First Home Buyers
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Learn more →Home Loans for New Immigrants in Sydney
Arriving in Australia and wanting to buy a home is exciting — but without a local credit history, some lenders are cautious. The good news is that several lenders have specific policies for new residents and citizens, and the right one depends on your visa status, your deposit, and how long you've been here. We compare 60+ lenders to find them.
Who this suits
Buying a home as a new arrival to Australia is absolutely possible, but the right lender depends on your visa and residency status. If any of the following sound like you, we can help:
- You've recently arrived in Australia on a permanent or temporary visa.
- You have no Australian credit history because you're new to the country.
- You're a permanent resident wanting to buy your first Australian home.
- You're on a skilled work visa and want to know if you can buy.
- You've been told you need two years of Australian credit history.
- You have overseas income or assets and want to know if they count.
How visa status affects your home loan options
Your visa type is the single biggest factor for lenders when you're new to Australia. Permanent residents are treated the same as citizens by most lenders. Temporary visa holders — including skilled work visas — can still get a home loan, but the lender panel is smaller and the deposit requirements may be higher.
Foreign investors (non-residents) face different rules again, including FIRB approval requirements and stamp duty surcharges. We'll help you understand which category you fall into and which lenders have policies that fit.
Lending policies by visa type
Permanent residents
Permanent residents are treated the same as Australian citizens by almost all lenders. You'll have access to the full lender panel, the same rates, and the same deposit requirements (as low as 5%).
Skilled work visas (482, 186, 491)
Most lenders will lend to temporary visa holders with a 10-20% deposit. Some will go to 90% LVR. The key is demonstrating stable income and the likelihood of transitioning to permanent residency.
Student and graduate visas (500, 485)
Student visa holders generally can't get a home loan in their own name. Graduate visa (485) holders may be able to borrow with a larger deposit, particularly if they have strong Australian income.
Overseas income
Some lenders will consider overseas income if you're buying in Australia, but the policies are stricter — usually a larger deposit and evidence that the income is ongoing and transferable.
Building an Australian credit history
If you're new to Australia, you won't have a local credit file yet. Some lenders are comfortable with this and will use your overseas credit history or bank statements as evidence of financial responsibility. Others want to see at least 6-12 months of Australian banking history.
Opening an Australian bank account, getting a local credit card with a small limit, and ensuring all bills are paid on time will start building your local credit file. We'll tell you which lenders don't require a long local history so you can buy sooner.
What it costs you
Nothing. The lender pays us a commission for introducing the loan — you don't pay us a fee. We'll tell you exactly what commission we receive before you commit, in writing, as the law requires.
Common questions
Yes, with many lenders. Most will lend to skilled work visa holders with a 10-20% deposit. Some will go to 90% LVR. The key is demonstrating stable income and a path to permanent residency.
Not always. Some lenders will use your overseas credit history or bank statements as evidence of financial responsibility. We'll identify lenders that don't require a long local credit file.
Some lenders will consider overseas income, but the policies are stricter — usually a larger deposit and evidence that the income is ongoing and transferable to Australia.
Yes. Permanent residents are treated the same as citizens by almost all lenders — same rates, same deposit requirements, same lender panel.
Non-resident foreign investors need FIRB approval to buy property in Australia and may face stamp duty surcharges. This is a different process to resident borrowing — we'll help you understand which path applies to you.
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