While exact requirements can vary by lender, Australian expats generally need to provide the same types of documents as local borrowers, plus a few extras related to overseas income and identification. Here’s a list of documents you should prepare:

• Identification: A clear copy of your passport (and Australian driver’s license, if you have one or a copy of your overseas photo ID). Many lenders will require your ID to be certified by a suitable witness (e.g. Justice of the Peace, notary, or consulate).
• Proof of Income: Your latest 3 payslips from your overseas employment, and often an employment contract or letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and length of employment. If you earn bonuses or commissions, having documents that detail those can help. For self-employed expats, you’ll need business financial statements and tax returns.
• Bank Statements: At least 3 months of bank statements showing your salary being credited. This helps verify that the income on your payslips actually hits your account. You should also provide recent statements for any savings accounts, especially the account holding your deposit funds.
• Proof of Deposit/Funds: Evidence of your deposit or equity. For example, a bank statement showing the savings you will use for the down payment, or a statement of your equity if you plan to refinance an existing property for funds. Lenders want to see you have the resources to complete the purchase (deposit, stamp duty, fees).
• Existing Loan and Liability Statements: If you have any existing mortgages (perhaps on another property in Australia or overseas), provide the latest loan statements. Similarly, provide statements for any other debts – credit cards, car loans, student loans – to allow the bank to assess your liabilities.
• Rental Income Documents (if applicable): If you own investment properties (in Australia or abroad) that generate rental income, include a rental statement or lease agreement.
• Tax Returns: Some lenders ask for your last 1–2 years of personal tax returns (especially if self-employed or if your income structure is complex). Australian expats might not be lodging Australian tax returns while overseas, but if you have foreign tax returns or group certificates, those can be useful to verify income consistency.
• Employment Visa: A copy of your work visa or residency permit for the country you’re living in (e.g. Employment Pass for Singapore, PR for HK, etc.). This shows that your overseas employment is legitimate and stable.
• Contract of Sale (if purchase): Once you have an accepted offer on a property, you’ll need to provide the signed Contract of Sale for that property.
• Others: Depending on circumstances, lenders might ask for things like a foreign credit report (for example, if you’ve been living in a country where they can obtain one), or a letter from a accountant if any unusual income is used.

AEXPHL will give you a detailed checklist at the start, tailored to your situation. We also have secure portals to upload your documents safely. It may seem like a lot, but if you prepare these key documents, you’ll cover 95% of what any lender needs. And don’t worry – we’ll assist you at every step to make sure nothing is missed. Proper documentation is especially critical for expats to avoid back-and-forth with the bank, so we take great care in getting it right the first time.