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What Is an Expat Home Loan?
An expat home loan is a mortgage designed for Australian citizens and permanent residents living overseas who want to buy property in Australia. Lenders assess foreign income, exchange rates, and tax implications, making expat loans slightly different from standard home loans.
How Expat Home Loans Work
Lenders evaluate an expat’s foreign income, country of residence, and local tax obligations before approving a mortgage. Some lenders accept 100% of foreign income, while others apply "shading" policies that reduce the borrowing capacity. Australian expats can also access special tax benefits when purchasing investment properties. Understanding these factors helps ensure a smooth home loan approval process.
Who Can Apply for an Expat Home Loan?
Expat home loans are available to:
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Australian citizens living overseas
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Australian permanent residents working abroad
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Expats earning in foreign currency
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Self-employed expats with verifiable income
Some lenders restrict certain foreign currencies or require additional documentation, so working with a mortgage broker helps secure the best loan options.
Specialist Mortgage Brokers for Australian Expats
At Freedom Mortgage Solutions, we work with over 30 lenders to find the best expat mortgage rates, flexible lending policies, and low deposit options. We ensure that lenders accept your foreign income and employment status, maximising your borrowing capacity.
Seamless Loan Approval & Foreign Income Assessment
Navigating foreign income verification, exchange rates, and tax implications can be complex. Our team handles all loan applications, paperwork, and lender negotiations, ensuring a hassle-free home loan approval process.
How to Get Approved for an Expat Home Loan
Expat home loan approval depends on:
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Foreign income verification (salary, business income, or rental income)
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Country of residence and exchange rate stability
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Loan-to-value ratio (LVR) and deposit amount
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Tax residency and Australian property investment goals
Some lenders require tax assessments from both Australia and the country of residence to determine borrowing capacity. A mortgage broker ensures you meet lender requirements without unnecessary delays.
Can Expats Buy Any Property in Australia?
Australian expats can buy residential and investment properties without Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval. Unlike foreign buyers, expats are eligible for government grants and stamp duty exemptions, depending on the property type and state regulations.
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FAQ
Yes, Australian expats can apply for a home loan while living abroad. Some lenders accept foreign income and offer expat-friendly mortgage products, while others apply stricter income verification rules. Working with a mortgage broker helps find the best lender for your situation.
The deposit required varies depending on the lender. Many expats can borrow up to 80% of a property's value with no lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI). Some lenders may offer 90% LVR loans, but higher deposit requirements may apply for self-employed expats or certain foreign income sources.
Lenders assess foreign income by converting it to AUD and applying an income "shading" policy, where only 60-80% of the total income is considered for borrowing capacity. Some lenders accept 100% of income for stable currencies, while others may require additional documentation like foreign tax returns or bank statements.
Yes, Australian expats can purchase investment properties just like residents, without requiring FIRB approval. Investment property loans may also offer tax benefits, depending on Australian tax laws and your residency status.
Australian expats buying property may still be subject to capital gains tax (CGT) and Australian tax laws on rental income. Consulting a tax specialist and mortgage broker ensures you understand foreign income taxation, negative gearing benefits, and potential tax exemptions when investing in Australia.
Freedom Mortgage Solutions welcomes your enquiry. To book an appointment or simply ask us a question, fill in your details and we'll be in touch soon!