Buying property in Japan and Australia as a foreigner

Japan and Australia are two markets many Vietnamese families look at, often because a child is studying there or a relative works there. The rules for foreign buyers in the two countries could hardly be more different. This guide summarises the published position so you know whether you can buy and what to prepare. It is general information; talk to a local lawyer before any transaction.

Japan: you can buy, but it brings no visa

Japan has no law preventing foreigners from buying property; you hold title just as a Japanese owner would, land included. Three points matter, though:

• Owning property gives you no right to live there. You still need a visa for study, work or family reasons.
• Loans are hard for non-residents: Japanese banks usually require Japanese residence and Japanese-source income, so many foreigners buy in cash.
• Sensitive areas: land near defence sites and critical infrastructure can be subject to surveys and notification under separate legislation.

Costs and taxes when buying in Japan

Non-residents who buy in Japan usually have to file a post-transaction report under Japan's foreign-exchange law; your agent or scrivener will guide you.

Australia: established homes banned until March 2027

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, the Australian government has banned foreign persons, including temporary residents such as students and temporary workers, from buying established dwellings. Narrow exceptions exist, for example redevelopment that adds at least 20 homes, or commercial-scale housing such as student accommodation and aged care. The government will review whether the ban continues after 2027.

Australia: new homes and vacant land need FIRB approval

• Foreign buyers are generally limited to new dwellings or vacant land to build on, and need prior approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), with an application fee.
• States charge extra stamp duty and land-tax surcharges for foreign purchasers.
• A home left empty for most of the year can attract an annual vacancy fee.
• The Australian Taxation Office is stepping up audits of foreigners approved to buy vacant land.

Quick comparison

Points for buyers from Vietnam

• Sending money abroad must follow Vietnam's foreign-exchange rules; ask your bank and a lawyer first.
• If your child studies in Australia and you hoped to buy an existing flat for them, that is not possible during the ban; renting is the realistic option.
• Be wary of marketing that promises residency through property or guaranteed returns.

Wherever you buy, small homes benefit from smart storage. For new projects and price lists from licensed agents, get the project price list on Zalo. If you are comparing with buying in Vietnam, read our legal guide to buying in Vietnam.

Official sources worth reading

For Australia, read the residential land guidance published by the Treasury and FIRB, and your state revenue office's page on foreign purchaser surcharges. For Japan, ask a licensed agent and a judicial scrivener about foreign-exchange reporting and local taxes. Rules change, so always check when a page was last updated before relying on it.

Note: iqiland.com is not the developer's official website. Information is compiled from public sources; prices and terms are published by the developer or its appointed agents. Check the legal position before any transaction. We make no promise of returns.