Buying property in Australia
A clear starting point for your budget, your shortlist and the steps ahead.
Start with the full cost.
A useful budget looks beyond the advertised price. Leave room for the purchase and the costs of owning it.
- Your purchase budget
- Your deposit, finance arrangements and repayments you can comfortably manage.
- The costs of buying
- Stamp duty where applicable, legal work, inspections and relevant lender charges.
- The costs of ownership
- Council rates, insurance, maintenance and strata or owners corporation fees where applicable.
Costs and concessions vary by location, property and buyer. Loan pre-approval is not final loan approval.
MoneySmart: buying a home ↗Choose around your priorities.
Be clear about what the property needs to do for you. Compare the individual home as well as its location.
A home to live in
- Your daily travel and local services
- Layout, storage and outdoor space
- The space you may need in the years ahead
A property to invest in
- Comparable local rents and a vacancy allowance
- Ongoing costs, maintenance and levies
- How the layout suits likely tenants
Fortu can help compare locations, floorplans, inclusions and available homes against your priorities.
From shortlist to settlement.
A practical overview. Your solicitor or conveyancer should confirm the contract requirements and timing for your purchase.
- 01
Set your brief
Agree on the budget, location, home size and features that matter to you.
- 02
Compare and inspect
Review homes, floorplans and inclusions. Arrange inspections or ask about remote viewing options.
- 03
Check the details
Have your legal representative review the contract. Arrange appropriate property checks and clarify finance.
- 04
Offer or bid
Understand the price, conditions and your obligations before making a binding commitment.
- 05
Settle and take possession
Your legal representative and lender coordinate settlement. Confirm the handover arrangements.
Auction, private sale and off-the-plan purchases have different conditions. Cooling-off rights and settlement dates depend on the state and contract.
Buying from another location?
Local, interstate or overseas, start with your circumstances and the property you want to buy.
- Keep the practical details close
- Ask about digital property presentations, video inspections and local coordination when you cannot visit in person.
- Check eligibility before committing
- Your citizenship or residency status and the property type matter. Being overseas does not, by itself, determine your eligibility.
A few useful answers.
Where should I begin?
Start with your purpose, a comfortable budget and a short list of must-haves. If you need finance, speak with a lender or broker about your circumstances. Fortu can then help compare suitable properties.
What should I check for an off-the-plan home?
Compare the floorplan, stated areas, inclusions and estimated delivery arrangements. Have your legal representative explain the contract and how changes, deposits and settlement are handled. A display image is not a substitute for the specification of your chosen home.
Do I need foreign investment approval?
Eligibility depends on your status and the property. From 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, foreign investors are generally prohibited from buying established dwellings, with limited exceptions. New dwellings generally require approval before purchase unless an exemption applies. Have your solicitor confirm the current rules and any applicable exemption before you commit.
Australian Government: residential land guidance ↗How long does a purchase take?
The contract sets out the settlement arrangements. Timing differs for established homes, completed new homes and off-the-plan purchases. Confirm the dates, finance requirements and any construction-related conditions with your legal representative.
How can Fortu help?
We help you clarify your priorities, compare locations and current property options, understand the supplied plans and inclusions, and arrange the next conversation or inspection. We welcome local, interstate and overseas enquiries. Legal, tax and finance advice should come from the relevant qualified adviser.
Foreign investment guidance checked 3 November 2026.
Ready to compare your options?
Tell us your budget, preferred location and what matters in your next property.