5 Key Questions Every Home Buyer Should Understand in 2026
Queensland remains one of the most popular destinations for New Zealand citizens buying property in Australia, whether for relocation, lifestyle change, or long-term investment. While New Zealanders benefit from several legal exemptions compared to other foreign buyers, important rules still apply around FIRB, transfer duty, additional foreign acquirer duty, and government grants.
Below are the five most frequently asked questions we receive from New Zealand citizens considering a property purchase in Queensland, updated for current law and practice.
Question 1: Do New Zealand citizens need FIRB approval to buy property in Australia?
In most residential cases, no.
New Zealand citizens are generally exempt from Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval when purchasing residential property in Australia. For FIRB purposes, New Zealand citizens are treated in the same way as Australian buyers and can purchase:
- Established residential homes
- Vacant residential land
- Off-the-plan apartments
without needing FIRB consent.
This exemption also applies where a New Zealand citizen is:
- A shareholder in an Australian company, or
- Acting as trustee of a trust
However, FIRB approval may still be required for certain types of commercial or sensitive land, depending on the structure and value of the transaction. Legal advice should be obtained before exchange where commercial property is involved.
Question 2: Do New Zealand citizens have to pay Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) in Queensland?
It depends on your residency status at the time of purchase.
In Queensland, Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) is currently 8 percent and this is on top of standard transfer duty. Whether a New Zealand citizen must pay AFAD depends on where they are living and their visa status.
You are exempt from AFAD if:
- You are a New Zealand citizen
- You are physically present in Australia at the time of purchase
- You hold a Special Category Visa (subclass 444)
Most New Zealand passport holders are automatically granted a subclass 444 visa on arrival in Australia. However if you only entered into Australian and obtain the subclass 444 visa for the sole purpose of purchasing property then you may still have to pay AFAD.
AFAD may apply if:
- You are living outside Australia at the time the contract is entered into
- You do not hold a qualifying visa
AFAD eligibility is assessed strictly, and errors can result in significant reassessments and penalties.
Question 3: Can New Zealand citizens receive the Queensland First Home Owner Grant?
Yes, in many cases.
New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) are treated as permanent residents for the purposes of the Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG).
To qualify:
- The property must be a new home or substantially renovated home
- The total value (home and land) must be $750,000 or less
- The buyer must never have received a First Home Owner Grant in Australia
- The buyer must not have previously owned and lived in residential property in Australia
Eligible applicants must:
- Move into the home within 12 months of settlement
- Live there as their principal place of residence for at least 6 continuous months
The current Queensland First Home Owner Grant is $30,000 (subject to government policy at the time of application).
Question 4: Are New Zealand citizens eligible for Queensland transfer duty concessions?
Yes. Australian citizenship is not required.
To learn more, please check this article: First Home Buyer QLD – Grants & Concessions | No borders
Question 5: Are there restrictions on the type of property New Zealand citizens can buy?
Generally, no for residential property.
Unlike most foreign buyers, New Zealand citizens holding a subclass 444 visa are exempt from FIRB residential purchase restrictions. This means they can usually purchase:
- Existing residential homes
- Vacant residential land
- Off-the-plan developments
This exemption provides New Zealand citizens with greater flexibility and fewer regulatory hurdles compared to other overseas buyers.
Buying Property in Queensland as a New Zealand Citizen? Get Advice Early
While New Zealand citizens enjoy favourable treatment under Australian property law, mistakes around visa status, AFAD, grant eligibility, or duty concessions can be costly and difficult to unwind after contract exchange.
At NB Property Law, we assist New Zealand buyers by:
- Confirming FIRB and duty obligations
- Advising on grant and concession eligibility
- Reviewing contracts before signing
- Managing conveyancing from exchange to settlement
Early legal advice ensures your purchase is structured correctly and compliant from the outset.
Contact NB Property Law for tailored advice if you are a New Zealand citizen planning to buy property in Queensland.