Getting a mortgage in Australia: UK guide for expats and buyers

Planning a move, investment, or property purchase from the UK can make getting a mortgage in Australia feel more complicated than it first looks. Rules for foreign buyers have tightened, lender criteria can be stricter, and the upfront costs are often higher than many buyers expect.

If you are weighing up a mortgage in Australia, this guide covers who can apply, which property types are currently available to UK buyers, the documents and fees to expect, and how to move your money across for a deposit or mortgage costs.

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Can you get a mortgage in Australia as a non-resident?

It is technically possible to get a non-resident mortgage in Australia if you are not living there, but it is likely to be more difficult. You will face more restrictions and conditions, along with higher interest rates. You also will not be able to borrow as much as an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

As a guide, some lenders may only allow you to borrow 60% to 70% of the property's value, which means you may need a deposit of up to 40%.² As a foreign citizen, you will also need approval to buy property in Australia through Australia's foreign investment rules before you can complete a purchase.¹

What types of Australian property can UK buyers purchase?

One thing worth knowing is that the biggest barrier is no longer just the mortgage. It is also the type of property you are allowed to buy.¹

Rules can change, so check the latest ATO guidance before paying a deposit or signing a contract.¹

Getting a mortgage in Australia from the UK after Brexit

The UK leaving the EU has had no effect on the process of getting a mortgage in Australia as a British citizen.

When it comes to lenders, you should be treated the same as any other foreign national. Although unfortunately, this may mean more paperwork, stricter requirements and less favourable rates compared to Aussie locals.

Mortgage eligibility criteria for UK citizens in Australia

The criteria for mortgage applications will vary between lenders.

But generally speaking, you may need to meet the following requirements to apply for a mortgage in Australia as a UK national:

• Have secure employment and a steady, verifiable source of income
• Have a good credit history, ideally in Australia, although lenders may look at your UK or other international credit history
• Have a visa with at least a year remaining
• Be within the lender's preferred age range
• Be buying a standard build property
• Have a minimum deposit of at least 30% to 40%²

Is it easy to get a mortgage in Australia?

If you're a permanent resident or Australian citizen and meet the lender's criteria, getting a mortgage in Australia can be relatively straightforward. Be prepared for plenty of paperwork though, along with detailed questions about your income and spending habits.

However, if you're a temporary resident or are buying from abroad, you're likely to find it much more difficult. Lenders are likely to see you as higher risk, especially if you do not have any kind of credit history in Australia.

You might also face obstacles if you have a poor credit history, a high debt-to-income ratio or gaps in your employment history. Self-employed people sometimes struggle to secure a mortgage.

It could be a good idea to use the services of a specialist broker, who can help you navigate these challenges and find a lender willing to grant you a mortgage.

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Australian mortgage as a foreigner

To give you an idea of what to expect, here is a step-by-step look at the process of applying for an Australian mortgage as a UK national:

1. Decide if you want to use a broker to explore your options for an Australian mortgage. Alternatively, choose a bank or other lender with a mortgage that suits your needs.
2. Get your documents ready.
3. Apply for pre-approval. This means the lender is willing to lend to you in principle, subject to approval and final checks of the property you intend to buy.
4. Apply for Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval to buy a property. From 1 April 2025, FIRB approval for established dwellings is generally not available to foreign buyers. Most foreign buyers will now be applying to purchase new dwellings, off-the-plan property or vacant land.¹
5. Find a property within your budget and agree on a purchase price with the seller.
6. Submit your mortgage application. At this stage, it may also be useful to open a local bank account, or an international account in AUD.
7. The lender will verify your information and reach a decision on your application. They may need to carry out an appraisal of the property's value, and there may be a fee for this.
8. If your application is successful, you will receive a formal mortgage commitment. Read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting.
9. Sign the mortgage documents and continue the final legal steps to purchase your home.

Which documents do you need as a non-resident?

The exact paperwork you'll need will depend on the bank or lender you use. However, you can expect to be asked for the following:²

• Valid ID, such as your passport
• Evidence of FIRB approval to buy a home in Australia as a foreigner
• Proof of legal residence in Australia, such as your visa documents and proof of address
• Documents proving your creditworthiness, such as salary slips, tax returns, bank statements and your credit report
• Proof that you can afford mortgage repayments, such as household cash flow statements, utility bills or bank statements — lenders may compare this to cost of living in Australia data to make sure you can afford to pay back your loan

How long does it take to get a mortgage in Australia?

Getting pre-approval for an Australian mortgage generally only takes a few days.³

But from approval to settlement, when the loan is granted, you can expect it to take around 4 to 6 weeks.³

Fees and costs for getting a mortgage in Australia

The headline mortgage costs are only part of the picture. As a foreign buyer, you may also face FIRB fees and state-based foreign purchaser duty surcharges before you even reach settlement.

This is different from the standard costs local buyers focus on first. For a UK buyer, the risk is underestimating how much cash you need before the lender releases any funds.

Application fees

This is the fee associated with applying for or completing your mortgage. The amount varies by lender and product, but generally costs between AUD 150 and AUD 800.⁴

Valuation fees

If the mortgage company needs to carry out a valuation of the property, they may charge an appraisal fee. It is a one-time fee of around AUD 100 to AUD 600, but varies depending on the value, location and type of property.⁴

Conveyancing and legal fees

You will already be paying legal fees to the property lawyer assisting you with the sale, but your mortgage lender may also charge separate conveyancing and legal fees.

Conveyancing fees may range from AUD 500 to AUD 2,200, while other legal fees may amount to between AUD 200 and AUD 450.⁴

Mortgage registration fees

Each state or territory in Australia will charge a fee to register the mortgage on the property. They set their own fees, but the range is roughly AUD 122 to AUD 232 depending on location and filing method.⁴

Other fees and costs

You may also encounter some of these other charges when applying for an Australian mortgage loan:⁴

• Search processing fees, usually around AUD 50 per search
• Lenders mortgage insurance, which may apply if your deposit is below the lender's threshold
• Monthly service fees, often around AUD 5 to AUD 15
• Transfer fees if you need to move money internationally to cover your deposit or settlement costs

Australian banks or lenders offering mortgages to foreigners

Many of Australia's major banks do not provide mortgages to non-residents and property buyers who need foreign investment approval. So if you are buying from outside the country, you may need to look for a non-bank or specialist lender.

Because of the current foreign buyer rules, many applications from UK buyers in 2025 and later will be for new builds or off-the-plan property. It is worth checking specialist lender criteria carefully before you commit to a purchase.

If you are a permanent resident, you can approach banks such as:

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia
• Westpac
• NAB
• ANZ

It may also be worth contacting HSBC, as it is an international bank with a presence in both the UK and Australia.

Mortgage rates in Australia

According to personal finance comparison site Money.com.au, these were some of the lowest advertised home loan rates as of 27 June 2026. Rates change regularly, so treat these figures as indicative only.⁵

The rate you are offered can be higher than the headline rate, especially if you are a non-resident, have a smaller deposit, or are buying a property type with tighter lending rules.

Can you get a UK mortgage to buy property in Australia?

It may be possible to get a mortgage in the UK to finance your property purchase over in Australia. But not all UK banks and lenders offer what are often known as overseas mortgages.

Your best bet would be to try an international bank which operates in both countries, such as HSBC.

You could also look at remortgaging an existing property you own in the UK, borrowing more to raise funds for your overseas purchase. Crucially, you should only do this if you can afford the repayments. It could be a sensible idea to seek financial advice before going down this route.

Do banks offer Buy-to-Let (BTL) mortgages in Australia?

Banks in Australia offer home loans specially designed for investing in property, but they are not generally called Buy-to-Let mortgages like they are in the UK.

You will need to research a few different banks and lenders to find out what options are available for budding property investors and landlords.

Refinancing a mortgage in Australia

It is also possible to refinance a mortgage in Australia, which is more commonly known as remortgaging here in the UK.

There are a few reasons you might want to do this. For example, you can unlock equity from your home, lower your payments or shorten the term of your loan.

As with anything to do with mortgages, it could be a good idea to get professional financial advice before refinancing.

Types of mortgages in Australia

There are a few different mortgage types available in Australia. The main ones to know about are:

• Fixed rate mortgages, where the rate is fixed for a set period, usually 1 to 5 years¹
• Variable rate mortgages, where the rate can move up or down
• Split-rate mortgages, which combine fixed and variable borrowing so you can decide what proportion sits at each rate
• Interest-only mortgages, where you pay only the interest for a set period before repayments of the loan principal begin

Final tips for getting a mortgage in Australia as a non-resident

• Check which property types are available to you before looking at mortgages. As a foreign buyer, you are currently restricted mainly to new dwellings, off-the-plan property and vacant land — make sure the property you are considering fits the rules before you pay any fees or progress an application.¹
• Try to build up a credit file or some form of financial footprint in the country, such as opening an Australian bank account. This may mean you need to wait until you have moved to Australia from the UK.
• If you are moving to Australia, wait until you have arrived — and have a permanent job or at least a solid job offer — before applying for a mortgage, and make sure you have at least a year remaining on your visa.
• Ensure you have a large enough deposit. The less you need to borrow, the less of a risk you may appear to lenders.
• Get tailored professional advice about suitable mortgage products for non-residents and foreign applicants. Using a broker or agent may come with a fee, but it could be worth it to secure the finance you need.
• Make sure you have all your documentation in order, especially relating to income, employment and savings.

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Sources used:

1. Apply to buy residential property as a foreign person | Australian Taxation Office
2. Non-Resident Home Loans in Australia | Canstar
3. How long does it take to get a home loan approval | Loans.com.au
4. Navigating home loan fees | Savings.com.au
5. Australia's Best Home Loan Rates Comparison | Money.com.au
6. Residential fees for a foreign person | Australian Taxation Office
7. Surcharge purchaser duty | Revenue NSW
8. Foreign purchaser additional duty | State Revenue Office Victoria
9. Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty | Queensland Revenue Office

Sources last checked on date: 29-June-2026