Dear Ron,

Here is some information for you researched by the Legislative Library in Victoria.

Cheers,

Leonard

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From: Blandford, Alieda 

Hi Pauline,

Here is what I’ve been able to find out regarding restrictions on foreign ownership in various popular real estate markets around the world.

First, foreign ownership restrictions often vary across cities and jurisdictions. For example, in Canada: Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba restrict foreign ownership of agricultural land, while PEI restricts the amount of land that can be purchased by non-residents. For more information about the various restrictions to foreign ownership in Canada, this backgrounder published by the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in 2015 might be helpful:
http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/knowledge/publications/129800/restrictions-in-canada-on-foreign-ownership-of-land

Hong Kong

According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, Hong Kong levied a 15% tax on property purchases made by foreigners in October 2012. (The full text of the article is attached.)

Singapore

According to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, foreigners buying residential property in Singapore pay an additional 15% tax (up from 10% in January 2013).

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Land (Restriction on Alienation) Act of 2014 expressly prohibits “the transfer of title of any land situated in Sri Lanka […] to a foreigner.”

Thailand

According to the Thai Land Code Act, foreign nationals can only own property in Thailand by virtue of the provisions of a treaty (none of which currently exist), and with the express permission of the Minister of Justice.

UK

According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, the UK closed a tax loophole in February 2015 by imposing a capital gains tax of up to 28% for overseas real estate investors.

Denmark

According to Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, anyone who is not a permanent resident of Denmark must obtain the permission of the Ministry of Justice in order to purchase property in Denmark.

Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Office of Justice’s Acquisition of Real Estate by Persons Abroad explains how Switzerland restricts the acquisition of real estate by foreigners. The Swiss government limits the number of properties that can be sold to foreign nationals annually in each of the country’s 26 cantons (member states). The cantons can also impose further restrictions, such as limiting foreign buyers to real estate that is already foreign-owned (p. 10).

(Coastal) Mexico

Mexico’s Constitution stipulates that “Under no circumstances may foreigners acquire direct ownership of lands or waters” in what is known as the “restricted zone,” one hundred kilometers wide from the borders and fifty kilometers wide along the coast.

Australia

According to Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board, non-resident foreign persons need to apply for and receive foreign investment approval before purchasing any residential real estate in Australia. (The application fee is dependent on the property’s value, between $5,000 and $90,000.)

Foreign buyers cannot buy established dwellings. Instead, they are restricted to new builds, vacant lots, or redevelopment in a way that increases the number of housing units. While temporary residents can purchase one established dwelling for use as their residence, this must be sold within three months of their departure from Australia.

I hope this information is a helpful starting point, but please let me know if your constituent has further questions.

Best,

Alieda Blandford
Reference Librarian | Legislative Library of British Columbia | Parliament Buildings |