The overarching principle of Australia's foreign investment policy, as it applies to residential property, is that the investment should increase Australia's housing stock. The policy seeks to channel foreign investment in the housing sector into activity that directly increases the supply of new housing (such as new developments of house and land, home units and townhouses) and brings benefits to the local building industry and its suppliers.

Consistent with this principle, foreign investors are able to seek approval to purchase new dwellings and vacant land for residential development. Foreign investors cannot generally buy established dwellings as investment properties or homes; however, temporary residents can apply to purchase one established dwelling to use as their residence while in Australia.

Notwithstanding these settings, concerns are raised periodically in relation to the possible impact of foreign investment on the Australian housing market.

In this context, the Committee is asked to examine;

• the economic benefits of foreign investment in residential property;
• whether such foreign investment is directly increasing the supply of new housing and bringing benefits to the local building industry and its suppliers;
• how Australia's foreign investment framework compares with international experience; and
• whether the administration of Australia's foreign investment policy relating to residential property can be enhanced.

The Committee is to report by 10 October 2014.