Home Loans for Visa Holders in Australia: Your Complete Guide

Can Visa Holders Get a Home Loan in Australia?

Yes! Many Australian lenders offer home loans to visa holders, though the requirements differ depending on your visa type and residency status. If you're a temporary or permanent visa holder, there are genuine pathways to home ownership.

Which Visas Qualify?

Different visa types have different borrowing options:

Permanent Residency (Subclass 189, 190, 191)

Permanent residents are treated almost identically to Australian citizens. You can borrow up to 95% of the property value with most lenders, and you have access to the full range of loan products.

Partner Visa (Subclass 309, 820)

If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, many lenders will consider your combined application favourably. You can typically borrow up to 90% LVR.

Skilled Worker Visa (Subclass 482, 494)

Temporary skilled workers can get home loans, though most lenders require a larger deposit (typically 20% minimum) and may charge a slightly higher interest rate.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Getting a home loan on a student visa is more challenging but not impossible. You'll typically need a larger deposit (30-40%), strong income evidence, and a co-applicant in some cases.

FIRB Approval: What You Need to Know

Temporary visa holders usually need Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before purchasing property. Key points:

• FIRB approval is generally required for temporary residents
• Permanent residents are usually exempt
• Application fees range from $14,100 for properties up to $1 million
• You can generally only purchase new dwellings or vacant land (not established homes) on a temporary visa

How Much Deposit Do You Need?

Deposit requirements vary by visa type:

• Permanent residents: 5-10% (same as citizens)
• Temporary residents: 20-30% typically required
• Student visa: 30-40% in most cases

Documents You'll Need

In addition to standard home loan documents, visa holders typically need:

• Valid passport and current visa
• FIRB approval (if applicable)
• Proof of income in Australia (at least 6 months of payslips)
• Tax returns or Notice of Assessment
• Evidence of genuine savings

How Jain Home Loans Helps Visa Holders

As a broker serving the Indian community in Adelaide, Nipun understands the unique challenges migrants face when buying property. He speaks Hindi and Punjabi and has helped dozens of visa holders secure home loans.

We know which lenders are migrant-friendly, what documentation you need, and how to present your application for the best chance of approval. Call 0469 618 750 for a free consultation.