I moved to Australia from New Zealand 6 weeks ago and am in the process of selling my property in NZ. This property was my main residence from 2021 and it has not been rented. We are currently renting in Australia and own no other property. From what I've read, it seems we won't have to pay CGT on the money from the sale of the house, is this correct?
Hi @Tarns27
A temporary resident has to meet both points of the criteria I've linked and holding a temporary visa is one. The main residence exemption is available to those who are Australian tax residents. That can include NZ'ers who have temporary visas because as you're aware you can still be considered as a tax resident.
When it comes to CGT, temporary residents are only subject to CGT for taxable Australian properties. It wasn't clear in our first response, but CGT doesn't apply to overseas properties if you meet the conditions for being a temporary resident.
Hi @rachelpratt
Only foreign residents who sold property prior to 30 June 2020 may be eligible for the main residence exemption.
If you are an Australian resident at the time you dispose of your property this does not affect you.
Here is a link to our website that you find useful.
@chantelleATO - but aren't NZ'ers considered Temporary residents under the SCV arrangements (even though they are considered Australian residents for tax purposes) so they would still get the main residence exception?
21 May 2026 · 4 min read time
15 Apr 2026 · 8 min read time
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