Who this suits
- Permanent residents (most lenders treat you much like a citizen)
- Temporary residents on work visas
- Partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents
- People with income from overseas
How it works
- Check where you standYour visa, the foreign investment rules and any extra NSW duty.
- Match the lenderSome lenders accept temporary visas, often with a larger deposit.
- Pre-approvalSo you know your budget before you look.
- SettlementWe work with your conveyancer through to the keys.
An example of how we help
Example scenario, for illustration
New permanent residents buying their first home
- The situation
- A couple became permanent residents last year after arriving on skilled visas. They've saved a 5% deposit and have steady jobs, but only a short credit history in Australia.
- How we'd approach it
- We'd check whether they qualify for the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme and the NSW first home buyer concession, then compare lenders comfortable with a short local credit history and get them pre-approved.
- What it can mean
- If they're eligible, the scheme can let them buy with a 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance, and they'd know their budget before they start inspecting. Property price caps and lender criteria apply.
An illustrative example, not a real client. Every situation is different, and lenders make their own decisions.
What a client said
A real Google review, shown with the client's initials. Their situation may differ from the example above.
Get in touch to talk about your situation.
Things worth knowing
Temporary residents can't buy established homes right now
Until 30 June 2029, foreign persons, including temporary residents, are banned from buying established dwellings in Australia unless an exception applies (ATO, as at October 2026). New homes and land usually need FIRB approval.
Extra duty in NSW
Foreign persons usually pay surcharge purchaser duty, currently 9%, on top of standard transfer duty (Revenue NSW).
Overseas income is assessed differently
Some lenders accept foreign income with a discount for currency risk. Others don't accept it at all.
Your Australian credit history starts now
A short credit history is common. Steady employment and clean bank statements help.
Documents you'll usually need
- Passport and visa grant notice
- Employment contract and payslips
- Three months of bank statements
- Evidence of overseas income, if you have it
- Your credit report
We'll confirm exactly what your lender needs, so you don't gather anything twice.
Questions
Can I get a home loan on a temporary visa?
Some lenders lend to temporary residents, usually with a larger deposit and depending on your visa type and the time left on it. The foreign buyer ban means you're generally limited to new homes or land.
Do permanent residents need FIRB approval?
Generally no. Permanent residents living in Australia are usually not foreign persons for FIRB purposes. Check firb.gov.au for your situation.
Can I use the NSW first home buyer concession?
At least one buyer must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to use the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (Revenue NSW).
General information only. It doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply.
