mercuryRising

Can anyone help me?

I migrated to australia in december on a defacto spouse visa (so I am in my first two years sub visa category).

We (my australian partner and I) want to buy a house, but I don't know if I am allowed to our not?

I have tried checking out the government websites but there is a little confusion. I think it says I can, but do I still have to apply for permission from the FRIB?

Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Michael

Taylorbrook

Hi Michael,

I wrote to the FIRB with a similar question, this was the email they sent me:

"Australian citizens and foreign spouses who are acquiring residential
real estate in Australia as joint tenants are exempt from the need to seek
foreign investment approval. However if your wife were to buy the property
in her name only, foreign investment approval would be required."

So I read this as: as your partner is Australian then you should be able to buy a house together without getting prior approval.

Scott

mercuryRising

Thanks, that was the impression I was getting, but as always it doesn't spell it out in black and white in their material. Finger's crossed then!

MrsDagboy

Michael, as Scott has said, you will be ok as long as you buy in joint names & as joint tenants (not tenants in common). We are in the same position as you (Im an aussie, Dagboy is on temp visa) & had no probs buying the house we now own.

Good luck .