Gowah

I am in Brisbane on a 457 visa and I am seriously contemplating the purchase of a new house. Can anyone recommend a Brisbane solicitor for the conveyancing but who is also expert in getting a quick and best value decision from the FIRB process ?

Thanks

Vanessa

You certainly don't need to spend money etc on a solicitor for this process. Just do it online ( http://www.firb.gov.au/content/application_form.asp). However, you do need to make the contract for sale subject to FIRB approval, otherwise you will be in breach of the rules. FIRB also need to see sight of this term of the contract when you send the application in.

If you want to call me to discuss this then pm me and I will let you know my telephone number.

I, and many others on here, have done this.

Edit: When I say this process, I mean the FIRB application or rules. All can be found online at http://www.firb.gov.au/content/faq.asp?NavID=7

Suni&Jay

I didn't think you need FRIB for brand new homes, only for second hand?

Timber Floor Au

You could be right, the FIRB foreign investment review board, would be for foreigners buying a brand new home ( un occupied )

I would have thought any conveyancing solicitor could help you.

Surely the FIRB website, lists some faqs with regard to procedure?

Suni&Jay

I'm sure you don't need FIRB approval IF it is your home that you are going to live in.

Timber Floor Au

isnt a 457 a temp visa? which would imply you are not a 100% resident.. which would imply you are a foreigner?
The unoccupied bit, means that the home must be new and unoccupied at time of purchase

Gowah

Thanks for all the comments to date. I am reasonably familiar with the FIRB rules in relation to a 457 visa holder, i.e. no problem if never previously occupied new build and less than 50% of development is sold to "foreigners"; or self build on new plot of land, etc. However, there is a very fine line in the less than 50% criteria, so I do not want to find myself in the position of having to immediately sell the property if I ultimately decide to leave Australia, whilst still on a 457 visa.

Thus, I want to engage a solicitor that already has a good established relationship with the FIRB so that a quick and liberal decision is obtained from the FIRB. I need to move into my selected property before this Christmas.

Timber Floor Au

so basically you want to buy a FIRB approved home, and should the need arise, be able to rent it out when you leave the country??

Gowah

Yes that is correct.

Timber Floor Au

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