Australian Expat Mortgage Broker
We work with over 30 Australian lenders to help Australian Expats and foreign nationals secure the right mortgage—wherever they are in the world.
Secure Your Future Forever Home
Thinking of returning to Australia one day? Let us help you purchase your future forever home now, so you’re ready when the time comes.
Review Existing Loans
Already have an Australian home loan? We’ll review your current mortgage to help you find a better deal—potentially saving you thousands in interest and fees.
Start or Grow Your Investment Portfolio
Looking to invest from abroad? We help you start or expand your Australian property portfolio with the right lending solutions and expert advice tailored for expats.
Access Equity in Your Property
Need to unlock capital from your Australian property while living overseas? We assist expats in accessing equity to fund renovations, investments, or other financial goals.
Can I Get an Australian Mortgage While Living Overseas?
You Can Borrow Up to 90% of the Property Value
Australian expats may be eligible for a home loan with a Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) of up to 90%. This is subject to Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) and a full credit assessment. If you have a 10% deposit, this option may be available to you.
You Can Borrow Using Foreign Income
Lenders will convert your foreign income to Australian Dollars (AUD) using foreign exchange rates. Depending on the lender and their credit policy, between 60% and 100% of the converted income may be considered for loan servicing.
You Can Use Self-Employed Income
If you operate a business overseas, your self-employed income can be used for borrowing purposes. You’ll need to provide full financial statements and a letter from your accountant. If these documents are in a language other than English, certified translations will be required.
Acceptable Home Loan Purposes
As an Australian expat, you can take out a mortgage to:
- Construct a new property
- Purchase a new or existing investment property
- Refinance an existing loan
- Access existing equity
Purchasing With a Non-Australian Spouse
Planning to buy property with a non-Australian spouse? Some lenders will accept joint applications, and the government allows this arrangement. In such cases, the non-Australian spouse’s income may be included in the loan assessment, and the purchase may be exempt from Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) restrictions—subject to state-specific stamp duty rules.
What Currencies Are Acceptable for an Australian Mortgage?
Many Australian lenders accept foreign income when assessing loan applications, but the currency you earn in can significantly impact your eligibility, borrowing power, and the number of lenders willing to consider you. Foreign currencies are generally classified into two categories:
Tier One Currencies
These are the most commonly accepted currencies by Australian banks and non-bank lenders. Borrowers earning in these currencies usually face fewer restrictions and may have higher borrowing capacity:
- United States Dollar (USD)
- British Pound Sterling (GBP)
- Euro (EUR)
- Singapore Dollar (SGD)
- Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
Tier Two Currencies
These currencies may still be considered, but usually only by select lenders and often with stricter conditions, reduced loan-to-value ratios (LVRs), or greater scrutiny of documentation:
- Indian Rupee (INR)
- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Philippine Peso (PHP)
- South Korean Won (KRW)
- South African Rand (ZAR)
- Thai Baht (THB)
- Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- UAE Dirham (AED)
- Qatari Riyal (QAR)
- Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
- Omani Rial (OMR)
- Fijian Dollar (FJD)
- Papua New Guinean Kina (PGK)
- Samoan Tala (WST)
- Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD)
- Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)
- Vanuatu Vatu (VUV)
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Taiwanese Dollar (TWD)
Note: Tier Two currencies are often accepted at a discount rate (e.g., only 60–80% of your actual income may be used in calculations).
Who Can Get an Australian Mortgage with Foreign Income?
Australian mortgages are available to:
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents living abroad
- Eligible with many mainstream and specialist lenders.
Temporary Visa Holders in Australia
- Some categories may qualify (e.g., 482, 485, 491, 494, 500, 600, and other skilled work or study visas). Conditions vary.
Non-Residents / Foreign Investors
- May be eligible through specialist lenders, though options are limited and often require larger deposits.
- May also need Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval.
How Much Can I Borrow?
- Tier One Currency Earners: Up to 80–90% Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) depending on the lender.
- Tier Two Currency Earners: Typically capped at 60–70% LVR, with income shaded (discounted).
- Non-residents: Often limited to 60–70% LVR, with stricter conditions.
Every lender applies their own policies, so your final borrowing capacity will depend on full review of your income, assets, credit history, and visa/residency status.
Documentation Requirements
For Salaried Employees:
- At least 3–6 months of recent payslips
- Employment contract or letter of employment
- Translations of foreign documents into English (by a certified translator if required)
- Bank statements showing income deposits
For Self-Employed Borrowers:
- 2 years of tax returns (overseas and/or Australian)
- Accountant’s letter verifying income and business details
- Company financial statements
- Certified English translations where applicable
Credit History Requirements:
- Australian credit file (if available)
- International credit report or reference letters from your overseas bank
Asset & Banking Requirements:
- Savings and assets must be verifiable and properly sourced
- Some lenders may require you to hold an Australian bank account for mortgage repayments and reserves
Secure Your Australian Home Loan from Anywhere in the World
Find out how much you can borrow as an expat—no matter where you live.
