Non-resident loans
If you’re a non-Australian resident looking for a loan, it can be hard to know where to begin.
While it’s true that not all loan types are available to non-residents, it doesn’t mean you can’t access the loan you need. Non-resident loans are available for both temporary and permanent residents, although the approval criteria may be different. Some of these criteria may include larger deposits, proof of income earned in Australia, and other additional loan conditions.
We’ve partnered with lenders that offer loans for non-Australian residents. This means we can help you find the best loan option for your situation, as well as guide you through the application process.
Why are loans for non-residents different?
In Australia, lenders need to follow strict lending and risk criteria when providing finance. As part of this process, lenders will review your credit history to help assess how risky you may be as a borrower. If you’ve just moved to Australia or haven’t been here long, you won’t yet have any credit history or a credit report.
If you don’t have a credit report, Australian lenders who provide loans to non-residents will use other criteria instead. For example, your overall financial situation, your income, your assets, and the visa type you hold.
Pointer Finance tip
Your credit history starts from when you have savings or debts with an Australian financial institution, or when you take out a utility bill under your name. You can start building your credit profile by ensuring utility bills are under your name, and making payments on time. Utility bills include electricity, water, and post-paid phone plans.
Speedy turnaround times
The property market waits for no-one. That’s why we offer speedy turnaround times, so you won’t miss out on the perfect opportunity.
Huge range of flexible loan options
Our broad range of flexible loan opportunities comes from access to over 50 lenders. It means we can find the right solution for whatever type of loan you need.
Support when you need it most
When it comes to property, we’ve seen and done it all. That’s what makes us so well-equipped to guide you through the process and do whatever it takes to make your experience a positive one.
Empowering you to make confident decisions
Whether you’re buying, building, or refinancing, we’ll guide you through the process and find you the best-fit loan so you can move forward with confidence.
FAQ
Loan options are rarely straightforward. While one loan option may offer a lower interest rate than another one, it may come with less features, higher fees, and restrictions about things like making extra repayments.
We’ll help you work out which features you need, and weigh up the pros and cons of each loan option, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
While some loans allow you to borrow as much as 95% of a property’s purchase price, if you borrow more than 80% you’ll generally have to pay Lender’s Mortgage Insurance. This is a one-off insurance premium that protects lenders in case you default on your mortgage payments. It’s added on to your mortgage, which means you’ll have more to repay.
Keep in mind that when you buy a property, there are extra costs you’ll need to factor in on top of the property purchase price.
These can include real estate agent fees, building and pest inspections, solicitor and conveyancer fees, loan application fees, government stamp duty and moving costs.
We’ll help you budget for all of these costs, so you’re not caught short.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for some concessions that will make buying a property more affordable – such as the First Home Owner Grant.
After getting to know you and your situation, we’ll let you know whether you’re eligible for any government assistance and help you with the application process.
Lenders like to see proof of a consistent income and steady employment, which can be tricky if you’re self-employed, or working on a short-term contract.
Fortunately, there are options available for people in this exact situation. Take a look at our self-employed loans page for more information.
We understand that life happens, and circumstances change throughout the life of your loan. We’ll keep you informed of market changes and get in touch regularly to make sure your loan is working for you. And if things change, we can help you find another solution.
