FIRB

Foreign Investment Review Board

The federal body that approves foreign purchases of Australian residential property.

The Foreign Investment Review Board administers Australia's foreign investment framework, including residential property purchases by non-citizens. Most foreign buyers must apply for FIRB approval before signing a contract — applications attract a fee from approximately $14,700 (2026 rates, indexed). Approval is generally restricted to new dwellings or vacant land for development; established homes are usually off-limits.