FAQS

Eligibility & Options

Can Australian expats get home loans in Australia?

Absolutely. Australian citizens and permanent residents living overseas can qualify for home loans. Lenders apply non-resident criteria, but as long as you have stable income and meet their requirements, you’re eligible. We’ll match you with a lender comfortable with your expat profile.

How much can I borrow as an Australian expat?

It depends on your income, currency, and financial commitments. Lenders usually “shade” foreign income—only counting 70–90% of it to be conservative. High-income earners in strong currencies like USD, SGD, or GBP generally qualify for more. We assess your profile and match you to lenders who’ll maximise your borrowing power.

What deposit is required for an expat home loan?

Most lenders require 20–30% deposit for expat borrowers. Some may allow 90–95% loans with Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), but this depends on your financial profile and residency status. We’ll help you understand your options and ensure you’re prepared for both the deposit and purchasing costs like stamp duty.

Will I get the same interest rates as a local Australian borrower, or do expats pay more?

Not necessarily. Many lenders offer the same rates to expats as they do to locals. However, some lenders quietly load higher margins for non-residents. We know which banks are expat-friendly and negotiate to secure you a rate that’s competitive and fair.

Will Australian lenders accept my foreign income and currency?

Yes—most major currencies (USD, GBP, SGD, AED, etc.) are accepted. But lenders may discount your income by 10–30% depending on currency volatility or tax policy. We know which lenders treat foreign income most favourably and will present your case accordingly to maximise borrowing capacity.

Can I use bridging finance to buy a new property before selling my existing one while I’m overseas?

Yes. If you’re buying a new property before selling your current one, bridging finance is an option—provided you have strong equity and a clear exit strategy. We’ll structure it correctly to meet lender requirements and help you determine if it’s the right choice financially.

Process & Requirements

What documents do I need to provide for an expat home loan application?

You’ll need ID (passport), visa, payslips, employment letter, overseas bank statements, deposit proof, and statements for any debts or rental income. We give you a full checklist and help you through it step-by-step.

How long does it take to get approved for an expat home loan?

Roughly 3–5 weeks total. Pre-approval takes 1–2 weeks; formal approval takes another 1–2 weeks after you’ve signed a property contract. Timeframes vary slightly based on lender, documentation, and whether an embassy appointment is needed.

Do I need to travel to Australia to apply or sign loan documents?

No. The entire process can be handled remotely. You may need to visit a notary, Australian embassy, or use video ID checks. Some lenders allow electronic signing. We guide you through every step so there’s no need to travel.

Refinancing & Management

Will I incur any fees if I pay off my loan early or refinance soon after taking it?

Not on variable loans. But fixed-rate loans may have break fees if paid out early. There may also be a broker “clawback” fee if you refinance within 2 years. We always explain any potential costs before you proceed.

How do I make my mortgage repayments from overseas (and manage currency exchange)?

We’ll help you set up an Australian bank account to make repayments. You transfer funds from overseas (using FX services like OFX or Wise), and set up automatic payments from your AUD account.

Do some banks charge higher interest rates or fees for expat clients?

Unfortunately, yes—some banks charge higher rates or offer fewer discounts to expats. We identify these lenders and steer you toward those offering fair pricing and full-featured loans, regardless of your location.

Can I refinance my Australian home loan while living overseas?

Yes. Many expats refinance to secure better rates or access equity. We manage the entire process remotely, find expat-friendly lenders, and ensure your new loan suits your goals.

Property Purchase Supprot

Do I need a conveyancer or solicitor, and how will they handle my purchase remotely?

Yes. A conveyancer handles the legal side of the purchase—contract reviews, title checks, and settlement. They work remotely and represent your interests throughout the transaction. We can refer you to trusted ones in each state.

What is a buyer’s agent, and should I use one when purchasing from overseas?

A buyer’s agent helps you find, inspect, and negotiate a property. They work solely for you, not the seller. For expats, they’re especially useful for remote inspections, off-market access, and professional bidding at auctions.

How can I buy a property in Australia while I’m based overseas?

Yes—and it’s common. You can use a buyer’s agent or family member to inspect properties. With digital contracts and remote ID verification, the full process can be managed from abroad. We help you every step of the way.

Legal & Tax Matters

What tax implications should I consider as an Australian expat investing in property back home?

Expats must pay income tax on rental income, capital gains tax on sale (often at higher non-resident rates), and land tax on investments. You can claim deductions, and we suggest working with an expat tax advisor to optimise your setup.

I’m buying with a foreign (non-citizen) spouse/partner – will we need FIRB approval or face foreign buyer stamp duty?

No FIRB approval is needed for joint purchases with an Aussie spouse, but foreign buyer stamp duty may apply on their share. Some states also apply land tax surcharges. We’ll help you understand and plan for these costs.

Do Australian expats need Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval to buy property?

No. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident—even if living overseas—you do not need FIRB approval to buy residential property in your own name.

Working with AEXPHL

Can you assist Australian expats living in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, and any other countries?

Yes. We work with Australians all over the world—Singapore, Dubai, London, New York, Hong Kong, and more. Our systems are built to support expats remotely with digital documents, time-zone-friendly communication, and experience with foreign currencies and income types.

Are you affiliated with or owned by any bank?

No. AEXPHL is 100% independent. That means we don’t push any one bank’s products—we compare options across dozens of lenders and recommend what genuinely suits you.

How can I be sure that you’ll recommend a loan that’s in my best interest?

We’re legally bound by a Best Interests Duty, meaning we must act in your best interest and can’t recommend a loan that isn’t suitable. We assess your goals, explain all the options clearly, and support you in making the final decision that works best for your needs.

How do mortgage brokers like AEXPHL get paid if you don’t charge clients?

We’re paid a commission by the bank after your loan is approved and settled. It’s usually a small percentage of the loan amount and is built into the bank’s marketing budget—it doesn’t affect your interest rate. You benefit from our service without paying anything extra.

Do you charge any fees for your services, or are there broker fees for expats?

In nearly all cases, no. Our service is free for standard expat loans—residential or investment. We’re paid by the lender after your loan settles. Only in very rare, complex situations would a fee apply, and we’d always tell you upfront.

Is AEXPHL a licensed and reputable mortgage broker?

Yes. AEXPHL is fully licensed under the Australian Credit License system and a member of professional bodies like FBAA and AFCA. This means we meet strict regulatory standards, maintain ongoing training, and follow industry best practices—giving you peace of mind and professional service.

Why should I use a mortgage broker like AEXPHL instead of going directly to a bank?

AEXPHL specialises in helping expats navigate these issues. You get access to more lenders, better expat-specific options, and expert guidance. We simplify the process, handle the paperwork, and improve your chances of approval.

Let us help you on your Journey

Speak to our experts today

THANK YOU!

We'll get in touch with you shortly

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.