they recommend, which influence their recommendations. This raises questions about the neutrality of their advice. With licensed buyer agents, it is illegal to receive commission from the seller and charge the buyer a fee for it. This ensures that buyers receive impartial and independent advice on properties they buy. Choose licensed buyer agents like Concierge Buyers Advocates to ensure that you receive the best possible advice and protection.

Fast and confidence comes with experience and expertise. If you are planning to purchase a Melbourne property, the easiest and safest way is to engage the services of our Melbourne buyers agent. Our Melbourne-based buyer's agent is always on your side. We ensure you are taken care of, in the property purchase. We are your on-site professional buyers advocate who will represent you in your purchase. We inspect the property, perform the due diligence, and organise the entire purchase process on your behalf.

Buying remotely is now the standard for many of our successful investors and relocating families. We act as your local proxy, providing the local expert property knowledge, physical presence and market leverage you need to buy with the same confidence as a local buyer. How We Bridge the Distance for Remote Buyers: 📸 Virtual "Forensic" Tours: We don’t just send photos. Our builder-trained property advisors inspect and check for structural and compliance issues. Then we provide high-definition photos and video walkthroughs, focusing on the details a sales agent hide;—cracks in the cornices, street noise levels, and the condition of neighboring properties. 🛡️ 2026 Compliance & FIRB Navigation: For international buyers, our network of professionals manage the 2026 FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) application process and ensure compliance with the temporary ban on established dwellings (active until March 2027). We also coordinate the mandatory AML/CTF documentation. 🕵️ Exclusive Off-Market Access: Many of Melbourne’s best properties never reach public portals like Domain. We leverage our local network to find "silent listings" that remote buyers would never see, giving you a massive advantage over the general market. ⚖️ Expert Auction Representation: Almost all good properties in Melbourne and Victoria’s are sold via auctions in 2026. We interpret the market for you, provide our recommendations and bid on your behalf, removing the emotional pressure and ensuring you don't overpay in a heated environment. 💻 Digital Settlement Coordination: We work directly with conveyancers and mortgage brokers to throughout the digital settlement process. You don’t need to be in the country to sign; we ensure the "keys-in-hand" moment happens seamlessly. Our job is to be your eyes, ears, and voice in Melbourne. We ensure that when you finally get the keys, there are zero surprises—only the satisfaction of a smart, secured investment. Contact us today to learn more!

When buying a property, it can be challenging to trust the sales agent who works for the seller and is legally required to protect the sellers' interests, not buyers'. At Concierge Buyers Advocates, our independent buyers advocates work for you, the buyer, to help and protect you in the property transaction. You can trust us to provide an unbiased perspective on any property you are interested in. We can inspect the property on your behalf and provide you with an independent review to ensure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Choose our buying and inspection services for a trustworthy and impartial approach to property buying.

The fundamental difference is who the agent is legally and financially bound to serve.  When you buy through the Sales Agents or Property Marketer in your home country, you are often dealing with a middleman for a developer. The salesman working against you, for the sales commission. When you hire Concierge Buyers Advocates, you are hiring an independent advocate who works exclusively for you. 1. Loyalty & Commission (The "Hidden" Cost) Overseas Sales Agents: Often receive massive "kickbacks" or commissions (sometimes 5–10%) from Australian developers to "offload" certain stock. Most of the time, these are properties which local buyers have rejected. This means they are incentivised to sell you second rate properties, solely based on what pays them the most, not what is best for your portfolio. Concierge: We are 100% Fee-for-Service.  We do not accept commissions from developers or sellers.  Our only bonus is your success. This ensures our advice remains brutally honest and unbiased. 2. Market Access: Established vs. "Off-the-Plan" Overseas Sales Agents: Almost exclusively sell brand-new or "off-the-plan" apartments. These often come with high vacancy risks and poor capital growth. Concierge: We give you access to the entire Melbourne market. Yes, you can buy any properties Anywhere in Australia. This can include established family homes in premium suburbs and "Silent Listings" (Off-Market) that never reach the public portals. We find the properties Australians want to buy, and want to live in, not just what developers want to sell. 3. "Feet on the Ground" Due Diligence Overseas Sales Agents: Rely on glossy brochures and "artist impressions." They almost never step foot in the actual property you are buying, and have no first-hand idea the pros and cons of the location. Concierge: We are your local eyes and ears.  We perform physical inspections, record high-definition video walkthroughs of the street and neighborhood, and use our "Builder’s Lens" to spot structural issues that a brochure would never show. 4. 2026 Compliance & Legal Safety The Risk with Your Local Sales Agent: As of July 1, 2026, Australia will introduce strict new Anti-Money Laundering (AML/CTF) laws and increased FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) scrutiny. You local agent will no longer be able get the sales through legally without the appropriate clearance. The Concierge Advantage: Our licenced Agents are Police Checked to ensure the highest level of trust and integrity. We ensure your purchase is 100% compliant. We coordinate with specialist lawyers to manage your source-of-funds documentation and FIRB applications, protecting you from the heavy non-compliance penalties (which can reach millions of dollars) that an overseas agent might overlook. 5. Pricing Power Overseas Sales Agents: You pay the "sticker price" set by the developer, which includes the cost of the agent's marketing and commission. Some local agents will also charge you an admin fee, on top of the commission they receive, a practice which is illegal in Australia. Concierge:  We use local data, local expertise and professional negotiation to drive the price down. We ensure you don’t pay the "Foreigner Premium"—the inflated price often charged to overseas buyers who don't know the local market value.

FIRB fees are based on the purchase price and the type of property. As of the 2025–2026 financial year, the minimum application fee for a residential property valued at $1 million or less is: $15,100 for New Dwellings, Near-new Dwellings, or Vacant Land. $45,300 for Established Dwellings (Note: Fees for established homes are 3x higher to encourage investment in new housing supply). For properties between $1M and $2M, the fee increases to $30,300 (New) or $90,900 (Established).

In Victoria, foreign purchasers must pay the Foreign Purchaser Additional Duty (FPAD). This is an 8% surcharge on top of the standard land transfer duty (which is roughly 5.5%). Example: On a $800,000 Melbourne apartment, a foreign buyer would pay approximately $44,000 in standard duty plus $64,000 in FPAD, totaling $108,000.

From July 1, 2026, Australia’s new Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws officially include the real estate sector. This means all buyers, including international buyers, must undergo Customer Due Diligence (CDD) verifications. We will require verified proof of identity and, in some cases, "Source of Wealth" documentation before a transaction can proceed.