2002
Freehold for foreigners
In designated areas since 2002
International Property
Beyond Australia
United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Indonesia (Bali) and Thailand.
United Arab Emirates · Country overview
Freehold property for foreigners in designated areas of Dubai.
How ownership works for Australians buying in Dubai. IPM introduces you to Elite Property DXB, an independent agency registered with RERA in Dubai.
UAE — at a glance
Buying in Dubai: the basics
General information only. Rules and fees change; Elite Property DXB can explain current costs for a specific property.
No CGT
UAE capital gains tax
On residential property held by individuals; Australian tax still applies
AED
USD-pegged dirham
~3.67 AED to 1 USD since 1997
Owning property in Dubai
Owning property in United Arab Emirates as an Australian resident.
Foreigners can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai. The UAE doesn't currently charge capital gains tax or annual property tax on residential property held by individuals, but Australian tax still applies to Australian residents.
Buying costs include a Dubai Land Department transfer fee. Elite Property DXB can explain current costs for a specific property.
United Kingdom · Country overview
New-build homes in London and across the UK.
New-build homes in London and across the UK, shown with indicative AUD pricing. Enquiries are passed to Elite Property DXB's licensed local agency partner.
United Kingdom — at a glance
Buying in the United Kingdom: the basics
General information only. Rules change; confirm them with a UK solicitor and your own tax adviser.
+2%
Non-resident SDLT surcharge
England; plus 5% if you already own another home
Leasehold
Title structure
Common on new-build flats; freehold for houses
GBP
Pound sterling
Prices shown with indicative AUD conversion
What the structure looks like
Owning property in United Kingdom as an Australian resident.
UK title is typically leasehold for new-build flats, with annual ground rent and a service charge, and freehold for houses. Non-UK residents pay a 2% surcharge on top of standard Stamp Duty Land Tax in England, plus a further 5% if they already own another home. Rates differ in Scotland and Wales. Solicitor and survey fees apply.
Australian tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income, including UK rental income. The Australia–UK tax treaty can reduce double taxation; a tax adviser can explain how it applies.
Bali, Indonesia · Country overview
Villas and apartments in Bali.
Villas and apartments in Canggu, Uluwatu, Berawa and Ubud, shown with indicative AUD pricing. Enquiries are passed to Elite Property DXB's licensed local agency partner.
Bali — at a glance
Buying in Bali: the basics
General information only. Rules change; confirm them with an Indonesian notary or lawyer and your own tax adviser.
Leasehold
Common for foreigners
Freehold land is not available to foreigners
Hak Pakai
Right-of-use title
Has limits; get local legal advice
IDR
Indonesian rupiah
Prices shown with indicative AUD conversion
What the structure looks like
Owning property in Bali as an Australian resident.
Foreigners can't own freehold land in Indonesia. Common structures include long leases and the right-of-use title (Hak Pakai). Each has limits and risks; get advice from an Indonesian notary or lawyer.
Australian tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income, including rental income from Bali. Indonesia has its own tax rules for property income. Speak to your own Indonesian notary and Australian tax adviser before committing.
Thailand · Country overview
Villas in Phuket and condominiums in Bangkok.
Villas in Phuket and condominiums in Bangkok, shown with indicative AUD pricing. Enquiries are passed to Elite Property DXB's licensed local agency partner.
Thailand — at a glance
Buying in Thailand: the basics
General information only. Rules change; confirm them with a Thai lawyer and your own tax adviser.
49%
Foreign condominium quota
Per condominium building
Up to 30 yrs
Registered lease (villas)
Renewal options may not be enforceable
THB
Thai baht
Prices shown with indicative AUD conversion
What the structure looks like
Owning property in Thailand as an Australian resident.
Foreigners can own condominium units within the 49% foreign quota of a building. Foreigners can't own land in Thailand. Villas are often held on a registered lease of up to 30 years; renewal options may not be enforceable. Thai company structures carry legal restrictions. Get advice from a Thai lawyer.
Australian tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income, including rental income from Thailand. The Australia–Thailand tax treaty can reduce double taxation; a tax adviser can explain how it applies.