Buying property in Australia from the UK

Our guide

Property Search and Legal Requirements

The first step in buying property in Australia is to choose the location and type of property that best suits your lifestyle and needs. It's crucial to familiarise yourself with Australian property law and consider engaging a local real estate agent or conveyancer to manage the legal aspects of the transaction.

Financing Your Australian Property Purchase

Your Australian property purchase can be financed using a UK mortgage, an Australian mortgage, or cash. Australian banks often have specific loans for non-residents, but these can come with stricter requirements. To save on international money transfers, consider using a currency exchange specialist like Equals Money, who offer competitive exchange rates and in-house expertise, optimising your GBP to AUD transfers.

The Property Buying Process in Australia

The Australian property buying process typically involves the following key steps:

1. Making an Offer: After finding a suitable property, you'll make an offer. If the seller accepts, a Contract of Sale is drafted.
2. Cooling Off Period: This period allows the buyer to conduct inspections and secure financing. If the buyer pulls out during this time, a small penalty may be incurred.
3. Settlement: This is when the balance of the purchase price is paid, and the title deed is transferred.

Taxes and Fees

When buying property in Australia, you'll need to account for various taxes and fees, including:

a. Stamp Duty: This is a tax on the property purchase and varies by state and property value.

b. Legal and Conveyancing fees: These costs cover the legal transfer of property ownership.

c. Inspection fees: Conducting building and pest inspections prior to purchase can help uncover potential issues.

Maximising Value on GBP to AUD International Money Transfers

To ensure you're getting the best value on your international money transfers, consider the following:

1. Use a currency exchange specialist: Equals Money offers competitive rates of exchange, which can result in considerable savings.
2. Set up a forward contract: This allows you to lock in an exchange rate for a future transfer and mitigate the risk from potential market fluctuations. Although should the rate continue to move after the contract has been agreed, you’ll still receive the original agreed exchange rate, presenting a potential disadvantage in choosing a forward contract. However, many looking to purchase property abroad find the stability offered by a forward contract outweighs this disadvantage.*
3. Monitor exchange rates: Keep a close eye on the GBP to AUD exchange rate and transfer funds when the rate is most favourable.

Summary

Purchasing property in Australia from the UK is an exciting journey that can lead to great rewards. By understanding the property buying process and using Equals Money, you can potentially maximise the value of your investment and implement a strategic approach to any necessary international money transfers. Take the first step towards owning a piece of the vast and diverse landscapes of Australia and experience a lifestyle marked by sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities.