Red_V_Roger

The changes to people on temp visa e.g. 457 buying a house have been brought in today (they were reported Dec '08, but not legal until now). It is no longer a requirement to get FIRB approval if it is your only and main home.

See www.firb.gov.au for details.

This makes those wishing to buy at auction much easier also.

scamp1976

Well that's stupid. What will happen to your house when you get evicted from the country after your temporary visa expires ?
It will work for stupid people I guess... When they are evicted the PR's will get some cheap housing off their auctions...

Red_V_Roger

I guess that you'll sell it, may be make a profit and not have been paying $2000+ a month as dead money in rent.

Babsw

I think the op was referring to people who move out on temp visas such as the SIR which convert to perm. visas after a required time, not people on holiday visas or students travelling around the country.

Geelong Gent

Finally

Now I can transfer ownership to the wife (no stamp duty payable between husband and wife).