Expat home loans that bring Australian property closer, wherever you live.
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What is an expat home loan?
A mortgage built for Australians living abroad.
An expat home loan is for Australian citizens and permanent residents who live overseas but want to buy property back home — a future family home, an investment, or a refinance.
Foreign currency income, exchange rates and remote paperwork make these loans more involved than a standard application, so it pays to work with a broker who knows which lenders do this well.
Here's how we handle the key parts.
How it works
1. Foreign income
Lenders convert your income at current exchange rates and usually count only part of it (often 70–80%). We present it so it's assessed accurately.
2. Deposit
Expats are often asked for a larger deposit — commonly 20% — though some lenders go higher with LMI.
3. Loan options
Fixed, variable, split and interest-only options, structured around whether you'll live in it or rent it out.
4. Remote documents
Digital submission, electronic signing and overseas certification, timed around your time zone.
5. Tax and legal
We don't give tax advice, but we work alongside your accountant and solicitor so the loan structure suits Australian and overseas rules.
Who is eligible
- Australian citizen or permanent resident living overseas (PRs may face extra FIRB rules)
- Stable foreign income — payslips, employment contract and tax returns
- Good credit history in Australia and, where relevant, your country of residence
- A clear purpose — future home, investment property or refinance
Why SYD Mortgage for your expat loan?
- Specialist knowledge of expat lending and which lenders accept your currency and country.
- Loan structures tailored to your plans back home.
- End-to-end service — from first call to settlement, handled remotely.
- Communication that works around your time zone.
Typical expat lending settings
Indicative only — each lender's policy differs and changes.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Maximum LVR | Around 80%; some up to 90% with LMI |
| Foreign income counted | Often around 70–80% after shading |
| Accepted currencies | Commonly USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, HKD, NZD and more |
| Documents | Passport, payslips, employment contract, overseas tax return, bank statements, credit report |
| Interest rate | Often a little higher than standard loans |
- Australian citizens do not need FIRB approval to buy residential property, wherever they live.
- From 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2027, foreign persons are generally banned from buying established homes — this can affect PRs living overseas.
- Living overseas can change your tax residency and capital gains tax position — get tax advice before you buy.
Let's get you home
Frequently asked questions
Can permanent residents living overseas apply?
- Often yes, but PRs living overseas may be treated as foreign persons, which brings in FIRB rules and the temporary ban on established homes. We check this first.
How much of my overseas salary will count?
- It depends on the currency and lender — commonly around 70–80% of your gross income after conversion.
Do I need to fly home to sign?
- Usually not. Documents can be signed and certified overseas, and many lenders accept electronic signing.
Can I refinance my existing Australian loan while overseas?
- Yes. Many expats refinance to a lender with better expat policy or a sharper rate. We compare the options for you.
General information only, based on lender policies and government sources as at 31 Oct 2026. Rates, LVR limits and loan sizes vary by lender. FIRB rules and tax law change — confirm your situation with us before acting.
