Foreign Investment Rules

Overseas Investors

The Australian Government's foreign investment policy has been developed to encourage investment in Australia and ensure that such investment is consistent with the needs of the Australian community. The Government recognises the important contribution offshore investment makes to the development of Australia's industry, resources and community.

The Board examines proposals by foreign interests to undertake direct investment in Australia and makes recommendations to the Government under its foreign investment policy.

Definition of foreign investment

A foreign interest is briefly described as:
1. A person not ordinarily resident in Australia.
2. A corporation, business or trust in which a foreigner and any associates have 15% or more ownership or in which several foreigners have 40% or more aggregate of the ownership.

Development

Proposed acquisition of a real estate development (within 12 months) is normally approved unless it is contrary to national interest.

Residential

Proposed acquisition of residential real estate is exempt from examination in the case of Australian citizens living abroad who are holders of permanent visas or entitled to hold a 'special category' visa.

Foreign interests are usually given approval to buy vacant residential land on condition that construction of a dwelling is to commence within 12 months. Approval will also usually be granted to buy home units and townhouses off the plan, under construction or newly constructed (but never occupied), on condition that no more than half of the units in any one development are sold to foreign interests.

Other situations where approval is normally granted includes:
1. Foreign companies buying residences in Australia for their senior executives.
2. Foreign nationals temporarily resident in Australia for more than 12 months buying for their own use as a principal place of residence subject to the sale of the property when they cease to reside in Australia.
3. Foreign nationals purchasing residential real estate as joint tenant with an Australian spouse.

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