The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is responsible for compliance and enforcement activities for residential real estate.
You cannot submit an application through the Foreign Investment Portal.
If you would like to invest in residential real estate (housing) you apply and pay the fee via the ATO's Online services for foreign investors.
To find out more about the vacancy fee, visit ATO's Vacancy fee for foreign owners.
If you need help on residential real estate applications, call the ATO on 1800 050 377.
For policy information, see Guidance Note 6: Residential land
Residential real estate applications
Lodge a residential property application with ato.gov.au before you purchase residential real estate (housing) or land in Australia
Use ATO Online Services for foreign investors after reading Residential property applications
When an application is not required
There are some situations where a residential real estate application is not required. For the full list of exemptions see Key Concepts.
| Exemption | Application required |
|---|---|
| Australian citizens living abroad | No |
| New Zealand citizens who hold, or are eligible for, a special category visa | No |
| Holders of Australian permanent residency visas | No |
Joint tenants who are purchasing with their:
|
No |