Big News for First-Home Buyers in Australia

If you’ve been trying to crack into the property market, you know how tough it can be - especially when you're up against buyers with bigger budgets and faster approvals.

Well, here's a bit of breathing room.

From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, the Australian Government is putting a temporary ban on foreign buyers purchasing existing homes. That means for the next two years, overseas investors won’t be competing for the same properties as local buyers like you.

What does this actually mean?

Here’s how it could play out if you’re a first-home buyer:

1. Less competition

With fewer buyers in the mix - especially at auctions and private sales - you might not have to stretch as far or move as fast just to stay in the game.

2. Prices could steady a little

No promises (the property market is always a bit unpredictable), but with less demand from overseas buyers, there's a chance prices could level out a bit. That might give you more time - and less pressure - when making an offer.

3. More homes on the market

The government reckons this move could help free up thousands of homes a year. That’s good news if you’ve been finding it hard to spot the right place or keep missing out.

4. Foreign buyers aren’t locked out completely

To be clear - overseas buyers can still purchase new builds or vacant land to develop, just not existing homes. The idea is to redirect that demand into creating more housing stock rather than competing for the ones already here.

What this means for you:

If you’re planning to buy your first home sometime in the next year or two, this change could give you an edge - fewer buyers to compete with, and potentially better conditions to negotiate.

• Less buyer pressure

• More properties to choose from

• A bit more confidence when you go to make an offer

What do you think?

Will this move help local buyers get ahead? Or do you think there’s more that could be done?