How it works

Buying property in Australia while living overseas can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s completely achievable.

  The First Step 

During our call we discuss your expat home loan needs and with a wide range of home loan products our brokers have available to them, we'll work closely with you to find the perfect solution tailored to your individual needs.

We’ll leverage our expertise to negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the best possible deal in the market.

This guide will help you understand: - Your borrowing options as an expat - Lender requirements and limitations - How to maximize your chances of loan approval - Practical steps to get started.

Understanding Australian Expat Home Loans

Expat loans differ from standard Australian home loans in several ways:

Feature What Expats Need to Know

Eligibility

Banks consider residency status, length abroad, and type of income.

Deposit Requirements

Typically 20% or more of the property value; some lenders allow 10–15% under certain conditions.

Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR)

Often lower for expats due to risk assessment. The general rule between 60-80% LVR

Interest Rates

Some lenders have loading for expats depending on each scenario but obtaining an interest rate which is common for the everyday Australian maybe achievable for a expat.

Income Accepted

This all depending on what currency you earn your income in will dictate the bank requirements to be able to service a expat mortgage

Expat Home Loan Guide

Our downloadable Expat Home Loan Guide gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap to buying property in Australia while living overseas. You’ll get insights into what really matters to lenders, how to boost your approval chances, and feel confident in your decisions.

  FAQ  

What income is accepted?
Australian banks will consider several different income sources when it comes to determining whether you can service a home loan as an Australian expat.
Tier 1 Currency
For those Australian expats earning an income in a Tier One currency (United States Dollars, Euro's, Singapore Dollars, Great Britain Pounds Sterling, Hong Kong Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, Japanese Yen and Chinese Renminbi) then lenders can accept between 80-100% of your gross income.
Tier 2 Currency
For those Australian expats earning an income in a Tier Two Currency (United Arab Emirates Dirham, Qatari Riyal, Kuwaiti Dinar, Saudi Arabian Riyal, South African Rand, Thai Baht, Taiwan New Dollar, Vietnamese Dong, Malaysian Ringgit, Indonesian Rupiah, Philippine Peso, South Korean Won) then lenders may only consider 60-80% of your gross income.
Income Type
Banks in Australia will consider a number of different income sources when it comes to establishing whether you can service a home loan as a Australian expat. The type of income include:
Pay As You Go (PAYG)
Australian expats earning a wage from an employer (payslip). Acceptability depends on which currency this income is earned in, the Australian lenders will generally consider 80-100% of employment income earned in a Tier 1 currency and 60-80% for income in a Tier 2 currency.
Commissions and Bonuses
A bit more complicated compared to just a base wage, but there are some Australian lenders will consider your bonus or commission base on how long you have been earning these and if they are inline with industry standard, usual rule of 2 years minimum
Self Employed
For you, Australian expats who are self employed, your income can be accepted as long as you have full financial statements for a period defined by the lender. 2 years tax returns is a general rule but there may be exceptions that could be sort.
Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
Usually permanent residents and citizens are eligible; some lenders accept temporary residents if borrowing with a citizen.
What deposit is required?
Typically 20%, but some lenders may require more based your location or income currency.
Will I get the same interest rates as a local Australian borrower, or do expats pay more?
Not all lenders treat expats the same. While many offer rates comparable to local borrowers, some apply rate loading depending on circumstances and your location. We try to work with as many lenders as possible to negotiate to secure you a competitive rate.
How can I look at a property in Australia while I’m based overseas?
Yes, and it happens all the time. A buyer’s agent or a trusted family member can inspect properties for you. Thanks to digital contracts and remote ID checks, everything can be managed from overseas.
Do I need to travel back to Australia to sign loan documents?
No. The whole process can be done remotely. You might need to visit a notary, an Australian embassy, or complete a video ID check, and many lenders allow electronic signing. We’ll guide you through each step so you won’t need to travel.