Australia has always been a favourite holiday and retirement destination due to its great quality of life and value for money and still today, carefully selected investment property in Australia offers great potential to overseas purchasers. With a well established and growing tourist industry in operation, continued population growth, and increased economic activity in the major cities and coastal resorts, many real estate investments are providing excellent opportunities. Smart investors can take advantage of many economic and political advantages to property purchase in Australia, meanwhile enjoying the outstanding natural beauty, climate and lifestyle.

Consistent and secure returns

Australia has weathered the global financial crisis relatively well, avoiding a recession so far, allowing investors to hold property over the long term with great confidence. Comparing to other international property market, Australia has experience fewer years of decline and has been one of the world’s most consistent property market, providing investors strong and secure returns, average of 7% per annum over the last 30 years.

Continued growth and strong demand

The Australian property market is underpinned by progressive immigration and population, combined with the growth a stable economic base that further ensures that the demand for Australian property continues to grow from both the influx of new arrivals and the increasing demand of the local market for quality Australian property.

Many parts of the country are experiencing housing shortages translating into strong tenant demand, increasing rental yields and outstanding capital growth. Stable rental market also ensures that investors can readily obtain tenants for their property, essential for the long-term success of any investor. Smart investors are looking at various areas where the local economy is growing and the job market is strong, bringing with it a healthy supply of tenants for rentals as well as home buyers.

A secure legal structure

Almost all properties for sale in Australia are freehold title. The legal system is weighted heavily to protect the interests off all landowners and does not discriminate against foreign owners in any way. The strong consumer laws that govern the standards of construction will ensure you can safely rely on developers delivering you a property built to the most stringent specifications that will look as new for many years to come. The building industry in Australia is a well respected and highly skilled profession that takes great pride in the quality of its workmanship. Furthermore, the laws protecting the interests of landlords are very clear and ensure that you are always safeguarded against issues of unlawful or delinquent tenants.

A healthy and happy lifestyle destination

Four of Australia's mainland capital cities have been ranked in the top nine liveable cities in the world (Source: Economist Intelligence Unit – Liveability Rating, 2007).

Australia offers a superb climate, a unique and beautiful environment, and quality social and cultural infrastructure, making it a favourite destination for many retirees seeking a healthier and happier lifestyle.  Overseas buyers are attracted by the safety of the country and the high standard of living Australia has to offer Australia is not only as a place to live but as importantly as a viable investment option or a great holiday home location.

If you are contemplating long stay in Australia, then purchasing property is indeed beneficial. The cost saving of not paying rent plus the growth in value of the property can in fact enable you to enjoy a second lifestyle, a home away from home.

Australia government that welcomes overseas investment

Buying from overseas is simpler than it sounds. The Australian government encourages off-shore investors, with some restrictions regulated by the Foreign Investment Review Board.  Australia has relaxed its policies recently, allowing temporary residents to buy houses without notifying their acquisitions to a government body, giving a boost to the home sector.  In general, non-resident investors are free to invest in new residential property.

Please refer to residential FIRB Policy page for the eligibility criteria relating to specific categories of residential properties.