How to invest in property in Perth?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack

Yes, the analysis of Perth's property market is included in our pack

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Perth. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Perth real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Can foreigners actually buy property in Perth, and what kinds of properties are off-limits?

Foreign investors can legally purchase property in Perth, but Australian law severely restricts the types of properties available to non-residents as of September 2025.

You are allowed to buy new builds, off-the-plan apartments or houses, and vacant land provided you commit to developing it within a reasonable timeframe. These properties must be genuinely new construction or未developed land parcels designated for residential development.

All established dwellings—meaning previously owned homes, apartments, or townhouses—are completely banned for foreign buyers from April 2025 through March 2027. This prohibition applies regardless of the property's condition, age, or price range.

Commercial properties face fewer restrictions, though large-scale investments still require government notification. The ban specifically targets residential established properties to prioritize housing availability for Australian residents.

Every foreign property purchase requires Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before you can sign any contract, regardless of the property type or value.

How does the buying process in Perth compare to Western countries—is it easier or more complicated?

The Perth property buying process is significantly more complicated than most Western countries due to Australia's strict foreign investment regulations.

Unlike markets in the US, UK, or Canada where foreign buyers generally face minimal restrictions, Australia requires mandatory government approval, imposes additional taxes specifically targeting foreign investors, and limits property types available for purchase. The FIRB approval process alone adds weeks to your timeline and thousands in fees.

Foreign buyers must pay a 7% stamp duty surcharge on top of standard rates, while established home purchases are completely banned—restrictions that don't exist in most comparable Western markets. Mortgage financing is also more difficult, with Australian banks requiring larger deposits (30-40%) and offering less favorable terms to non-residents.

However, the process does offer advantages including strong legal protections, professional oversight through licensed conveyancers, and the ability to complete purchases entirely remotely without physical presence in Australia.

The regulatory complexity means you'll spend more time on approvals and documentation compared to buying property in North America or Europe, but the legal framework provides robust buyer protection once you navigate the initial requirements.

What are the exact step-by-step stages from finding a property to final ownership?

The Perth property buying process follows a structured sequence that typically takes 6-8 weeks from start to finish.

Begin by researching properties online through major platforms like realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, which allow you to view listings and details remotely. Simultaneously, engage a licensed real estate agent experienced with foreign buyers and appoint a conveyancer or property lawyer to handle legal aspects.

Submit your FIRB application immediately after identifying potential properties, as this approval is mandatory before signing any contract. The application costs AUD 14,100 minimum and typically takes 2-4 weeks to process, though it can extend to 30 days or more in complex cases.

Once you've selected a specific property, make your offer through your agent and negotiate terms. Sign the contract of sale contingent on FIRB approval and pay the required deposit (usually 10% of purchase price). Your conveyancer will conduct due diligence including building inspections and contract reviews during this period.

Upon receiving FIRB approval, proceed to settlement where you pay the remaining balance plus all associated costs including stamp duty, foreign buyer surcharge, legal fees, and registration charges. The property title officially transfers to your name, and ownership is registered with the Western Australian land registry.

Which documents are mandatory for the purchase, and which ones are optional but helpful?

Document Type	Status	Purpose
Passport & Certified ID	Mandatory	Identity verification for FIRB and contract
FIRB Approval Certificate	Mandatory	Legal authorization to purchase
Proof of Funds	Mandatory	Anti-money laundering compliance
Signed Contract of Sale	Mandatory	Legal ownership agreement
Bank Details for Transfer	Mandatory	Settlement payment processing
Tax File Number	Optional but Recommended	Tax compliance and future obligations
Visa Documentation	Optional but Helpful	Establishes residence status
Financial Statements	Optional but Helpful	Mortgage approval and credibility
Mortgage Pre-approval	Optional but Helpful	Streamlines financing process
Building Inspection Reports	Optional but Helpful	Property condition verification

Is it possible to buy a property without being physically in Australia, and how would that work?

Complete remote property purchases are fully legal and commonly practiced in Perth, with no requirement for physical presence in Australia at any stage of the process.

You can handle the entire transaction through licensed conveyancers or property lawyers who act as your legal representatives. They manage document signing, fund transfers, inspections, and all settlement procedures on your behalf. Electronic signatures are accepted for contracts and legal documents.

Virtual property inspections via video calls with your agent allow you to assess properties remotely, though some buyers also hire independent inspectors to provide detailed reports and photography. Major real estate platforms offer virtual tours and comprehensive online listings with floor plans and neighborhood information.

International money transfers are standard practice, though opening an Australian bank account can streamline the settlement process and reduce transfer fees. Your conveyancer will coordinate all payment timing and ensure funds are properly cleared before settlement.

It's something we develop in our Perth property pack.

Can you buy a property outright in cash, and are there any restrictions on that?

Cash purchases are completely permitted in Perth with no formal restrictions on foreign buyers paying the full amount upfront.

You must provide proof of funds showing the legitimate source of your money to satisfy anti-money laundering requirements. Australian authorities scrutinize large cash transactions, so comprehensive documentation of fund origins is essential—this includes bank statements, investment account records, or business income verification.

Cash buyers often complete transactions faster since there's no mortgage approval waiting period, though you still must wait for FIRB approval before proceeding. The settlement timeline can be shorter, typically 4-6 weeks instead of the standard 6-8 weeks with financing.

Your conveyancer will handle the international money transfer logistics and ensure funds are properly cleared before settlement. Having cash readily available can also strengthen your negotiating position, especially in competitive markets where sellers prefer certainty of completion.

Some buyers establish Australian bank accounts specifically for property purchases to simplify fund transfers and reduce international transaction fees.

Is mortgage financing available to foreigners, what rates and conditions typically apply, and what tips help improve approval chances?

Mortgage financing is available to foreign buyers in Perth, but options are limited and conditions are significantly stricter than those offered to Australian residents.

Australian banks typically require foreign buyers to provide 30-40% deposits compared to 10-20% for locals, and interest rates are generally 0.5-1.5% higher than standard residential rates. Loan-to-value ratios are capped at 60-70% maximum, and some lenders may require additional security or guarantees.

Major banks like ANZ, Westpac, and Commonwealth Bank offer foreign buyer programs, but each has specific eligibility criteria including minimum income thresholds, employment verification, and credit history requirements. Some international banks with Australian operations may provide more favorable terms to their existing customers.

To improve approval chances, engage a specialized mortgage broker experienced with foreign buyer applications before beginning your property search. Provide comprehensive financial documentation including tax returns, bank statements, employment letters, and proof of assets from your home country.

Demonstrating strong ties to Australia—such as visa applications, business interests, or family connections—can improve your application's success rate. Some lenders may require you to visit Australia for final paperwork signing, though this isn't universal.

What are all the costs, taxes, and fees involved—can you give a full breakdown?

Cost Category	Amount/Rate	When Paid
FIRB Application Fee	AUD 14,100+ (properties up to $1M)	Before contract signing
Foreign Buyer Stamp Duty	Standard WA rate + 7% surcharge	At settlement
Legal/Conveyancing Fees	AUD 1,500–3,000+	At settlement
Building Inspection	AUD 400–900	Before contract exchange
Land Registration Fee	AUD 200–500	At settlement
Mortgage Setup Fees	1–3% of loan amount	At loan approval
Annual Land Tax	Varies by property value	Annually after purchase
International Transfer Fees	0.5–2% of transfer amount	At fund transfer
Real Estate Agent Commission	Usually paid by seller	N/A for buyer

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

How long does the entire process usually take, from offer to completion?

The complete Perth property buying process typically requires 6-8 weeks from accepted offer to final settlement, though this timeline can extend significantly based on approval delays and financing complexities.

FIRB approval processing consumes 2-4 weeks on average, with some applications taking up to 90 days in complex cases or during peak periods. This approval must be secured before you can legally proceed to exchange contracts, creating a potential bottleneck early in the process.

If you're obtaining mortgage financing, add another 2-6 weeks to the timeline depending on your lender's requirements and documentation completeness. Foreign buyer applications typically take longer than standard residential mortgages due to additional verification requirements.

Due diligence activities including building inspections, legal reviews, and property searches generally take 1-2 weeks but can run concurrently with other processes. Settlement preparation and fund transfers usually require 1-2 weeks for international buyers to ensure proper clearance of payments.

Cash buyers can potentially complete purchases in 4-6 weeks assuming prompt FIRB approval, while financed purchases more commonly take 8-10 weeks from start to finish. Factor in additional time if you encounter any documentation issues or approval complications.

Are real estate agents in Perth generally reliable, and how do you choose a trustworthy one?

Perth real estate agents are generally reputable and operate under strict licensing requirements, but choosing an agent experienced with foreign buyer transactions is crucial for success.

All agents must be licensed through the Western Australian Department of Commerce and belong to professional associations like the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA). You can verify licensing status and check for any disciplinary actions through official government databases.

Look for agents who specifically advertise experience with international buyers and can demonstrate successful foreign buyer transactions. They should be fluent in English, understand FIRB requirements, and have established relationships with conveyancers experienced in foreign buyer transactions.

Request references from recent foreign buyer clients and verify the agent's track record in your target suburbs or property types. Top-performing agents often have strong online reviews and testimonials from international clients on platforms like RateMyAgent or Google Reviews.

Avoid agents who promise to "work around" foreign buyer restrictions or suggest ways to circumvent FIRB requirements—this indicates either inexperience or willingness to engage in potentially illegal practices that could jeopardize your investment.

Will the legal system protect a foreign buyer, and what precautions should be taken to stay safe?

The Australian legal system provides strong protection for property buyers regardless of nationality, with robust consumer protection laws and professional oversight of real estate transactions.

Licensed conveyancers and property lawyers are regulated professionals who must carry professional indemnity insurance and adhere to strict ethical standards. The Western Australian settlement system includes built-in safeguards that protect buyers from fraud and ensure proper title transfer.

However, independent legal review remains essential for foreign buyers due to the complexity of Australian property law and foreign investment regulations. Never rely solely on the seller's agent or lawyer—engage your own licensed conveyancer who represents your interests exclusively.

Key precautions include verifying all government approvals before contract signing, avoiding off-market deals without proper legal oversight, and ensuring your conveyancer has experience with foreign buyer requirements. Always insist on comprehensive due diligence including building inspections and thorough contract review.

It's something we develop in our Perth property pack.

What are the most common mistakes foreigners make when investing in Perth property, and how can you avoid them?

1. **Signing contracts without FIRB approval** - This results in automatic fines up to AUD 12.6 million and forced sale of the property. Always secure FIRB approval before signing any purchase contract.2. **Assuming all property types are available** - Established homes are completely banned for foreign buyers until March 2027. Only purchase new builds, off-the-plan properties, or vacant land designated for development.3. **Underestimating total costs** - The 7% foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge plus FIRB fees can add AUD 50,000+ to a typical purchase. Budget for all additional costs before making offers.4. **Inadequate due diligence on developers** - Research developer track records, financial stability, and completion histories before purchasing off-the-plan properties. Failed developments can result in total loss of deposits.5. **Using inexperienced professionals** - Engage agents, conveyancers, and mortgage brokers who specialize in foreign buyer transactions and understand FIRB requirements.6. **Attempting to circumvent restrictions** - Australian authorities strictly enforce foreign investment rules. Any attempts to work around regulations through illegal structures result in severe penalties.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Australian Taxation Office - Types of property a foreign person can buy
2. BambooRoutes - Foreigners buy property Perth
3. Bright Tax - Real estate Australia
4. KDD Settlement Agent Perth - Perth property market overseas investors
5. Australian Taxation Office - Banning foreign purchases of established dwellings
6. Properstar - Real estate guides and advice Australia
7. Wise - Buying property in Australia
8. Government of Western Australia - About foreign buyers duty