Written by

Steven Lee

Mortgage Director, ODIN Mortgage & Tax

10+ years in Australian banking and mortgage lending

Last reviewed

Updated on: June 10, 2026 View profile →

Aussie Expat Home Loans

In 2025, expat home loan enquiries surged more than 25% year-on-year, driven by strong foreign salaries and a resilient Australian property market.

From thousands of kilometres away, the mortgage process can feel like a maze — complex paperwork, strict lender rules, and inconsistent foreign income policies all stand in the way.

That’s where understanding Aussie expat home loans becomes your biggest advantage. This guide is your blueprint for success — covering everything from eligibility and lender criteria to the step-by-step process of applying from overseas and how banks assess your income.

By the end, you’ll have the clarity and confidence to navigate the process, overcome the hurdles, and finally turn your dream of owning property in Australia into reality.

Are Aussie Expat Home Loans Available?

Yes, Aussie expat home loans are available for Australians based overseas looking to buy property back home.

An Aussie expat home loan is your key to the property market. It allows you to buy or refinance a home in Australia while living and working overseas.

It’s not a different legal type of loan. Its uniqueness comes from the lender’s assessment process.

Lenders see expat applications as higher risk. They worry about currency fluctuations and employment stability in other countries. Because of this, they use ‘expat loan policies’.

These are simply more conservative rules applied to their standard home loans. For example, you may get a standard investment loan, but the application will face tougher scrutiny.

You can use an Aussie expat mortgage for several purposes:

Purchasing an investment property.
Refinancing an existing Australian mortgage.
Financing the construction of a new home.
Buying vacant land, often with a lower Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR).
Accessing equity from an Australian property you already own.

👉 Also see:

Are You Eligible for an Australian Expat Mortgage?

Eligibility for an Aussie expat home loan has two main parts. Passing the first part does not guarantee approval for the second.

The first is your citizenship or residency status. The second is the financial assessment, which is more challenging.

The main groups who can apply are:

Australian Citizens Living Abroad: This is the core group for these loans. Your Australian passport makes you eligible to apply, no matter where you live or work.
Australian Permanent Residents (PR): If you hold a valid PR visa, you are also generally eligible. However, some lenders may have slightly different rules for you, like lower borrowing limits compared to citizens.
New Zealand Citizens: Thanks to a travel arrangement between the countries, lenders often treat NZ citizens like Australians. You are typically eligible for the same expat loan products.

It’s important to know that lenders may have rules based on your country of residence. They often have a list of ‘Acceptable Countries’ for foreign income.

👉 Learn more: Lenders Who Accept Foreign Income in Australia

Your Guide to Securing an Expat Home Loan

Modern expat loan applications are handled remotely, usually with a specialist broker managing the process for you in Australia.

While every application is different, there are eight essential steps you will follow.

1. Initial Consultation and Financial Deep-Dive

Your journey starts with a consultation, usually with a specialist expat mortgage broker.

This meeting involves a detailed review of your finances. You will discuss your goals, income, savings, and debts.

This first step helps create a clear picture of what you want to achieve. It also assesses your financial capacity. This forms the foundation for your entire application.

👉 Check out: Maximise Your Borrowing Power by Learning Income Shading for Aussie Expats

2. Preliminary Assessment and Pre-Approval

After the review, the broker assesses your borrowing power. They identify lenders who are a good fit for your situation.

The next move is to get pre-approval, also called conditional approval.

For an expat, pre-approval is a powerful strategic tool. It shows real estate agents you are a ‘finance-ready’ and serious buyer.

This allows you to negotiate with confidence. Some lenders even offer fully assessed pre-approvals, giving you even more certainty.

👉 Check out: 7-Day Aussie Expat Home Loan Pre-Approval Path for Time-Poor Executives

3. Gathering Your Documentation

This phase is critical and can take time. You must gather a comprehensive file of documents.

This paperwork verifies your identity, income, assets, and liabilities.

A complete and well-organised file is vital. It ensures the lender’s assessment process runs smoothly. Being prepared here will save you headaches later on.

4. Property Search and Selection

With pre-approval, you can search for a property. You will have a clear and realistic budget to work with.

This confidence is essential when you are negotiating from another country.

You know what you can afford. This lets you focus your search effectively. You can make offers knowing your finance is already lined up.

5. Property Valuation

Once your offer on a property is accepted, things move forward.

The lender will order a formal valuation of the property. This is to make sure its value supports the purchase price and your loan amount.

The valuation protects both you and the lender. It confirms that the property is adequate security for the mortgage.

6. Formal (Unconditional) Approval

The lender issues formal approval after a satisfactory valuation. This also requires all other pre-approval conditions to be met.

This document is the official loan offer.

Receiving unconditional approval is a major milestone. It means the loan is confirmed, and you are ready to proceed to the final steps.

7. Loan Documentation and Settlement Booking

You will now receive the final loan contracts. These are the mortgage documents you need to sign.

You must review them carefully before signing and returning them.

Your solicitor will then coordinate with the seller’s team. They will book a date for settlement.

Since you’re overseas, you may need to appoint a power of attorney in Australia to sign documents for you.

8. Settlement

Settlement is the final step. On the agreed date, the lender provides the funds to the seller. The property title is then transferred into your name.

The loan is now active. The property officially belongs to you.

The whole process can take between one and three months, which is longer than for domestic borrowers.

👉 Learn more: The Home Loan Application Process

How Much Will Your Expat Home Loan Cost?

A successful home loan application depends on three financial pillars. These are your deposit size, the interest rate, and all associated fees.

For Australian expats, the rules for each can be quite different from those for local buyers.

Understanding these ensures you’re financially prepared for the entire process. Your budget should account for more than just the property price.

Loan to Value Ratio

You’ll likely need a larger deposit as an expat. Lenders manage this through the Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR).

LVR is your loan amount shown as a percentage of the property’s value. A lower LVR means lower risk for the lender.

Most lenders cap the LVR for expats at 70% to 80%. This means you should aim for a deposit of 20% to 30% of the property’s value.

You also need extra funds to cover purchasing costs. The maximum LVR you can get depends on several risk factors:

Currency: Earning in a Tier 2 currency may lead to a lower LVR than a Tier 1 currency like the US Dollar.
Property Type: Lenders may set stricter LVR limits for certain properties, like high-density apartments.
Loan Size: Very large loans over $2 million might also face lower LVR caps.

Here’s a quick rundown of various Aussie expat home loan scenarios and typical lender restrictions and considerations.

Your Situation	Typical LVR	Required Deposit (% of Property Value)	Key Considerations
PAYG employee, Tier 1 Currency (e.g., USD, GBP)	80%	20% + costs	This is the most standard and favourable scenario for an expat applicant.
PAYG employee, Tier 2 Currency (e.g., AED, THB)	70-80%	20-30% + costs	Lenders may apply a lower LVR due to perceived currency volatility.
Self-Employed, Tier 1 Currency	70-80%	20-30% + costs	Considered higher risk; lenders require more equity and extensive documentation.
Buying a High-Density Apartment (>50 m²)	75%	25% + costs	Lenders often have stricter policies for smaller, inner-city apartments.
Seeking a loan >$2 million	75-80%	20-25% + costs	Large loan amounts typically require a lower LVR to mitigate lender risk.
With LMI (via specialist lender)	90-95%	5-10% + costs	Not widely available, but possible with the right broker and lender combination.

The rules around Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) for expats can be confusing. LMI protects the lender if you default on a loan with a high LVR (over 80%).

For some lenders, a 20% deposit is essential for expats. However, some specialist lenders approve loans up to 95% LVR with LMI.

While major banks may be restrictive, some lenders offer more flexibility. Finding a loan with LMI could be a huge help if you have a smaller deposit.

Will You Pay a Higher Interest Rate?

Many expats worry about being charged higher interest rates. The good news is that you can often get the same rates as borrowers in Australia.

Lenders don’t usually apply a standard ‘expat penalty rate’. However, some may charge more for what they see as higher-risk loans.

You also may not qualify for special discounts or professional packages.

A specialist mortgage broker can often negotiate rate discounts for you, ensuring you get a competitive market rate.

Budgeting for Hidden Costs

Your deposit is just one part of the upfront cost. You should budget an extra 5% of the property’s value to cover various transaction fees.

These costs can add up quickly. Being prepared for them is essential for a smooth purchase.

Key costs include:

Stamp Duty: A large state government tax on the property transfer.
Foreign Citizen Stamp Duty Surcharge: This may apply if you buy with a foreign citizen spouse.
Legal and Conveyancing Fees: Professional fees for the legal work, often over AUD 3,000.
Loan Establishment Fees: Some lenders charge up to AUD 1,000, though many waive these.
FIRB Fees: Only apply if you need Foreign Investment Review Board approval, with fees starting at AUD 14,100.
Other Fees: These can include valuation fees, mortgage registration, and building inspection costs.

👉 Also see: How Much Does It Cost to Refinance a Home Loan?

AU Expats—Find the Best Aussie Expat Mortgages

How Lenders View Your Foreign Income

The biggest hurdle for most Aussie expats is getting lenders to accept their foreign income.

Banks often use conservative methods to assess your overseas salary. This can lead to frustration and a lower borrowing capacity than you expect.

Learn how lenders calculate your usable income to see why the amount you can borrow might seem surprisingly low. This also helps you find the right lender for your situation.

Why Your Full Income Isn't Used

Lenders rarely use 100% of your gross foreign income. They apply a ‘shading’ policy to protect against currency risk.

This means they will only consider between 60% and 90% of your actual overseas income.

A common shading amount is 20%. This means only 80% of your gross foreign salary is used as the starting point for their calculations.

This policy immediately reduces your borrowing power before any other factors are considered.

The Currency Hierarchy

Lenders group foreign currencies into tiers. This is based on their perceived stability and liquidity.

This system reflects the lender’s assessment of the economic risk of the country where you earn your income.

This tiering directly impacts how much of your income is accepted.

Tier 1 Currencies: These are the most accepted currencies. They include the US Dollar (USD), British Pound (GBP), and Singapore Dollar (SGD). Lenders may accept 80% to 100% of income in these currencies before other calculations.
Tier 2 Currencies: This group includes currencies from economies seen as more volatile. Examples are the UAE Dirham (AED) and Thai Baht (THB). Lenders are more cautious and may only accept 60% to 80% of this income.
Unlisted Currencies: If your income currency isn’t on a lender’s approved list, they may reject your application.

The Australian Tax Rate Dilemma

A surprising factor that reduces borrowing power is the use of Australian tax rates.

Lenders often apply these rates to your foreign income for assessment purposes. This happens even if you live in a low or zero-tax country like Dubai.

This policy, combined with income shading, creates a ‘double whammy’ effect. It can severely cut your borrowing capacity.

Here’s an example with a few calculations.

Calculation Step	Lender A (Typical Major Bank)	Lender B (Specialist/Flexible Lender)	The Impact on the Applicant
Gross Income (AUD Equiv.)	$200,000	$200,000	The starting point, based on current exchange rates.
Income Shading Applied	20% ($40,000)	20% ($40,000)	Most lenders apply a haircut for currency risk.
Assessable Gross Income	$160,000	$160,000	The income figure used for tax calculation.
Tax Rate Applied	Australian Marginal Rates (~37%)	Actual Foreign Tax Rate (0%)	This is the critical difference. Lender A drastically reduces the income.
Net Income for Servicing	~$100,800	$160,000	The final income figure the bank uses to calculate borrowing power.
Estimated Borrowing Capacity	~$550,000	~$880,000	The choice of lender can nearly double the borrowing amount in this scenario.

Please note that this uses general information only. It does not take into account your personal circumstances. Speak to a mortgage or tax specialist to get tailored advice.

PAYG vs Self-Employed

The documents you need to prove your income are extensive. The requirements differ depending on how you’re employed. Being prepared is key to a smooth process.

Being a salaried employee is the more straightforward path.

PAYG / Salaried Employees need two or three of the most recent payslips. You also need a copy of your employment contract and three to six months of bank statements showing your salary deposits. If documents are not in English, you will need certified translations.

Self-employed applicants face a higher bar.

Self-Employed Applicants are seen as a higher-risk category. You will need at least two years of complete financial documents. This includes personal and business tax returns and a letter from your accountant verifying your income. Some lenders may still only use 70% of this verified income.

👉 Try the borrowing power calculator: How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage in Australia?

Your Essential Expat Home Loan Document Checklist

Applying for an Aussie expat home loan requires a lot of paperwork. A well-prepared and accurate application gives the lender confidence in you.

Each document helps build a case that you are a reliable borrower. Think of it as presenting a professional profile.

Below is a checklist of the essential documents you will need to prepare.

Document	Why It's Needed	Pro Tip
Section A: Personal Identification
Certified copy of Passport	To verify identity, citizenship, and legal name.	Ensure certification is done by an approved person as per the lender’s guidelines.
Certified copy of Driver’s Licence	Secondary photo ID to meet identification checks.	Ensure the copy is clear and all details are legible.
Proof of Overseas Residency (e.g., Work Visa)	To confirm your legal right to reside and work in the foreign country.	Provide a clear copy of your current, valid visa.
Section B: Income & Employment Verification
2-3 Recent Payslips	To show current salary, allowances, and year-to-date earnings.	If not in English, get certified translations. Ensure they are the most recent available.
Signed Employment Contract	To verify your position, salary, start date, and terms of employment.	A letter from your employer confirming these details can also be very powerful.
3-6 Months of Bank Statements	To show consistent salary credits and demonstrate financial conduct.	Provide full statements showing account holder name and details.
2 Years of Tax Returns (Self-Employed)	To prove stable income over a longer period for business owners.	Both personal and business tax returns are typically required.
Accountant’s Letter (Self-Employed)	An independent verification of the business’s financial health and your income.	Use a template if provided by the broker to ensure all required information is included.
Section C: Deposit & Genuine Savings
3-6 Months of Savings Account Statements	To prove ‘genuine savings’ – that the deposit has been accumulated over time.	Lenders want to see a history of saving, not a recent large, unexplained deposit.
Gift Letter Declaration	Required if part or all of the deposit is a non-repayable gift from family.	This must be a formal, signed declaration stating the funds are a gift with no strings attached.
Section D: Assets & Liabilities
Statements for all other Loans/Credit Cards	To assess your total existing debt and monthly commitments.	Provide the most recent statement for every single loan and credit card.
Council Rates Notices for other Properties	To prove ownership of other real estate assets and build your net worth profile.	This helps build a picture of your overall financial strength.
Section E: Expat-Specific Documents
Overseas Credit Report	To assess your recent credit behaviour in your country of residence.	This is increasingly important. Maintain a clean credit history wherever you are.
FIRB Approval Letter (if applicable)	Required if the purchase structure needs approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board.	This is only needed in specific cases, like buying with a foreign spouse as Tenants in Common.

👉 Learn more: Mortgage Documents Required in Australia for Non Residents

Navigating Key Hurdles: FIRB, Tax, and Foreign Spouses

Beyond the main financial checks, three big hurdles can complicate your journey.

These are the rules of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), your tax obligations, and buying with a non-Australian partner.

You must navigate both government rules and lender policies, and satisfying one does not mean you satisfy the other.

Successfully managing these areas requires careful planning. Understanding the rules upfront will save you time and stress. It ensures your purchase is structured correctly from the start.

Do You Need FIRB Approval?

A common myth confuses many expats. They believe they need FIRB approval to buy property. This is usually not true for Australian citizens.

As an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you do not need FIRB approval. This applies even when you live and work overseas.

You can buy new homes, existing homes, or vacant land without needing FIRB clearance. The rules change only when you buy jointly with a spouse who is a foreign national. Your ownership structure then becomes critical.

If you buy as Joint Tenants, you are generally exempt from needing FIRB approval. This is the most common structure for couples. It means you both own the property in equal, undivided shares. It provides a simple way to bypass the FIRB process.

If you buy as Tenants in Common, FIRB approval is required. This structure allows you to own distinct shares of the property, like 70/30. The foreign spouse’s share is seen as a foreign investment, which triggers the need for a FIRB application and fees.

Tax Essentials for Expat Property Owners

Buying a property in Australia creates new tax obligations. The Australian tax system for non-residents is different from the system for residents.

Once you own a property and earn rental income, you must lodge an Australian tax return each year.

You will likely need to pay income tax on that rent. Before you buy, you should understand the impact on:

Income Tax: Rental income is taxed at higher non-resident rates, which do not have a tax-free threshold.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT): When you sell the property, it will be subject to CGT. The main residence exemption rules are much more restrictive for non-residents.
Land Tax: You may need to pay an annual land tax, depending on the state and land value. Some states also apply a surcharge for absentee owners.

Given these complexities, you should get professional advice. Speak to a tax specialist who focuses on expatriate affairs before you buy.

The Lender’s View on Buying with a Foreign Spouse

Even if you are exempt from FIRB, you must still navigate the lender’s rules.

Lenders are extra cautious with applications involving a foreign citizen. How they treat your foreign spouse’s income is a major factor.

Here are a few example purchase scenarios and how lenders may view the application.

Your Purchase Scenario	Do You Need FIRB Approval?	How Will Lenders Likely View Your Application?
Aussie Citizen + Foreign Spouse (buying as Joint Tenants)	No (Exemption applies for spousal relationships)	Varies significantly. Some lenders won’t accept the spouse’s income. Finding a lender with a favourable policy is key.
Aussie Citizen + Foreign Spouse (buying as Tenants in Common)	Yes (The foreign spouse’s share is a foreign investment)	The application is more complex. The lender will require proof of FIRB approval and apply their strictest foreign income policies.
Aussie Citizen + Foreign Partner (not married/de facto)	Yes (The spousal exemption does not apply)	This is treated as a joint foreign investment. Both FIRB approval and a specialised lender are required.

Some lenders will refuse to consider any income from the non-citizen partner. Others will accept it but apply a significant shading policy due to perceived risks.

Lenders might assess your joint application in different ways. They could assess you both as foreign investors, or use the nationality of the highest income earner to set the policy.

Finding a lender whose policies align with your situation is key.

👉 We can help you with all your Australian tax obligations from overseas.

Who Offers Aussie Expat Home Loans?

Your choice of lender is a critical decision. The lending market has become harder for overseas borrowers to navigate alone.

Your success often depends on finding a lender whose niche policies are the perfect fit for your profile.

This is a matching game where specialist knowledge is invaluable. Some lenders are welcoming to expats, while others have tightened their rules.

Knowing the difference can save you time and increase your chances of approval.

The Big Four Banks

Australia’s major banks offer home loans to expats. However, their policies can be rigid and vary widely between them.

You need to understand their specific approach to an Aussie expat mortgage. Here’s a general overview.

Commonwealth Bank (CBA): Generally seen as a more conservative choice for expats. Policies often cap LVR at 70% and use Australian tax rates to assess foreign income.
Westpac: Westpac has stated that lending is not available for non-resident borrowers. This suggests a significant tightening of their policy for expats.
ANZ: Appears to be one of the more flexible major banks for expats. ANZ is known for assessing borrowing power based on net foreign income, a big advantage for those in low-tax countries. They also have a dedicated expat team.
NAB: Offers a relatively high LVR of up to 80% for expats. However, NAB is also known for having one of the most conservative servicing assessments, applying Australian tax rates to foreign income.

Note: Lender policies are subject to change without notice. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute a recommendation.

International Banks like HSBC

Global banks like HSBC are a natural fit for international customers. They leverage their worldwide network to assist.

They can provide specialised support for your Australian expat mortgage.

HSBC offers multilingual specialists. They also have partners for property searching and document translation.

Existing HSBC Premier customers may get extra benefits, like international money transfers to help fund their purchase. HSBC Australia mainly finances properties in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide.

The Specialist Expat Mortgage Broker Advantage

The research shows the immense value of using a specialist expat mortgage broker. For many expats, they are the key to getting their home loan approved.

They offer expertise you cannot find elsewhere.

A specialist broker works for you, not the bank. They act as your boots on the ground in Australia, managing the entire process.

Many are former expats themselves and understand the challenges firsthand.

👉 Learn more: Why Your Private Banker Can’t Compete with an Australian Expat Mortgage Specialist

👉 Check out: Types of Home Loan Lenders in Australia

Advanced Strategies for the Savvy Expat Investor

Once you master the basics, you can think like a strategic investor. This means actively managing financial risks and optimising your assets.

It involves planning for your long-term future.

These strategies help protect your wealth. They also allow you to grow your property portfolio from anywhere in the world.

Being proactive is the key to long-term success.

Managing Currency Risk

Currency risk is the single biggest financial risk you face as an expat.

Your loan is in Australian dollars (AUD). But your income is in a foreign currency. If the AUD strengthens, your loan repayments become more expensive.

Managing this risk involves a trade-off. You must balance certainty against opportunity cost.

Hedging with Forward Contracts: For a large one-off transaction like settlement, certainty is vital. A forward contract lets you lock in an exchange rate for a future date. This removes the risk of the rate moving against you.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: For regular mortgage repayments, this is a practical strategy. It involves transferring funds to your Australian bank account regularly, regardless of the exchange rate. Over time, this smooths out the impact of currency swings.
Diversifying Currency Exposure: A broader strategy is to avoid holding all your assets in one currency. By using your foreign income to buy an Australian property, you are executing a long-term currency strategy. You gradually convert your wealth into your target currency: the Australian dollar.

Refinancing Your Existing Aussie Mortgage

If you already own property in Australia, do not ‘set and forget’ your mortgage.

Review your existing loan, either before leaving Australia or after a few years overseas. Refinancing your Aussie expat home loan from abroad is possible.

Refinancing from overseas can help you:

Secure a more competitive interest rate.
Access equity to fund renovations or a new investment.
Switch from Principal & Interest to Interest-Only repayments to improve cash flow.
The application process for refinancing is just as detailed as for a new purchase. You will need a full assessment of your current foreign income.

👉 Learn more: How to Refinance a Home Loan in Australia

Building a Property Portfolio from Overseas

Aussie expat home loans are not just for one property. They can be a tool to build a multi-property investment portfolio from abroad. This advanced strategy requires careful financial planning and robust cash flow management.

To succeed, you need a trusted team in Australia. This includes a specialist mortgage broker and a tax agent. You should also have a buyer’s agent and a reliable property manager.

👉 Check out: How to Build a Successful Investment Portfolio in Australia

👉 Also see: Using Equity to Buy Investment Property in Australia

FAQs about Aussie Expat Home Loans

Here are direct answers to some of the most common questions from Australian expats.

How much deposit do I need for an expat home loan?

You should plan for a deposit of 20-30% of the property’s value. You also need extra funds for costs like stamp duty.

While some specialist lenders may go higher, an 80% LVR is standard.

Do I need FIRB approval as an Aussie expat?

No. If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident buying alone, you do not need FIRB approval.

It only becomes a factor if you buy with a foreign spouse, and even then, an exemption is often available.

Will I pay a higher interest rate than someone in Australia?

Not always. Many lenders offer expats the same rates as domestic borrowers.

However, some may charge a premium, so it is vital to compare options.

How long does the expat home loan process take?

The process is longer for expats. You should budget for 1-3 months from application to settlement.

Can I get an expat home loan if I'm self-employed?

Yes, but it is harder. Lenders will ask for extensive documentation. This usually includes two full years of business and personal tax returns.

Can my foreign spouse's income be used for the loan?

This depends entirely on the lender. Some will not accept it at all. Others will accept a portion of it. A broker’s knowledge is crucial here.

Can I get a home loan for construction?

Yes, some lenders offer construction loans to expats. However, specific conditions apply, and the options are more limited than for a standard purchase.

Can I use a gift from my parents as a deposit?

Yes, a gift is usually an acceptable source for your deposit.

Lenders will require a formal gift letter from your parents. This must state the money is a non-repayable gift.

What other resources can I go through that will help me prepare?

Here are a few other articles that can be quite helpful for you.

Securing an Australian home loan while living overseas depends on thorough preparation and partnering with the right experts.

Your status as an expat with a strong foreign income is a position of financial strength. With the right strategy, you can leverage this to build significant wealth in the Australian property market.

The most important step you can take is to engage specialists who live and breathe this niche market. A qualified mortgage broker and a tax advisor are your keys to unlocking the best financial outcome. They will turn your dream of owning a piece of Australia into a tangible reality.

AU Expats—Get the Experts on Your Case

Key Takeaways

Aussie expat home loans are available, but they are basically standard loans with stricter assessment rules for overseas applicants. ⬆️
Eligibility requires being an Australian citizen, PR, or NZ citizen and passing the lender’s financial assessment. ⬆️
The process involves eight remote steps, from initial consultation and pre-approval to settlement, often managed by a broker. ⬆️
Costs include a 20-30% deposit, interest rates similar to residents, plus an extra 5% for fees. ⬆️
Lenders shade foreign income to reduce currency risk and often apply Australian tax rates, lowering borrowing power. ⬆️
A comprehensive set of documents is required to verify identity, foreign income, savings, assets, and liabilities. ⬆️
Expats don’t need FIRB approval but must manage tax obligations and rules when buying with a foreign spouse. ⬆️
Major banks, international banks, and specialists offer loans, but a broker can best navigate their varying policies. ⬆️
Advanced strategies include managing currency risk, refinancing existing loans, and building a property portfolio from overseas. ⬆️