Can I Get a Home Loan as a New Immigrant in Australia? (2026)
Yes — new immigrants can get home loans in Australia, but eligibility depends on your visa type, residency status, FIRB (Foreign Investment Review Board) requirements, and whether you can demonstrate sufficient income and credit history in Australia.
Residency Status and Home Loan Access
| Residency status | Home loan access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australian citizen | Full access — all lenders | No restrictions |
| Permanent resident (PR) | Full access — all lenders | Same as citizen for most purposes |
| New Zealand citizen | Generally full access | Special Category Visa (SCV) — treated similarly to PR by most lenders |
| Temporary resident (457/482 TSS, 494, 482, student visa) | Limited — some lenders; FIRB required | Higher deposit requirements; fewer lenders |
| Partner visa (temporary) | Limited — partner’s income and citizenship matters | Some lenders assist; depends on Australian partner |
| Tourist or short-stay visa | Not eligible | Cannot borrow for property purchase |
FIRB Requirements for Non-Permanent Residents
Foreign nationals and temporary visa holders purchasing residential property in Australia generally require approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB).
Key FIRB rules for temporary residents:
- May purchase one established dwelling to live in as a principal place of residence
- Must sell the property when they leave Australia
- May purchase new dwellings (off-the-plan or newly built) without the “must sell when leaving” condition
FIRB application fee: Based on property value — fees start at $5,300 for properties under $1M (FY2024–25 rates). Check the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for current FIRB fees.
Permanent residents and citizens: Generally exempt from FIRB requirements for residential purchases.
The Credit History Challenge
New immigrants face a specific challenge: your credit history from your home country does not transfer to Australia. You start with no credit file in Australia.
How to build an Australian credit file:
- Open an Australian bank account and use it consistently
- Get an Australian credit card and use it responsibly (pay in full each month)
- Any utility agreements, phone plans, or subscription services in your name start building a record
Most lenders require at least 6–12 months of Australian credit and banking history. Some specialist lenders work with borrowers who have minimal Australian credit history, particularly if they have strong income and a substantial deposit.
Income and Employment Requirements
Standard employment (PAYG) income: If you are employed in Australia on a permanent or temporary visa, your Australian employment income is assessed. Most lenders require at least 3–12 months of Australian employment history.
If you have overseas income: Some lenders can consider overseas income — particularly for borrowers with income from a company or role with an international presence. Currency risk and documentation requirements make this more complex.
Self-employment in Australia: Typically requires 2 years of Australian tax returns. New immigrants who are self-employed in Australia face the combined challenge of limited residency and limited self-employment history.
Deposit Requirements for Visa Holders
Temporary residents typically face higher deposit requirements:
| Residency status | Typical minimum deposit |
|---|---|
| Citizens and PRs | 5% (with government scheme) or 10–20% standard |
| Temporary residents (TSS, subclass 482, 494) | 20–30% typically; LMI may not be available |
| Partner visa (temporary) | Varies; some lenders 20% |
LMI providers (Genworth/Helia, QBE) typically decline to insure loans for temporary visa holders — meaning lenders require a 20–30% deposit from visa holders even though a citizen could borrow at 95% with LMI.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m on a 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage). Can I get a home loan?
Yes, some lenders will lend to TSS visa holders — but you typically need a 20–30% deposit, FIRB approval, and Australian employment and banking history. A broker who works with visa holder lending situations can identify the right lender.
Does my credit score from my home country count?
No — Australian lenders can only access your Australian credit file. A strong credit history in your country of origin cannot be transferred. Some lenders may accept a reference letter from your overseas bank as supporting documentation, but it does not substitute for Australian credit history.
I’m a New Zealand citizen living in Australia. What rules apply to me?
New Zealand citizens living in Australia on a Special Category Visa (SCV) are treated similarly to Australian permanent residents by most lenders — full access to mainstream lending without FIRB requirements. Some lenders treat SCVs identically to citizens.
Related Guides
- Can I Get a Home Loan With No Deposit?
- Can I Get a Home Loan With Bad Credit?
- Working With a Mortgage Broker
- Can I Get a Home Loan? — Eligibility Hub
This article provides general information about home loan eligibility for immigrants and visa holders in Australia. FIRB rules, visa conditions, and lender policies change. Always verify current FIRB requirements at the ATO website and speak with a licensed mortgage broker. Find one through MoneySmart.