Buying in Australia from here or overseas
Australians living abroad, new permanent residents and temporary visa holders all face different lending rules. Foreign persons are banned from buying established homes until 31 March 2027. We'll tell you exactly what you can do.
Is this you?
- Australian citizens working overseas
- New permanent residents
- Temporary visa holders buying new homes
- Buyers with overseas income or deposit funds
What you should know
Borrowing Power Calculator
Estimate your borrowing power using the same building blocks lenders use: income after tax, living expenses, debts and the 3% serviceability buffer.
Open calculatorFigures current as at October 2026. Scheme rules and caps change; we confirm them for your situation.
Our process
Check your status
Citizen, PR, or foreign person under FIRB rules.
Document income and funds
Overseas payslips, tax and transfer trails.
Find the lender
Few lenders handle each scenario well.
Settle remotely
Electronic settlement means you don't need to be here.
Frequently asked
Can expats use the 5% Deposit Scheme?
Generally not, as you must live in the property.
Do permanent residents need FIRB approval?
Generally no.
Can temporary residents buy any home?
During the ban, mainly new dwellings or land with FIRB approval.
Related articles
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Home Loans for Temporary Visa Holders: The 2026 Foreign Buyer Ban
Temporary visa holders can't buy established homes until at least 31 March 2027. Here's what you can still buy, FIRB rules, lender policies and extra costs.
Home Loans for New Permanent Residents and Recent Migrants
Just got PR or recently moved to Australia? How lenders treat permanent residents, overseas income and credit history, plus the schemes you can use.
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