Introduction to Australia and Far North Queensland

Australia is the world's oldest continent and a land of extremes. Renown for its magnificent landscapes, spectacular coastlines, rainforests and rugged outback. Sydney was host to the Olympic Games 2000 showing the world one of the most exciting spectacles. 80% of the 18 million Australian population live on its beautiful coastline.

Far North Queensland's Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 km and offers superb diving in azure crystal waters. The wet tropics are the largest areas of rainforest in Australia, providing us with clean air and water.

Cairns is the thriving and sophisticated metropolis of Far North Queensland and, with its international airport, the entry point for overseas visitors to this area.

Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest are favored holiday destinations and the Tableland with its cooler climate attracts visitors looking for a relaxing lifestyle in a rural surrounding. Golf is one of the favored sports of Australians and visitors take advantage of the many excellent golf courses of world standard. Because of its excellent lifestyle and beautiful climate, many people from interstate and overseas have moved to Cairns, be it permanently or temporarily.

 
About "Australian Property Connection"

Australian Property Connection has been established in April 2001 by the Principal and Licensee Regine Bergmann and has in 2003 moved into new business premises conveniently located at Village Lane, 20 Lake Street, right in the heart of Cairns.

Regine Bergmann discovered Cairns on an adventurous tour to Far North Queensland and never left again.

Since the Australian Government invites foreigners to invest in Australia, Regine is prepared to work in with the special requirements that these buyers are obliged to fulfill. The majority of properties that are included on Australian Property Connection’s website fulfills the criteria stipulated by the Government, provided a special visa has been granted.

Born in Germany and migrated to Melbourne Australia, Regine thinks that having moved to Cairns is like having found the most livable spot in Australia. Well traveled she has named this area the “Tahiti of Australia” (not an uncommon comparison used by other Europeans) and her activities in real estate reflect her appreciation of living in this part of the world.

Past experience has shown, that the properties that appeal to overseas buyers, have the same appeal to buyers from within Australia and their relocation to this part of Australia often stems from the same desire to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.

Kuranda, the garden suburb of Cairns, is included on this website for the slightly cooler climate of the Tablelands as well as Port Douglas, well known for its exclusive tropical lifestyle and marina facilities. Properties from the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast add to the variety of properties offered and are meant to widen the choice for buyers that may decide to be “closer to home”. They also show what Queensland has to offer to the world and to the people from the “big smoke”.

 
Introduction to Foreign Investment Review Board Rules

The Australian Government welcomes and encourages foreign investment provided it is consistent with community interest.

There are different rules for residential and commercial or rural properties and the approval is dependent on the visa status of the individual.

Foreign interests are normally given approval to vacant residential land, including house and land packages where the construction of a dwelling is commenced within 12 months or newly constructed or off-the-plan home units or townhouses that have never been occupied.

Long-stay retirees may be allowed to purchase developed residential real estate for use as their principal place of residence. Detailed information can be found on my Website under "Legal Advice".

The Foreign Investment Review Board Policies can be accessed on its Website: www.firb.gov.au