Overseas Buyer Guide

海外买家指南

Your complete guide to purchasing Australian property from overseas. Everything you need to know about FIRB approval, costs, and the buying process.

中文简介 (Chinese Summary)

6 Carinya Ave, Brighton-Le-Sands - 悉尼海滨经典独栋别墅

✓ 3卧室 2浴室 2车位
✓ 双层砖结构，高装饰天花板
✓ 东北朝向后院，阳光充足
✓ 步行5分钟到海滩
✓ 拍卖日期：2026年2月21日（周六）上午11:15现场拍卖

海外买家须知： 需要FIRB（外国投资审查委员会）批准。我们的代理Michael Kalinovski可以协助您完成整个购买流程，包括FIRB申请、建筑检查安排、拍卖代理竞标等服务。

联系方式： Michael Kalinovski
电话/微信：+61 411 81 81 71
邮箱：[email protected]

1. FIRB Approval Process

The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) regulates foreign investment in Australian real estate. All overseas buyers must obtain FIRB approval before purchasing property.

📋 What You Need to Know

Application Required: Must be submitted before signing the contract
Processing Time: Typically 30 days (can be expedited to 10 days for additional fee)
Application Fee: Varies based on property value (see table below)
Valid Period: 12 months from approval date

FIRB Application Fees (2026)

Property Value	FIRB Fee
Under $1 million	$13,200
$1 million to $2 million	$26,400
$2 million to $3 million	$39,600
$3 million to $4 million	$52,800
Over $4 million	$66,000+

⚠️ Important: FIRB generally only approves new or substantially renovated dwellings for foreign purchasers. Established homes like 6 Carinya Ave may require temporary residence status or special circumstances. Contact Michael for specific guidance on your eligibility.

2. Total Cost Breakdown

Understanding all costs involved in purchasing Australian property:

Upfront Costs

Cost Item	Estimated Amount	Notes
Purchase Price	Auction Price	Set at auction or by negotiation
Stamp Duty (Foreign Buyer Surcharge)	4% + 8% surcharge = 12%	NSW Government tax on property transfers
FIRB Application Fee	$13,200+	Based on property value (see above)
Building & Pest Inspection	$500 - $800	Highly recommended before purchase
Conveyancing/Legal Fees	$1,500 - $3,000	Solicitor or conveyancer fees
Strata Report (if applicable)	$150 - $250	Not applicable for houses

Ongoing Costs (Annual)

Council Rates: $1,200 - $2,000/year
Water Rates: $600 - $1,000/year
Property Management: 5-8% of rental income (if renting out)
Insurance: $800 - $1,500/year
Annual Tax Return: $500 - $2,000 (if generating rental income)

💡 Example Calculation: For a property purchased at $2,000,000:
• Purchase Price: $2,000,000
• Stamp Duty (12%): $240,000
• FIRB Fee: $26,400
• Other costs: ~$5,000
Total Initial Investment: ~$2,271,400

3. Buying at Auction from Overseas

Can't attend in person? Here are your options:

Option 1: Bidding by Phone

Register with the agent 24-48 hours before auction
Provide identification and proof of funds
Agent will call you during the auction
You instruct the auctioneer through the agent

Option 2: Appoint a Bidding Proxy

Authorize a trusted person in Australia to bid on your behalf
Provide written authority and bidding limits
Proxy must be registered with identification
You can instruct them in real-time during auction

Option 3: Pre-Auction Offer

Submit an offer before the auction date
If accepted, auction may be cancelled
Strong offers often considered by vendors
Must include FIRB approval condition

🤝 Michael Can Help

Michael Kalinovski has extensive experience assisting overseas buyers. He can:

Arrange phone or proxy bidding
Conduct video inspections via WhatsApp/WeChat
Recommend solicitors experienced with overseas buyers
Coordinate building inspections
Provide FIRB application guidance
Communicate in your timezone

4. Purchase Timeline for Overseas Buyers

Typical timeline from initial interest to settlement:

Weeks 1-2: Research & FIRB Application

• Research properties online
• Submit FIRB application (30-day processing)
• Schedule video inspections with agent

Weeks 3-4: Due Diligence

• Arrange building & pest inspection
• Review contract with solicitor
• Prepare finance approval (if required)
• Register for auction

Week 5: Auction Day

• FIRB approval received
• Bid by phone/proxy/pre-auction offer
• If successful, sign contract on the day
• Pay 10% deposit immediately

Weeks 6-10: Settlement Period

• Typical settlement: 6 weeks from auction
• Finalize finance approval
• Transfer remaining 90% payment
• Legal transfer completed

Post-Settlement

• Property ownership transferred
• Arrange property management (if renting)
• Set up utility accounts
• Notify FIRB of acquisition completion

5. Why Brighton-Le-Sands for International Buyers?

✈️ Prime Location

15 minutes to Sydney Airport - Easy for international travel
5 minutes walk to beach - Lady Robinsons Beach
30-40 minutes to Sydney CBD - Direct bus and train connections

🏘️ Lifestyle Amenities

Grand Parade café strip with diverse dining (Asian, Greek, Italian)
Large Chinese and Vietnamese community
Quality schools in catchment area
Safe, family-friendly neighborhood

📈 Investment Potential

Strong rental demand from airport workers and students
Consistent capital growth in Bayside suburbs
Limited supply of character homes near beach
Renovation potential to add value

🌏 International Appeal

Multicultural community with established Asian grocers and restaurants
Easy to rent to international students and workers
Strong demand from Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean buyers
Proximity to UNSW and University of Sydney

Ready to Discuss Your Purchase?

Michael Kalinovski specializes in assisting overseas buyers through the Australian property market

📞 Call Michael 📧 Email Michael

WeChat/WhatsApp: +61 411 81 81 71
微信/WhatsApp：+61 411 81 81 71