Complete 2026 Guide for Hong Kong Buyers Purchasing Property in Brisbane

In recent years, an increasing number of Hong Kong buyers have turned their attention to the Australian property market, with Brisbane emerging as one of the most popular destinations. Whether your goal is migration, owner-occupation, education planning, or overseas investment and asset diversification, understanding local regulations, processes, and risks is essential to making a successful property purchase.

This guide starts from the ground up, providing Hong Kong buyers with a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about purchasing property in Brisbane, including the latest 2025–2026 official data, tax rules, and market trends, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make well-informed decisions.

1. Introduction: Why Are More Hong Kong Buyers Choosing Brisbane?

With Hong Kong property prices remaining persistently high and ongoing political and economic changes, many Hong Kong families and investors are increasingly considering overseas property as a way to diversify assets and manage risk. Compared with Sydney, Brisbane’s key advantage lies in its value for money.

According to Cotality’s December 2025 data, Brisbane’s median house price has surpassed the AUD $1 million mark, reaching AUD $1,036,323. While this is still lower than Sydney, it means that the same budget can secure a larger and higher-quality property in Brisbane.

（Source: Cotality）

As shown in the data, Brisbane’s residential prices are currently at historical highs, with a quarterly increase of 5.6% and annual growth of 14.5%. This suggests the market has entered a new acceleration phase driven by structural growth, rather than a short-term rebound.

（Source: Cotality）

For families planning migration or sending children to study in Australia, Brisbane also offers lower living costs, a warm climate, and well-established Chinese communities (such as Sunnybank), making it a practical and balanced choice.

Three Primary Motivations

• Asset diversification and investment returns: Relatively lower entry prices with stable rental yields

• Preparation for migration or long-term residence: Strong infrastructure and livability, especially ahead of Olympic-related upgrades

• Education planning for children: Home to world-class universities such as UQ and QUT, and top private schools including St Peters and Brisbane Grammar

2. Brisbane Property Market Overview (as of December 2025)

Brisbane’s property prices have continued to rise in recent years, supported by population inflows, infrastructure investment, and economic growth. While prices have increased significantly since pre-pandemic levels, Brisbane remains more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne.

According to Domain’s December 2025 Quarterly Rental Report, both house and apartment rents in Brisbane reached record highs, at AUD $670 and $650 per week respectively, with quarterly increases of 3.1% and 3.2%, the highest among Australian capital cities. Annual rental growth reached 6.3% for houses and 8.3% for apartments, demonstrating that the rental market continues to accelerate despite high interest rates. Brisbane has now become one of Australia’s most expensive rental cities.

（Source: Domain https://www.domain.com.au/research/rental-report/december-2025/ ）

Meanwhile, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics is no longer just a sporting event—it represents a decade-long, nation-scale urban transformation project. The Queensland and Federal Governments have already announced and commenced major infrastructure projects covering transport upgrades, urban renewal, sports facilities, and industrial precinct redevelopment. With investments totaling tens of billions of Australian dollars, these projects will be delivered in stages, reshaping employment hubs, residential demand, and population flows over the long term.

Key Area Insights

• Brisbane CBD: Predominantly apartment supply with stable demand from professionals, students, and short-term residents. Suitable for liquidity-focused investors prioritizing location and building quality over pure capital growth.

• South Brisbane / West End: High-density, youthful demographic with strong cultural appeal. Rental resilience is high, though new supply levels require careful monitoring.

• Sunnybank: A benchmark for Chinese owner-occupiers and long-term holders. Characterised by defensive growth and strong downside protection rather than explosive price appreciation.

• Chermside: Northern Brisbane’s core commercial hub with strong transport, medical, and retail infrastructure. A mature non-CBD strategic node undergoing continuous value reassessment.

• Indooroopilly / Toowong: Premium lifestyle areas combining school zones, river views, and high-income households. Higher price base but strong asset quality and long-term stability.

3. Can Hong Kong Buyers Purchase Property in Australia? Legal and Residency Rules

Under Australian law, non-citizens and non-permanent residents must obtain approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) before purchasing property.

General Principles

• Non-residents may only purchase new properties or off-the-plan developments

• Temporary visa holders (e.g. student or work visas) may purchase one owner-occupied property under specific conditions

• Different residency statuses (non-resident, student visa, work visa, PR, citizen) carry distinct rules on property type eligibility, taxation, and ownership rights

Professional legal advice is strongly recommended before proceeding.

Application link: Foreign Investment in Australia

4. Step-by-Step Property Purchase Process

A typical process for Hong Kong buyers purchasing in Brisbane:

1. Define budget and purpose (owner-occupation vs investment) and assess FIRB requirements to avoid purchasing ineligible properties

2. Open an Australian bank account and consult lenders regarding financing options

3. Appoint a local agent or buyer’s agent to source properties, assess pricing, and negotiate

4. Submit FIRB application, ensuring the contract includes a FIRB approval condition

5. Sign contract and pay deposit (typically 10%), confirming cooling-off, inspection, and settlement terms

6. Conduct building and pest inspection to identify structural or termite risks

7. Settlement: Pay remaining balance and complete title transfer

Key principle: Compliance first, price second. A correct process matters more than speed.

5. Costs and Taxes Explained

Beyond the purchase price, total costs are often underestimated. Key expenses include:

Cost Item	Amount
Queensland Transfer Duty	~3.5%–5.75%
Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD)	8% of purchase price
FIRB Application Fee (2025–26)	From AUD $13,200
Legal / Conveyancing Fees	Market-based
Building & Pest Inspection	Market-based
Buyer’s Agent Fee	~2%–3%
Land Registration Fee	~AUD $238 + extras

(Sources: Queensland Revenue Office, Australian Taxation Office)

6. Mortgages and Financing Options for Hong Kong Buyers

Non-residents can still obtain Australian mortgages, though criteria are stricter.

Typical Conditions

• Deposit: 30%–40%

• Interest rates: ~0.5%–1.0% higher than local owner-occupiers (currently ~6.5%–7.5%)

• Documentation: Payslips, tax returns, employer letters, and bank statements (certified translations required)

Some buyers leverage Hong Kong properties or bank financing, but this introduces currency and cross-border tax risks, requiring professional advice.

7. Investment vs Owner-Occupier Hotspots

Investment-Focused Areas

• Brisbane CBD

• Fortitude Valley

• South Brisbane

• Woolloongabba

Chinese Owner-Occupier Areas

• Sunnybank

• Runcorn

• Eight Mile Plains

• Calamvale

Family & School-Zone Areas

• Indooroopilly

• Toowong

• Kenmore

• St Lucia

Infrastructure corridors, new rail stations, and urban renewal precincts are also key medium-to-long-term growth themes.

8. Common Pitfalls and Risks

• Off-the-plan delays or quality discrepancies

• Overestimated rental yields

• Currency fluctuations impacting returns

• Poor tax planning leading to unexpected costs

• Unfamiliarity with Australian contract structures

Most risks stem from information gaps, not the market itself.

9. Practical Tips from Successful Hong Kong Buyers

Successful buyers focus on building a professional local team first, including:

• Buyer’s agent

• Australian solicitor or conveyancer

• Accountant

• Mortgage broker

They also compare market data independently, inspect properties when possible, and avoid relying on single-project sales pitches.

10. Conclusion: Is Brisbane Right for You?

Suitable Buyers Typically

• Plan to hold for 5–10 years

• Accept currency and overseas management risks

• Have clear objectives

• Can handle negative cash flow

• Believe in Brisbane’s long-term growth

Brisbane’s property market remains positive in 2026, supported by population growth, supply constraints, infrastructure investment, and strong rental fundamentals. While risks exist, proper preparation, professional support, and a long-term mindset are key to success.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ 1: Can Hong Kong buyers without Australian residency purchase property? 

Yes, with FIRB approval. Non-residents are generally restricted to new properties.

FAQ 2: Is Brisbane still a good investment in 2026? 

Yes, particularly for medium-to-long-term investors, supported by rental growth and Olympic-driven infrastructure.

FAQ 3: Is Brisbane better for investment or owner-occupation? 

Both, depending on objectives.

FAQ 4: How much should I budget beyond the purchase price? 

Approximately 12%–18% of the purchase price.

FAQ 5: Can Hong Kong buyers obtain Australian mortgages? 

Yes, typically with a 30%–40% deposit.

FAQ 6: What are the biggest risks? 

Compliance, FIRB conditions, tax structure, and contract terms.