I am coming to Australia on an internal company transfer 457 visa in January and want to buy property with my Australian Girlfriend who is currently lives in Sydney as I intend to make this a permant move. Can I buy whilst still on a 457 visa or do I have to become a permant resident/citizen first and if so how quickly can I do that?

Thanks

Paul

I believe that if you're not a permanent resident you have to apply to the foreign investments review board (FIRB), but don't take my word for it. I hope this helps.

Thanks, it does help alot.

Paul

HI, were on a 457, you can buy as long as you get firb approval. if you leave before you go PR you have to sell, you cannot rent it out whilst you move back home.

Thanks for the information. We are actually buying now and have found out that since we are buying jointly and my girlfriend is an Australian citizen we do not need FIRB approval.