Foreigners are generally prohibited from buying established dwellings, but as of April 2025, a temporary ban strictly limits purchases to new builds o... Read Morer vacant land for development. Private islands are subject to Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval, with application fees starting around AU$14,000. Most islands are held as long-term crown leases (often 99 years) rather than freehold. Buyers must demonstrate that their investment will increase housing stock or provide significant economic benefits to the region. Read Less