This Blog Is an Expert Guide for Australians Who Are Keen on Buying Property Across Australia While Living Abroad.
Living overseas as an expat naturally has its perks – novel experiences, high income, excellent career growth, and what not. However, recently, many Aussies abroad are asking, “Can I buy property back home while I am still living overseas?”
Well, the answer is: Absolutely yes. And trust us, it is more straightforward than you might think!
Finance brokers at VOXFIN have been specialists in expat home loans across Australia for over a decade
Why Expats Are Investing in Australian Property Now
Meet Celena, a marketing director in Dubai who has been earning overseas for three years now. She has recently purchased a two-bedroom apartment here in Brisbane. And guess what – she is not alone! Thousands of Aussies working abroad are quietly building property portfolios back home over the recent years.
Here is why.
You are earning strong currency. No matter whether you are earning in AED, USD, GBP, or SGD, your foreign income can always work in your favour for deposits and repayments.
- Build equity before you return! Most expats have plans to eventually come back home. Owning property before your return means building wealth while you are still earning living away, and not playing catch-up later.
- Strong rental yields are another crucial reason. As of 2025 end, Perth is leading with rental yields often exceeding 5%, whereas Brisbane continues to grow further – ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
What Is Different for Expat Borrowers?
Let us be honest – expat home loans are not identical to standard applications. However, they are not dramatically harder either. Here is what changes –
- A bigger deposit is required. You should expect 20-40% compared to the standard 10-20% for Australian residents.
- Your income gets shaded. Banks discount foreign income by 10-20% to account for currency fluctuations. For instance, if you are earning $150,000 overseas, the bank here might assess it as $120,000-$135,000.
- Not all banks want expat business. Many major banks have tightened policies, but specialist lenders fill the gap with competitive rates.
The good news? With VOXFIN, you will be able to directly access the same interest rates as Australian residents – no penalty for being an expat.
Your Expat Loan Checklist
Here is what you will need –
- Valid Australian passport
- Proof of employment (minimum 3 months with current employer)
- Last 6 months of bank statements
- Recent payslips and employment letter
- Australian tax file number
- Power of Attorney (someone in Australia to sign documents)
Pro tip: Are your documents not in English? Get NAATI-certified translations early!
What Are the Most Common Mistakes to Avoid?
Applying to the wrong lenders.
Not all banks lend to expats. Going directly to banks without checking this will waste weeks of your time.
Underestimating timelines.
You should expect 2-4 weeks minimum for approval, unlike 3-5 days for local applications.
Forgetting tax implications.
Rental income gets taxed in Australia, and non-residents may face a 15% withholding on property sales.
The Currency Question
What if my currency weakens against the AUD?
Most lenders factor this risk into their assessment through income shading. Build a buffer into your repayment calculations, but remember, whether you are earning AED in Dubai or GBP in London, lenders will account for these fluctuations upfront.
Why Use a Specialist Broker?
Not every broker understands expat applications. A specialist knows –
- Which lenders currently accept foreign income
- How to maximise your borrowing capacity despite income shading
- Which documentation works (and what does not)
- How to structure applications to avoid rejections
They can negotiate better rates and features for you – offset accounts, redraw facilities, flexible repayments.
Are you ready to start?
Whether you are planning to return in two years or ten, buying property while earning overseas could be one of your smartest financial moves!
Get your free expat loan assessment. Our team has helped hundreds of expats secure competitive home loans without the headaches. Find out exactly what you can borrow and which lenders suit your situation.
Let’s discuss your expat home loan options!
This article provides general information only and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult with VOXFIN’s qualified expat home loan experts about your specific circumstances.
