Many lenders will consider home loan applications from temporary visa holders — but the rules, LVRs, and requirements vary dramatically by visa type, lender, and property location. We specialise in navigating this complex space.
Australia welcomes hundreds of thousands of skilled workers, students, and families on temporary visas each year. Many want to put down roots and buy property — but discovering your lending options can be confusing and frustrating.
The truth is, most lenders do offer home loans to visa holders, but the eligibility criteria, maximum loan-to-value ratios, and documentation requirements vary enormously depending on your specific visa type, employment situation, and which lender you approach.
Getting a home loan on a temporary visa isn't straightforward:
We work with lenders across the spectrum who specialise in visa holder lending. Whether you're on a 482 work visa, 820 partner visa, or student visa, we know which lenders will approve your application and at what terms.
With access to 30+ lenders — including specialist non-bank lenders experienced in visa lending — we match your visa type and circumstances to the best available loan product, often achieving outcomes clients didn't think were possible.
Lending options vary significantly based on your visa category:
| Visa Type | Typical Max LVR | Lender Availability | FIRB Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident (PR) | Up to 95% | All major banks and lenders | ✓ No |
| 482/457 Work Visa | Up to 90% | Many banks and non-bank lenders | Usually no (for established residents) |
| 491/494 Regional Visa | Up to 85-90% | Select banks and non-bank lenders | Varies by circumstances |
| 820/801 Partner Visa | Up to 90% | Many lenders (with PR partner) | ✓ No (if partner is PR/citizen) |
| Student Visa (500) | Up to 70-80% | Limited — specialist lenders | ✗ Yes |
| Non-Resident (offshore) | Up to 60-70% | Very limited — specialist only | ✗ Yes |
Every visa situation is unique. Here are some real-world examples of how we've helped visa holders secure home loans in Australia:
Skilled worker on a 482 visa with 2+ years remaining, earning $120K+ in a sponsored role. We secured 90% LVR with a major lender — no FIRB required as an established temporary resident.
On an 820 partner visa with an Australian citizen spouse. Joint application using combined income secured approval at standard rates — the citizen partner's status strengthened the application.
Recently received PR after years on a 457/482 visa. Full access to all lenders at standard terms and LVRs — we helped transition from a visa-restricted loan to a competitive standard product.
Post-study work visa with strong employment. We found a lender willing to lend at 80% LVR despite the temporary visa status, recognising stable professional employment.
Use our free Loan Assessor to get an instant estimate of your borrowing power — even on a temporary visa.
Try the Loan AssessorWe review your visa type, expiry date, employment status, and residency history to determine which lenders will consider your application and at what LVR.
If FIRB approval is needed, we guide you through the application process and ensure your loan application is timed correctly with FIRB approval timelines.
We compare options from lenders experienced in visa holder lending — comparing rates, LVRs, additional requirements, and any visa-specific conditions.
We prepare your application with all visa-specific documentation, employment verification, and income evidence to maximise your chance of approval.
Lenders prefer visas with 2+ years remaining. If your visa is expiring soon, consider whether renewal or PR application timing affects your loan options.
If your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a joint application significantly improves your lending options and may give access to higher LVRs.
Temporary visa holders may face additional stamp duty surcharges (up to 8% in Victoria). Factor this into your purchase budget. The surcharge may be refunded if you obtain PR within a set timeframe.
Visa holder applications require extra income documentation. Keep payslips, tax returns, employment contracts, and bank statements well-organised for a smoother application process.