Yes, Australian lenders will consider foreign income – this is how expats qualify for loans – but they each have different rules about it. Generally, if you earn income in a major currency (such as USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, HKD, JPY, AED, etc.), most banks will accept it for servicing the loan. They will convert your salary to AUD using current exchange rates. Many lenders then apply a “shading” or discount to that income to account for possible exchange rate movements and tax. For example, a common practice is to take only 80% of the foreign income into the calculation. Some conservative lenders might use 70% or even 60% if the currency is considered volatile. Additionally, some lenders automatically apply Australian income tax rates to your foreign earnings (assuming you might owe tax either in Australia or just to be conservative), which effectively reduces your net income on paper. The good news is that not all lenders are so harsh – a few will assess your actual net income (especially if you’re in a low-tax jurisdiction or have a tax exemption) or will use a higher portion of your income, which can significantly boost your borrowing power. AEXPHL knows these policy differences well. We will direct you to lenders that are more generous with foreign income if that’s needed to get your loan approved. If your income is in multiple currencies or includes bonuses, dividends, or rental income, lenders will have specific ways to handle each (typically requiring documentation and possibly more conservative treatment on variable components). In summary, foreign salary is acceptable to Australian banks, but how much of it they count can vary – which is why using a broker who understands these nuances is crucial. We’ll ensure your income is presented in the best way to the lender and that we pick a lender who is comfortable with your currency. (Note: If you earn in a very exotic or restricted currency, there might be fewer lenders to choose from, but there are usually solutions even then.)