The Real Estate Institute of WA backed a State Government proposal to introduce a register of foreign-owned property in Western Australia.

The proposed register would record properties purchased by people of foreign origin, allowing the Government and real estate industry to monitor the extent of foreign ownership and activity in the WA property market.

REIWA executive director Michael Griffith said the register would provide the Government and industry with an accurate picture of foreign ownership and help monitor trends and activities in the market.

REIWA supported the proposal provided it did not create additional costs or administrative burdens for taxpayers.

Griffith said the institute wanted to see the legislation introduced and gave the proposal its unconditional support.