Australian Mortgages for Aussie Expats in Dubai
The Odin Mortgage team works with lenders that have the most suitable expat mortgage rates in Australia.
Let us help you find what’s right for you.
- Australian Mortgages for Expats in Dubai & Overseas Residents
- Quick Online Application Process
- No-fee Service & No Obligation To Proceed
Dubai is one of the most popular expat destinations in the world. Getting a mortgage in Australia while living in Dubai will be the same as applying for a mortgage back home if you’re an Aussie.
What will you need to consider for your mortgage as an Australian expat living overseas?
Australian Expat Mortgages in Dubai
Here is everything you need to know about expats in Dubai finding Australian home loans.
Variable, Fixed, or Interest-Only
Australian expats living in Dubai can apply for a variable or fixed-rate loan, or even an interest-only loan. Terms should be the same as for Aussies living in Australia; a maximum of 15 years before becoming a standard variable loan.
Odin Mortgage can help Aussies in Dubai find a variable or fixed-rate loan, or interest-only at competitive rates.
Loan Size and Term
Aussie expats living in Dubai can borrow up to 90 - 95% of the property value; low-doc home loan applicants may only get 80% of the property value. Most UAE citizens can only borrow up to 80% or less. All loan terms have a maximum of 30 years, regardless of your age.
Home Loan Package: Offsets and Redraw
Australian citizens can access 100% offset accounts and redraw facilities wherever they live on the globe. You will need a strong credit score and deposit to negotiate additional loan features.
UAE citizens can also access offset accounts and redraw facilities with some lenders if they have a secure application.
How Do Lenders View Emirati dirham?
The Emirati dirham—or the UAE dirham—is a relatively strong currency. With most lenders, you should get approved for an 80% LVR loan. A lenient lender might even offer high loan to value ratios, up to 90%. Ensure you choose a lender who is favourable to UAE dirham.
Pros and Cons
Take a look at the pros and cons of home loans for expats in Dubai.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Some Australian lenders use UAE tax rates (which are 0%) rather than Australian, potentially increasing your borrowing power significantly. | As the UAE doesn’t charge tax, providing sufficient proof of your income might be challenging without a tax return. You’ll need to provide your two most recent paychecks and your employment contract. |
Aussie expats living in Dubai are eligible for 95% of the property value. | Not all lenders will accept 100% of your income in Dubai. |
Australian accountants, legal professionals, and medical professionals in Dubai can get lower interest rates and higher LVR on their home loans. | You’ll need an interpreter’s certificate for any Arabic documents translated to English. |
Allow us to find you the perfect home loan.
Apply online to get expert recommendations with real interest rates and repayments.
Mortgage Features
Here are the main features of an Australian home mortgage if you’re applying from Dubai:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Deposit Size | Australian expats in Dubai need a minimum deposit of 5%, although it’s usually recommended that they save 20% to avoid paying LMI. |
Borrowing Power | Despite less familiarity with UAE dirham, many lenders are willing to offer up to 80% LVR home loans to Australians in Dubai. The lender should consider 100% of your net earnings in the foreign currency. Although, you may find some lenders only willing to look at 60-80% of your foreign income. |
Repayment Options | Expats and Dubai citizens can choose to pay back their Australian home loan monthly, weekly, or fortnightly. They can also negotiate redraw facilities and offset accounts. |
Interest Rates | Australian expats should get competitive interest rates wherever they live on the planet. Dubai citizens might have to pay higher rates for an Australian home loan if they use a specialist lender. |
Key Facts
There are about 8,000 Australian expats living in Dubai. In total, Dubai is home to 3.43 million expats from across the globe.
Dubai has 0% tax rates, but expats may still have to pay income tax in Australia.
There are no property restrictions for Australian citizens in Dubai. Foreigners may only purchase new properties or vacant land.
Applying for Australian Mortgages for Expats in Dubai
When applying for an Australian mortgage as a Dubain or expat in Dubai, you’ll need to meet the lender’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
Make sure you apply with a lender who specialises in home loans for Australians in Dubai.
- A good credit score or history of making repayments on time.
- Australian citizenship (if you’re an expat).
- 20 – 30% deposit if you’re a Dubain national.
- Over 18 years of age.
Documents required
- Two forms of income verification, such as recent payslips or an employment letter.
- Form of identification, such as a passport, driver’s licence, or birth certificate.
- Details of your expenses, such as other credit liabilities and living costs.
Other Considerations
Double Taxation Agreement
Dubai doesn’t have a tax agreement with Australia. However, if you live and work in Dubai, you won’t pay taxes anyway. If you’re an Australian tax resident, you may have to pay income tax on your Australian and Dubain income. Yet, you won’t have to pay double taxation.
FIRB Approval
Aussie expats don’t need FIRB approval to buy property in Australia, even if they’re married to a Dubain spouse. However, a Dubain buying on their own would need to seek FIRB approval and face restrictions.
Stamp Duty Surcharge
Similarly, Australian expats in Dubai typically won’t have to pay the 7-8% stamp duty surcharge. However, if married to a Dubain, you might get stuck with the surcharge, despite being an Australian citizen.
Lender’s Mortgage Insurance
Australian expats borrowing greater than 80% LVR will have to pay Lender’s Mortgage Insurance, like anyone else living in Australia. If you’re borrowing a low doc loan, as some expats in Dubai have to because they cannot provide tax returns, LMI kicks in at around 60% LVR.
We also provide expat mortgage services in the following countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Australian citizens can buy property in Australia wherever they live. If you reside in Dubai, you can still apply for an Australian home loan with a lender willing to consider your foreign income.
Dubains can purchase Australian property. However, they may face tougher lending restrictions than Australians and can only purchase a new home or vacant land.
Generally speaking, expats in Dubai are eligible for the same home loans as Aussies back home. You might find fewer lenders willing to consider your foreign income. However, with a mortgage broker, you can find a specialist lender.
Unfortunately, there are no lenders currently in Dubai that provide Australian home loans.
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