Australia’s Home Loan Specialists For Visa Holders and Expats
Fast Approval At A Great Rate. We match your visa and situation to the lenders most likely to approve.
300+ five-star reviewsSince 201031+ lenders
When Visa Holders and Expats Need Finance For Residential Property, Here’s Why They Turn To MAP
We know that obtaining a home loan can be a challenging experience for Australian Visa Holders and non-residents such as expats.
Many banks and mortgage brokers are not used to dealing with people in your situation. They may be unsure how to get your home loan approved, or simply decline your application because they don’t know any better.
At MAP Home Loans, we specialise in helping temporary visa holders and non-residents (including Australian Expats) get fast home loan approval, at a great rate. And because we only work with people in your situation, we’re very good at getting loans approved.
We’ve already helped hundreds of visa holders and expats, and chances are we can help you too. Simply book a Free Lending Assessment to get a path to home loan approval.
How We Fast-Track Your
Home Loan Approval
Because we specialise in non-resident home loans, we understand the complex lending policies and requirements of over 31 mortgage lenders. We aim to ensure your home loan is approved promptly, at a great rate.
We also understand that many visa holders and non-residents are not always in a position to supply a 20% deposit. Depending on your visa status, we can often work with deposits in the 5% to 10% range.
Finally, we help you avoid the common (and costly) mistakes that arise due to complex requirements with respect to visa, currency and regulatory factors.
In summary, we allow you to…
- Get approved, even after other banks have said “no”
- Ensure both partners’ incomes are counted properly
- Avoid the credit knocks that pile up from unsuccessful applications
- Buy with a deposit as low as 5% where eligible
- Access mainstream rates, not visa-holder surcharge pricing
Visa Home Loan FAQs
Can a visa holder get a home loan in Australia?
Yes. MAP works with 31+ lenders who approve home loans for temporary visa holders — including 482, 491, 494, 461, partner, and bridging visas — plus Australian and British expats. Deposits start from 5% for partner visa joint applications and 10% for most other eligible visa holders. The right lender depends on your visa subclass, income source, and property type.
Do I need FIRB approval to buy property on a visa?
Temporary visa holders generally need foreign investment approval before buying residential property. Under current policy, foreign persons are generally prohibited from buying established dwellings unless a limited exception applies, but may still apply to buy a new dwelling or vacant land. A person buying a home or an investment as joint tenants with an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen spouse may not need a residential real estate application. On an investment, some states can still charge the foreign buyer surcharge. Confirm the current rules before signing a contract.
How much deposit do visa holders need?
Most Australian banks require 20–30% from non-residents. Our specialist lender panel accepts deposits from 5% for partner visa joint applications, 10% for most 482, 491, 494, and 461 holders, and 10–20% for expats. Deposit sources can include genuine savings, overseas transfers with documentation, family gifts, or existing property equity.
Can I use foreign income for an Australian mortgage?
Yes. Most lenders shade foreign income by 20%, and some decline it outright. MAP works with lenders who assess foreign income using the tax you actually pay overseas rather than Australian rates. That approach can increase borrowing capacity compared with a standard application.
What happens to my home loan if my visa expires?
Your existing home loan continues unchanged — repayments, rate, and terms stay the same. The visa on your file is a snapshot at application time, not an ongoing condition. When you transition to a new visa or permanent residency, your lending position usually improves: access to the full lender panel, better rates, and the removal of FIRB requirements on future purchases.
General information only. Foreign investment and lender rules can change; confirm the rules for your circumstances before signing a contract.
Book Your Free Assessment
We have a proven record of success at helping visa holders and expats, since 2010.
What Clients Are Saying
PeterHome loan approved with wife on an 820 visa
My wife is on an 820 visa and MAP Home Loans helped us get a home loan. My broker was great with communication and answered all of my questions. Recommended if you have any issues surrounding temporary visas or you just want a great mortgage broker.
ZamHome loan sorted while working overseas
As an expat working overseas, MAP Home Loans have been great in getting me a home loan. All the processes were seamless, and I never thought buying a home from overseas was easy. Good job, keep it up!
Alex SApproved on a 461 visa where others couldn’t
MAP Home Loans succeeded where other brokers couldn’t due to my subclass 461 visa. Clear and prompt comms from start to finish and fantastic service. Thank you 🥳
David and AiBought our first home on a temporary visa
Without MAP Home Loans, my wife and I could not have purchased our first home. My wife is on a temporary visa but with my broker’s help we were able to be approved for our home loan.
He was very informative and helpful, replying at all hours in a short time frame.
If you’re thinking about trying to purchase your first home, he won’t steer you wrong.
ErinFirst home approved as a non-resident
Exceptional service! I would recommend the team at MAP Home Loans to anyone looking to secure a mortgage, especially non-Australian residents. My broker explained everything to us and ensured we had all the necessary documents for the bank, meaning we got approval the first time we applied. There is no way we would have purchased our first home without my broker’s help. Thanks again!
Robert SmithFirst home bought from overseas without a 20% deposit
We had a very complex mortgage transaction to negotiate as we live overseas and did not have the 20% deposit. However, MAP Home Loans was instrumental in helping us purchase our first home. We would genuinely recommend MAP Home Loans to anyone looking to purchase a house.
Thank you.
Free Lending
Assessment
Get a home loan approval plan built around your visa, in less than 30 minutes. No cost, no obligation.
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