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
Buying property in Perth as a foreigner in 2026 comes with a unique set of rules, fees, and restrictions that can catch even experienced buyers off guard.
This guide breaks down what you can legally buy, which visas matter, and how much you should budget for taxes and closing costs in Western Australia right now.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations, fees, and market conditions affecting foreign buyers in Perth.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Perth.
Insights
- Foreign buyers in Perth face total closing costs between 12% and 15% of the purchase price in 2026, largely driven by WA's foreign buyer duty surcharge and FIRB application fees.
- Australia's nationwide ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings runs from April 2025 to March 2027, meaning most existing houses and apartments in Perth are off-limits to foreign buyers right now.
- The FIRB application fee alone for a Perth property priced at $1 million or less is $15,100 in 2026, adding roughly 1.5% to your upfront costs before you even pay stamp duty.
- Foreign residents renting out Perth property pay Australian tax on rental income with no tax-free threshold, starting at 30% from the first dollar earned.
- Mortgage rates for foreign buyers in Perth typically run 0.25% to 1% higher than local borrowers, with lenders commonly requiring deposits of 30% to 40% or more.
- WA's land tax for investment properties kicks in once the land value exceeds $300,000, with rates increasing progressively above that threshold.
- Buying property in Perth does not give you Australian residency or citizenship, and Australia's major investor visa program (BIIP) has been closed to new applicants.
- Perth's Landgate Certificate of Title is the single most important document for verifying ownership, mortgages, and caveats before you sign any contract.
What can I legally buy and truly own as a foreigner in Perth?
What property types can foreigners legally buy in Perth right now?
As a foreign person in Perth in January 2026, you can generally buy new dwellings (including off-the-plan apartments and townhouses), near-new properties, and vacant residential land with a genuine commitment to build.
The single most important limitation right now is Australia's nationwide ban on foreign purchases of established dwellings, which runs from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, meaning most existing houses and apartments in Perth are simply not available to foreign buyers unless you qualify for a narrow exception.
In practical terms, this means your main options in Perth are off-the-plan strata apartments in areas like East Perth, Perth CBD, or West Perth, new townhouse projects in infill suburbs, or house-and-land packages in growth corridors where you commit to building.
You must also obtain foreign investment approval before signing any contract, or at minimum, sign a contract that is conditional on receiving that approval, otherwise you risk serious legal and financial consequences.
Finally, please note that our pack about the property market in Perth is specifically tailored to foreigners.
Can I own land in my own name in Perth right now?
Yes, if you receive foreign investment approval to buy vacant residential land in Perth, you can generally hold title in your own name or in the name of an approved purchasing entity.
However, approvals for vacant land almost always come with conditions requiring you to build within a set timeframe, typically around four years, so you cannot simply buy land in Perth and hold it without development.
For houses, which include the land underneath, you effectively own the land when you buy a new dwelling, but remember that the April 2025 to March 2027 established-dwelling ban blocks purchases of existing houses for most foreign buyers.
By the way, we cover everything there is to know about the land buying process in Perth here.
As of 2026, what other key foreign-ownership rules or limits should I know in Perth?
As of January 2026, the most significant additional rule is that you must pay a substantial foreign investment application fee just to apply for approval, and this fee scales with the purchase price, reaching $15,100 for new dwellings or vacant land priced at $1 million or less.
There is no specific foreign-ownership quota for apartments or condos in Perth like you find in some Asian countries, but the approval process and the established-dwelling ban effectively limit what you can purchase regardless of building type.
Western Australia also charges a Foreign Buyers Duty surcharge on top of normal transfer duty, which adds a significant extra cost for foreign purchasers in Perth and is one of the biggest state-specific expenses you need to budget for.
One notable recent regulatory change is the April 2025 to March 2027 ban on established dwellings, which represents a significant tightening of foreign ownership rules compared to previous years when temporary residents could purchase existing homes subject to conditions.
What's the biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Perth right now?
The single biggest mistake foreign buyers make in Perth right now is committing emotionally and financially to an established dwelling, paying deposits and making travel plans, only to discover too late that the April 2025 to March 2027 ban on established homes blocks the entire purchase.
If you make this mistake, you could lose your deposit, face legal complications unwinding the contract, and waste significant time and money on a deal that was never going to complete.
Other classic pitfalls in Perth include underestimating the total closing costs, especially the combination of WA's foreign buyer duty surcharge, the FIRB application fee, and normal stamp duty, which together can push your upfront costs well beyond what you initially budgeted.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which visa or residency status changes what I can do in Perth?
Do I need a specific visa to buy property in Perth right now?
You do not need a special "property visa" to buy in Perth, but your visa or residency status determines what types of property you can purchase, and tourist visa holders are still treated as foreign persons who can generally only buy new dwellings or vacant land with build conditions in January 2026.
The most common administrative barrier for buyers without local residency is simply obtaining foreign investment approval before signing a binding contract, as purchasing without this approval can result in forced divestment or significant penalties.
You do not need an Australian tax ID to complete the purchase itself, but you will need Australian tax identifiers soon after if you plan to earn rental income or eventually sell the property.
For the purchase, foreign buyers in Perth typically need to present a valid passport, proof of identity, the foreign investment approval notice, and completed settlement documents, which your settlement agent or conveyancer will help you prepare.
Does buying property help me get residency and citizenship in Perth in 2026?
As of January 2026, buying a home in Perth does not give you Australian residency or citizenship, as Australia does not offer a "golden visa" or property-based immigration pathway like some other countries do.
Australia's major investor migration program, known as the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), has been closed to new applicants, and even when it was open, it focused on broader investment criteria rather than simply buying a house.
If you want permanent residency in Australia, you typically need to qualify through skilled migration, employer sponsorship, family reunification, or other established pathways that are not connected to property ownership at all.
Can I legally rent out property on my visa in Perth right now?
Generally, if you legally own property in Perth, you can rent it out regardless of your visa status, and many foreign owners use local property managers to handle tenants while living overseas.
You do not need to live in Australia to rent out your Perth property, but you must declare the rental income to the Australian Taxation Office and pay tax on it under foreign resident tax rates, which means no tax-free threshold.
Other important details for foreign landlords in Perth include understanding that you may face withholding rules if you eventually sell, your rental deductions are subject to normal ATO rules, and you should keep good records for tax compliance from the start.
We cover everything there is to know about buying and renting out in Perth here.
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How does the buying process actually work step-by-step in Perth?
What are the exact steps to buy property in Perth right now?
The standard sequence to buy property in Perth is: budget your total costs including all fees and duties, identify a property type you can legally purchase, make an offer and negotiate terms, apply for foreign investment approval before signing or sign conditionally, run title and encumbrance checks through Landgate, secure finance if needed, and complete settlement when funds transfer and title updates.
You generally do not need to be physically present to buy property in Perth, as most buyers sign documents electronically and appoint a licensed settlement agent to handle the settlement process on their behalf, though you should plan for identity verification and certified document requirements.
The step that typically makes the deal legally binding in Perth is the exchange of signed contracts with any conditions (like finance or foreign investment approval) either satisfied or waived, after which both parties are committed to completing the transaction.
From accepted offer to final title registration, the typical timeline in Perth ranges from about 30 to 90 days depending on whether finance is involved, how quickly foreign investment approval comes through, and settlement terms negotiated in the contract.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the whole buying process our pack about properties in Perth.
Is it mandatory to get a lawyer or a notary to buy a property in Perth right now?
In Western Australia, it is not legally mandatory to use a lawyer or notary for a standard residential property purchase, as most buyers use a licensed settlement agent (also called a conveyancer) who handles the practical aspects of the transaction.
The key difference in Perth is that a settlement agent manages the administrative settlement process and title transfer, while a lawyer provides legal advice on contract terms, risk allocation, and can handle disputes or complex situations that go beyond routine transactions.
One key item that should be explicitly included in your lawyer or settlement agent engagement scope is a full review of the Certificate of Title and any encumbrances, especially caveats, mortgages, or easements that could affect your ownership or use of the property.
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.
What checks should I run so I don't buy a problem property in Perth?
How do I verify title and ownership history in Perth right now?
The official registry you should use to verify title and ownership history in Perth is Landgate, which is Western Australia's land registry and the authoritative source for all property ownership records.
The key document you need is the Certificate of Title, which shows the current registered owner, the property description, and all registered interests including mortgages, caveats, and easements that affect the property.
A realistic look-back period for ownership history checks in Perth is typically 20 to 30 years, which helps identify any unusual patterns like rapid resales, disputes, or title complications that might indicate problems.
One clear red flag that should stop or pause your purchase is an unresolved caveat on the title, as this indicates someone else is claiming an interest in the property and dealings may be blocked until the caveat is removed.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Perth.
How do I confirm there are no liens in Perth right now?
The standard way to confirm there are no liens or encumbrances on a property in Perth is to order the Certificate of Title from Landgate and carefully review the encumbrances and interests section, which lists all registered claims against the property.
One common type of encumbrance buyers should specifically ask about in Perth is a caveat, which is a formal claim by a third party that can block the sale or transfer until the underlying issue is resolved.
The single best form of written proof showing lien status in Perth is the current Certificate of Title itself, combined with confirmation from your settlement agent that any registered mortgages will be discharged at settlement.
How do I check zoning and permitted use in Perth right now?
The authority you should use to check zoning and permitted use for a property in Perth is the relevant local council, such as the City of Perth, City of Stirling, City of Fremantle, or Town of Victoria Park, as they manage the local planning schemes.
The document or map reference that typically confirms the zoning classification is the council's Town Planning Scheme or Local Planning Scheme, which you can usually access online or request directly from the council's planning department.
One common zoning pitfall that foreign buyers frequently miss in Perth is not checking short-stay rental rules, as many councils have specific regulations that restrict or require approval for Airbnb-style letting, which can undermine your rental income strategy.
Buying real estate in Perth can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner in Perth, and on what terms?
Do banks lend to foreigners for homes in Perth in 2026?
As of January 2026, yes, many Australian banks and lenders will provide mortgages to foreign buyers in Perth, though you should expect tighter terms than local borrowers typically receive.
Foreign borrowers in Perth commonly see loan-to-value ratios between 60% and 70%, meaning you will need deposits of 30% to 40% or more, compared to the 20% deposit that many Australian residents can access.
The single most common eligibility requirement that determines whether a foreigner qualifies for a Perth mortgage is the ability to verify income, as lenders want clear documentation of your earnings, ideally including some Australian-sourced income or a very strong overseas income profile.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Australia.
Which banks are most foreigner-friendly in Perth in 2026?
As of January 2026, the most foreigner-friendly banks for mortgages in Perth are typically the big four (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ), along with HSBC which has a more globally-oriented approach, and various non-bank lenders accessible through mortgage brokers.
The feature that makes these banks more foreigner-friendly is their established processes for verifying overseas income, accepting international documentation, and having clear internal policies for non-resident borrowers rather than handling each case as a one-off.
Most of these banks will consider lending to non-residents who do not hold Australian visas, though terms are stricter, deposits are higher, and approval is less certain than for borrowers with Australian residency or income.
We actually have a specific document about how to get a mortgage as a foreigner in our pack covering real estate in Perth.
What mortgage rates are foreigners offered in Perth in 2026?
As of January 2026, foreign buyers in Perth can expect mortgage interest rates in the range of 6.25% to 7.75%, depending on whether you are an owner-occupier or investor, your deposit size, and how your risk profile is assessed by the lender.
Fixed-rate mortgages in Perth are typically priced slightly higher than variable rates for shorter terms (one to three years), but rates can vary significantly between lenders, so shopping around or using a mortgage broker is worthwhile for foreign borrowers who may have fewer options.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What will taxes, fees, and ongoing costs look like in Perth?
What are the total closing costs as a percent in Perth in 2026?
For foreign buyers in Perth in 2026, total closing costs typically run between 12% and 15% of the purchase price, which is significantly higher than what local buyers pay due to foreign-specific fees and surcharges.
The realistic range covers most standard transactions, with the lower end applying to smaller purchases with simpler structures and the higher end reflecting larger properties where duty percentages and FIRB fees add up.
The specific fee categories that make up closing costs in Perth include WA transfer duty (stamp duty), WA Foreign Buyers Duty surcharge, the FIRB application fee, settlement agent fees, Landgate search and registration fees, and any legal costs if you use a lawyer.
The single biggest contributor to closing costs for foreign buyers in Perth is usually the combination of WA transfer duty and the Foreign Buyers Duty surcharge, which together can represent 10% or more of the purchase price on a typical property.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Perth.
What annual property tax should I budget in Perth in 2026?
As of January 2026, if your Perth property is an investment (not your principal residence), you should budget for land tax that starts at around $300 per year once land value exceeds $300,000 (about $190 USD or 175 EUR), increasing progressively with higher land values to potentially $750 or more for properties with land values around $600,000.
Land tax in WA is assessed on the unimproved value of the land using a progressive scale, meaning you pay nothing on the first $300,000 of land value, then a fixed amount plus a percentage rate that increases as land value rises through higher brackets.
How is rental income taxed for foreigners in Perth in 2026?
As of January 2026, foreign residents earning rental income from Perth property pay Australian tax starting at 30% on the first dollar earned, with no tax-free threshold available, and marginal rates rising to 32.5% and higher on income above $135,000.
The basic requirement for foreign owners is that you must lodge an Australian tax return declaring your rental income and can claim eligible rental expenses as deductions, with the ATO expecting full compliance and clear records from foreign landlords.
What insurance is common and how much in Perth in 2026?
As of January 2026, typical annual home insurance premiums in Perth range from about $2,000 to $3,000 AUD ($1,300 to $1,900 USD or 1,200 to 1,750 EUR) for a standard house with building and contents coverage, while apartment owners paying contents-only insurance often pay $300 to $1,000 per year.
The most common type of property insurance coverage in Perth is combined building and contents insurance for houses, while for strata apartments the building insurance is typically arranged by the strata corporation and individual owners carry contents and landlord insurance.
The biggest factor that drives insurance premiums higher or lower for the same property type in Perth is the rebuild cost and sum insured, as underinsurance is a real problem in WA and getting your replacement cost estimate right matters more than many buyers realize.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Perth
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Perth, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can ... and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Taxation Office (ATO) - Foreign Investment Applications | The ATO administers Australia's foreign investment approvals for residential property. | We used it to anchor what approvals you must get and when. We also used it to explain the January 2026 established-dwelling ban and what is allowed versus restricted. |
| ATO - Residential Fees for Foreign Persons | This is the official fee schedule you pay when lodging an approval application. | We used it to estimate the FIRB fee based on price brackets. We also used it to confirm the fee amounts for 2025-26. |
| FIRB Guidance Note 2 - Temporary Residents | FIRB guidance notes explain how the law is applied in practice. | We used it for the baseline rules on what temporary residents can normally do. We then layered the 2025-2027 ban rules on top. |
| Treasury - Schedule of Fees 2025-26 | This is Treasury's official schedule of statutory fees for foreign investment. | We used it to cross-check the ATO fee tables. We used it as a triangulation source so fee estimates are not based on one page alone. |
| WA Government - Foreign Buyers Duty | This is WA's official explanation of the extra duty charged to foreign buyers. | We used it to confirm the surcharge rate and who it applies to in Perth. We used it to build the closing-cost estimates for foreigners. |
| WA Treasury - Overview of State Taxes 2024-25 | This is WA Treasury's own publication summarizing key state tax structures. | We used it to pull the land tax rate scale and thresholds. We used it as the anchor for ongoing annual state taxes relevant to Perth property. |
| Landgate - Certificates of Title | Landgate is WA's official land registry, the source of truth for ownership records. | We used it to explain what title means in WA and what you can verify before settlement. We used it to design the due-diligence checklist. |
| Landgate - Caveats | Landgate explains how caveats and encumbrances appear in the WA titles system. | We used it to explain what a caveat is and why it matters to buyers. We used it to shape the lien-checking steps for Perth purchases. |
| Reserve Bank of Australia - Cash Rate | The RBA is Australia's central bank and the benchmark source for interest rates. | We used it to anchor where interest rates sit heading into 2026. We used it as the macro foundation for mortgage rate estimates. |
| RBA Table F5 - Indicator Housing Loan Rates | This republishes RBA statistical series in an easily readable format with recent values. | We used it to get a data-based estimate of typical Australian housing loan rates near January 2026. We used it as the reference point before adding the foreigner premium. |
| ATO - Foreign Resident Tax Rates | It is the ATO's official tax rate table for non-resident individuals. | We used it to explain how rental income is taxed for foreign owners. We used it so the tax discussion is based on current statutory tables. |
| ATO - Rental Income Guidance | This is the ATO's official guidance on what counts as rental income. | We used it to explain what you must declare and how rental income is treated. We used it to keep the rental-tax section accurate for amateurs. |
| Home Affairs - BIIP Closure | It is an official Home Affairs page confirming the status of investor-visa pathways. | We used it to explain why buying property to get residency is not a reliable plan in Australia. We used it to keep the visa section honest about what property can and cannot do. |
| Canstar - Home Insurance Research | Canstar is a respected Australian financial comparison site with large quote samples. | We used it to estimate typical home insurance premium ranges. We used it as a benchmark for Perth insurance costs. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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