Home loans for Australian visa holders & Aussie expats

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.

Yes, subject to the lender’s criteria. Living overseas doesn’t automatically rule you out, but lenders differ in the countries, currencies and income types they accept. Your borrowing limit also depends on your expenses, debts and the lender’s property valuation. Confirm the signing and identity requirements early if you plan to complete the purchase from abroad.

Australian citizens and Australian permanent visa holders are generally exempt from foreign investment approval when purchasing residential property in their own names. Being an expat does not prevent a purchase of an established home. Joint purchases and companies or trusts need separate checks. Lending approval also depends on the property and your circumstances.

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.

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.

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.

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.