What do I need to know when buying property in Australia?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Australia, they said...
"1. First, it is important to understand the local market, research and compare prices of properties in the area in which you wish to purchase. 2. Talk to a buyer's agent and/or property attorney to get help, advice and assistance in the purchase process. 3. Familiarize yourself with Australian laws and regulations regarding property ownership. 4. Get a building and pest inspection to assess the condition of the property before purchasing. 5. Make sure you have appropriate insurance in place to cover any unexpected costs. 6. Be aware of any hidden costs, such as transfer fees, mortgaging fees, legal fees, and other fees associated with the purchase. 7. Consider long-term maintenance costs for the property. 8. Speak to a qualified tax adviser to make sure that you are aware of any tax implications associated with the purchase. 9. Have a clear plan of action and timeline, and know what steps need to be taken in order to purchase the property. 10. Investigate the loan options available to you, and ensure that you are making a decision that is financially responsible," said a member in Australia.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Other Questions:
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- Are common prescription medications available in Australia?
- How are local medical facilities in Australia?
- As a foreigner living in Australia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know when buying property in Australia?
If you live in Australia, newcomers to Australia would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.