Can New Zealand Citizens Buy Property in Australia?

Absolutely — the answer is a big YES!

The short answer to this question is Yes! But the long answer may surprise you. If you’re a New Zealander who’s planning to migrate to Australia, there are multiple ways in which you can become a homeowner in Australia. You can also invest in Australian real estate while living in New Zealand. When it comes to purchasing properties in Australia, New Zealanders are treated as Australian citizens. New Zealanders enjoy several advantages over other foreign buyers when it comes to investing in Australian real estate.

A Complete Guide to Buying Property in Australia from New Zealand in 2025

Now New Zealand Citizens Buy Property in Australia

The Legal Framework for Migration of New Zealanders in Australia

New Zealanders are granted a Special Category Visa or SCV (Subclass 444) upon arrival. It allows them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. SCV exempts a New Zealand Citizen from obtaining approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before purchasing residential property in Australia, whether they’re living in Australia at the time of purchase.

However, to purchase rural or commercial property in Australia, New Zealand Citizens with SCV must obtain approval from FIRB just like other foreign nationals. Overall, New Zealanders enjoy greater benefits than other foreign nationals when it comes to purchasing residential properties in Australia.

Do New Zealand Citizens Qualify for First Home Owners Grant?

New Zealand citizens on an SCV are treated as permanent residents for FHOG purposes, making them eligible to receive First Home-Owners Grant.

FHOG or First Home-Owners Grant is a national scheme co-funded by state and federal government, assisting first time home buyers through a once-off payment for purchasing or building their first home. The amount of grant and eligibility criteria vary from state to state. For instance, Queensland offers a $15,000 grant for new homes valued at less than $750,000, whereas Victoria provides a $10,000 grant for new homes in metropolitan areas and $20,000 in regional areas, with property value caps.

Even though the eligibility criteria vary by state, the general criteria includes that the property to be purchased/built is new, residential, under $750,000 in value, and occupied by the purchaser for at least 12 months after purchase. Already owning a residential property in New Zealand does not disqualify you from claiming benefits under FHOG in Australia.

Home Loans for New Zealand Citizens in Australia

Now You Can Buying Property in Australia From New Zealand

Eligibility

New Zealand citizens can buy property in Australia.

Loan Amounts

Interest Rates

Visa Holders

Government Approval

Stamp Duty

First Home Owner Grant

Home Guarantee Scheme

Investment Properties

Non-Resident Withholding Tax

Do Stamp Duty Concessions Apply To New Zealand Citizens?

Australian state governments charge stamp duty on property transactions which is generally around 3%. However, the exact duty varies from state to state. Some states allow exemption from paying stamp duty or a much-reduced stamp duty to first time home buyers. For instance, the state of Victoria exempts stamp duty for homes valued up to AUD $600,000 and offers concessions in stamp duty for homes valued between $600,000 to $750,000. Similarly, Queensland provides concessions in stamp duty for first homebuyers meeting specific eligibility criteria.

New Zealanders purchasing their first home in Australia, whether they own a residential property in New Zealand, usually qualify for these concessions in stamp duty. However, they must meet state wise specific eligibility criteria. For instance, in New South Wales, New Zealanders must reside in Australia for 200 days continuously within 12 months to qualify for stamp duty exemption.

Are NZ Citizens eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme?

Home Guarantee Scheme allows eligible first time buyers to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5% without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). NZ Citizens on an SCV (subclass 444) visa are eligible for the Home Guarantee Scheme, subject to meeting income and property value thresholds.

Are NZ Citizens Exempt from Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty?

An Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) is an extra 8% of duty that applies to transactions that are liable for transfer duty, landholder duty, or corporate trustee duty. The percentage of AFAD may vary from state to state. For instance, Queensland charges a 7% AFAD while Victoria imposes an AFAD of 8%. As a NZ Citizen, you are generally exempt from paying AFAD if you’re in Australia at the time of contract signing and settlement.

Do Land Tax Surcharges apply to NZ Citizens?

Different states have different rules when it comes to application of Land Tax Surcharges on foreign homeowners. In states like New South Wales, Land Tax Surcharges apply to foreign owners. However, NZ Citizens may be exempt if they are ‘ordinarily resident’ in Australia, meaning living in the country for continuous 200 days or more in the 12 months before purchase.

Can Kiwisaver Be Used To Buy A Home In Australia?

Prior to April 1, 2015, individuals who had contributed to KiwiSaver for at least three years were permitted to withdraw most of their funds to assist with purchasing a first home, provided a minimum balance of NZD $1,000 remaining in their account. However, the enactment of the Taxation (KiwiSaver HomeStart and Remedial Matters) Act 2015 introduced a significant change: withdrawals for first-home purchases are now restricted exclusively to properties located within New Zealand. This amendment clarified previous ambiguities and ensured that government contributions were utilized solely for domestic housing purposes.

For New Zealand citizens residing in Australia, there remains a viable pathway to utilize their KiwiSaver savings towards purchasing property. Under the Trans-Tasman retirement savings portability agreement, individuals can transfer their entire KiwiSaver balance to a complying Australian superannuation fund that accepts such transfers. It’s important to note that not all Australian super funds accept KiwiSaver transfers; funds like First Super are among the few that do.

Once transferred, the KiwiSaver funds are treated as non-concessional (after-tax) contributions within the Australian superannuation system. These funds are then subject to Australia’s superannuation rules and regulations.

Utilizing Transferred Funds Through the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme

The Australian Government’s First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme allows individuals to make voluntary contributions to their superannuation fund to save for their first home. Under this scheme, eligible individuals can access up to AUD $15,000 of voluntary contributions per financial year, with a total cap of AUD $50,000. Transferred KiwiSaver funds are considered personal voluntary contributions and can be accessed under the FHSS scheme, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Key Considerations:

Eligibility: To access funds under the FHSS scheme, individuals must meet specific criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer and intending to live in the purchased property for at least six months within the first year of ownership.
Application Process: Before signing a contract to purchase a property, individuals must apply for and receive a determination from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) confirming their eligibility to access FHSS funds.
Transfer Process: Transferring KiwiSaver funds to an Australian superannuation fund can take approximately 2–6 weeks. It's essential to plan accordingly to ensure funds are available when needed.

Summary: Key Takeaways for NZ Citizens Buying Property in Australia

Yes, NZ Citizens can buy property in Australia and are treated as residents for residential purchases.
No FIRB approval needed for residential property under a Special Category Visa (SCV444).
NZ Citizens are eligible for First Home Owner Grant (FHOG).
New Zealanders are also eligible for stamp duty concessions available in many states for first home buyers.
New Zealand Citizens are eligible for Home Guarantee Scheme, allowing you to buy with 5% deposit, no LMI.
If residing in Australia, NZ Citizens are exempt from Foreign Buyer Surcharges (AFAD).
KiwiSaver can't be used directly to buy a home in Australia but can be transferred to Aussie super.
Transferred KiwiSaver funds may be used under the First Home Super Saver (FHSS), however, the process may take several weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need approval from the government?

Short answer: No—not for standard residential property. As an NZ citizen, you don’t need FIRB approval for buying a home or investment property (residential). Your process is almost identical to that of an Australian citizen.
If you’re looking to buy commercial real estate, some restrictions apply and FIRB approval may be required.
Need clarity? Speak to a our expert consultants today for a one-on-one consultation.

What should NZ citizens know before buying in Australia?

Here’s the fast list:

You’re legally allowed to buy
You can access most grants and schemes
Loans are accessible
No FIRB approval needed
Watch for state-based taxes
FHSS is your friend (if used smart)

The lesson learned is that you receive better treatment than most foreigners. Use it.

What About The First Home Owners Grant – Are New Zealand Citizens Eligible?

Yes. In most cases, New Zealand citizens living in Australia on a Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) are considered permanent residents for the purposes of the $15,000 FHOG.

Each state has slightly different rules. For example:

In NSW, you’ll need to have lived in Australia for 200+ days before qualifying.

Plus, as a first-time home buyer, you could qualify for stamp duty exemptions—potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars.
Not sure if you’re eligible? We’ll assess your situation, free of charge.

Can I Use Equity To Buy A Property In Australia (From My Property In New Zealand)?

Absolutely—and we can help you structure it. Here’s how it works:

The Process:

Refinance your NZ property to release equity — this requires speaking with your NZ lender.
Use that equity as your deposit or contribution towards an Australian property purchase.

Quick Equity Math:

Up to 80% of your NZ home’s value (if owner-occupied)
Up to 60% of your NZ investment property’s value

If you want to borrow beyond that, it’s possible, but may come with higher interest rates.

Our finance team at Blue Chip can connect you with lenders who understand cross-border equity deals.

What documentation will I need to apply?

To speed up your approval process, you’ll want to have:

Valid ID
Recent payslips
Bank statements
Any visa or residency documents (if applicable)

Pro tip: The more prepared you are, the faster we can get you approved. Need help? Our property advisors will walk you through every document.

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