Want to buy Australian property – from Singapore?

Want to buy property in Australia? The legal and financial aspects of buying differ depending on whether you’re an Aussie expat overseas or another nationality. To help untangle the red tape, we chat with Property NXT’s LUKE PERVAN and CILLA BURGMANN, who are the CEO and Managing Director respectively of the Singapore-based Australian property investment consultancy. Plus, read on for details of their in-person event on the 21st May that will provide a more in-depth look.

# Investment tips for an Australian citizen living in Singapore

Why is investing in Australian property a good way to diversify an investment portfolio?

Australia’s strong economy, political stability and transparent legal system make it an attractive investment destination. The Australian real estate market is also historically stable and has a growing nature.

Furthermore, major Australian cities have generally offered competitive rental yields between 3.5% to 5.5%. This provides a potential income stream in addition to long-term capital appreciation. The ongoing demand for housing in many areas also supports the potential for solid returns on investment over time.

Are the laws and requirements to buy property in Australia the same in all the states?

Specific laws and requirements on buying real estate can differ between states and territories. For example, stamp duty rates, land tax obligations and tenancy regulations for Australian property investment vary.

Additionally, foreign investment rules and surcharges on Australian property purchases can differ.

Will I be eligible for property loans if I’m not residing in Australia?

It’s possible for non-residents to be eligible for property loans in Australia. Although, the criteria and conditions are stricter compared to those for Australian residents.

What other property assets would help to diversify my Australian property investment portfolio?

You could consider commercial properties such as office buildings or retail spaces, industrial properties like warehouses, and specialised properties such as student accommodation or even agricultural land.

Each of these Australian real estate asset classes has its own set of demand drivers, risk profiles and potential returns, offering different avenues for diversification and income generation.

# Cilla’s takeaways on buying property in Australia

“Australia’s stable growth of real estate and new-build opportunities for capital growth and higher-than-average rental yield ticks a lot of boxes for investing. But understanding the nuances of foreign buying in that market is complicated.

Therefore, it’s crucial to research the specific regulations of the state or territory where you intend to buy property in Australia. Do seek local legal and financial advice to ensure a smooth buying journey.

Property NXT helps ensure a seamless process by understanding whether our buyers are wearing an investor’s hat or a to-live-in hat. We primarily focus on investing and building wealth for our clients through Australian property investment.”

# For foreigners or Singaporeans looking to buy property in Australia

What are the requirements needed for foreigners to be able to buy Australian property?

As of April 2025, foreign persons are largely restricted to purchasing new builds, off-the-plan properties or vacant land for development where construction is expected within four years. Temporary residents may be able to purchase an established dwelling as their principal residence but typically must sell it when they leave Australia.

Can the Australian property be leased out after the purchase is complete?

It’s possible to do so for a decent rental yield. Speak with an Australian property investment consultancy. They’ll guide you to the right property management partners to maximise your returns.

What kind of financing is available for foreigners?

Foreigners, non-citizens and PRs will need to obtain approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board before they can buy property in Australia. Overseas lenders may also require a larger deposit and proof of income earned in a recognised currency, and they may charge higher interest rates.

# Luke’s three tips for anyone new to the Australian property market

1. Consider your investment goals. Are you looking to invest or a home to live in? The property market in Australia, like most other countries, is cyclical. Property NXT capitalises on Australia’s property market cycles by strategically investing in rising core markets. This enables capital growth for our clients by identifying opportunities before they peak.

2. Prepare for long-term strategies and know the economic drivers for locations you want to buy in. As an overseas investor, you’ll build a stronger portfolio if you think long term. Australia has a high Capital Gains Tax of up to 47% for overseas investors and non-residents and higher trades and construction costs. This impacts the profit that might be made from short term dreams of buy-and-flip to resell.

3. Work with a trusted partner who understands the expat/foreign landscape. They should be able to guide you through the buying process and validate the steps with you. Investing while living overseas is scary – there’s a lot of policies to navigate, due to differing state and territory laws and taxes regarding Australian property. Knowing where, when and how is critical.

About Property NXT

If you’re looking to buy property in Australia from Singapore, Property NXT offers bespoke services to help navigate the complexities of buying from overseas. Both Luke and Cilla are Australians living in Singapore. They have a combined 14 years of experience as expats here, actively investing in Australian property. This has given them a firsthand understanding of the scenarios that arise with property investment. Luke also has 25 years of experience working in Australian real estate. Together, they maintain strong partnerships with a wide network of local and national developers, real estate specialists, mortgage brokers, tax agents and wealth managers. This, they say, enables Property NXT to tailor personalised property strategies and solutions that meet an investor’s unique goals and priorities.

The consultancy mainly focuses on investment purchase for eligibility and maximised returns, such as equity gains. These are either new builds – off-plan or house and land packages – for residential or commercial property investments. Luke says of Property NXT’s approach, “We start with a zero-pressure conversation. This helps us to understand your needs from specific requirements to general inquiries. Our priority is to ensure you feel comfortable, well informed and secure in an Australian investment designed for returns.”

Coming up!

Property NXT presents: Mastering Property & Share Investments

Gain a deeper understanding of the Australian property market from Luke and Cilla at their upcoming event on Wednesday 21 May from 6pm to 8pm at 1880 Singapore.

They’ll dive into practical insights that will help you make informed decisions on buying real estate in Australia. These include understanding the cost and benefits of each Australian property class, building a diversified portfolio, and how to leverage both property and shares to build your wealth.

For more information about the event and to register, head to their website.

propertynxtaustralia.com
cilla@propertynxtaustralia.com

For more articles about property and investment, see our Living in Singapore section. Also, read about the best things to do in Singapore!