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5.0 from 85 Reviews

Non-Resident Loans in Perth

Australian Property Finance for Foreign Residents and Visa Holders

Non-Resident Mortgage Solutions Built Around Your Situation

Purchasing property in Australia when you are not a citizen or permanent resident is entirely possible, but it does come with a specific set of rules and requirements that differ from standard home lending. At Luxe Finance Group, we work with foreign residents, temporary residents, and visa holders who are looking to secure a non-resident home loan or non-resident mortgage in Australia. Whether you are living and working in Perth on a work visa, studying on a student visa, or earning overseas income while looking to invest in Australian property, we can help you understand what is available and how to position your application.

Understanding FIRB Approval

One of the most important steps for non-residents and foreign buyers is obtaining approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board, commonly known as FIRB. Before most non-citizens can purchase residential property in Australia, they must lodge a FIRB application and receive FIRB approval. This process involves completing an application form on the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website and paying a FIRB fee, which is calculated based on the value of the property. The ATO application is straightforward in structure, but the rules around what you can and cannot purchase are strict.

There are strict rules regarding the type of residential real estate and investment property that foreign buyers are permitted to acquire. In most cases, non-residents are limited to purchasing new dwellings, meaning established homes are generally not available to foreign buyers without additional conditions. If you are looking to buy new buildings or newly constructed properties, a new dwelling FIRB approval is typically the pathway available to you. Luxe Finance Group can help you understand these restrictions and ensure your property search is focused on eligible options from the outset.

Deposit Requirements and LVR Limits

Non-resident mortgage solutions often come with tighter lending conditions compared to standard home loans. Lenders typically apply lower LVR limits for non-resident borrowers, which means the non-resident deposit required is generally higher than what an Australian citizen might need. In many cases, foreign residents and temporary residents may need to contribute a deposit of 20 per cent or more, though this varies depending on the lender and the individual circumstances of the borrower.

The loan interest rate applied to a non-resident home loan may also differ from standard rates, and not all lenders on the market offer non-resident mortgage products. Luxe Finance Group has access to a panel of lenders who do work with non-resident borrowers, and we assess each application on a case-by-case basis to find a structure that suits your position.

Overseas Income and Currency Exchange

For borrowers earning overseas income, lenders will assess your earnings in the context of Australian lending standards. Currency exchange rates can affect how your income is calculated, and lenders typically apply a shading or discount to foreign income to account for exchange rate fluctuations. This means the amount you may be able to borrow could differ from what you might expect based on your gross earnings. Luxe Finance Group works through these calculations with you so you have a clear picture of your borrowing position before you apply for a loan.

Visa Status and Eligibility

Your visa status plays a significant role in determining which lenders and products you may be eligible for. Borrowers on a work visa mortgage pathway, those on a temporary visa home loan arrangement, or individuals on a student visa each face different eligibility criteria. Some lenders treat certain visa categories more favourably than others, and the conditions attached to your visa, including its expiry date and whether it is renewable, will all be considered as part of the assessment. Because every situation is different, Luxe Finance Group approaches each non-resident loan enquiry individually, taking the time to understand your specific visa status and financial position before recommending a direction.

We also work alongside clients who may be considering expat loans or who have connections to Australia through employment or family. If your situation involves elements of both expat and non-resident lending, we can help you identify the most appropriate path. For those exploring investment loans as part of a broader property strategy, we can discuss how non-resident rules apply to investment purchases specifically.

Stamp Duty and Additional Costs

Beyond the FIRB fee and deposit, non-resident buyers should also be aware of stamp duty obligations. In Western Australia, stamp duty applies to all property purchases, and foreign buyers may be subject to additional surcharges depending on their residency status. These costs can be significant and should be factored into your overall budget well before you commit to a purchase. Luxe Finance Group will walk you through the likely costs associated with your purchase so you can plan accordingly.

If you are a foreign resident or temporary resident considering property in Perth, Luxe Finance Group is here to help you understand your options under the non-resident mortgage framework and work toward a finance structure that fits your goals.

Getting Started is Easy

1. Booking Your Strategy Session

Your loan journey begins with a scheduled appointment—either in person at our West Perth office, via video, or over the phone. During this stage, we confirm your goals and timelines, whether you're purchasing, refinancing, or investing, and outline what to expect in the process ahead. You’ll receive a welcome email containing a digital fact find and a tailored document checklist. To ensure an efficient consultation, we ask that you prepare supporting documents including identification, proof of income, and details of any liabilities.

Outcome: Create a relationship with a professional that sits on your side of every transaction.

2. Financial Review & Strategy Consultation

Before the consultation, we undertake a preliminary review of your financial position, including income, assets, liabilities, credit history, and your ongoing expenses. This allows us to tailor the discussion and present relevant options from the outset. In your consultation, we explore your financial and lifestyle goals, property strategy, and any applicable structures such as trusts or companies. We also assess your eligibility for relevant government incentives like the First Home Guarantee or stamp duty concessions. Based on your banking conduct and preferences, we assess your borrowing capacity across our panel of lenders and outline strategic loan structuring options that suit your objectives.

Outcome: A clear understanding of your financial position and an aligned loan strategy with relevant lenders shortlisted.

3. Lender Policy Analysis & Pricing Strategy

With your financial position and goals clarified, we conduct a targeted analysis of lending policies, ensuring shortlisted options align with your needs. We assess more than just interest rates—we consider policy fit, speed of assessment, and the lender's risk appetite. We also explore your eligibility for government schemes, request discretionary pricing where applicable, and assess structural elements such as fixed vs variable rates or offset accounts. This stage ensures we present a tailored shortlist of lending options with clearly outlined pros and cons.

Outcome: Transparent shortlist of suitable and competitive options, enabling informed lender selection.

4. Confirming Lender Selection

Once pricing, policy, and structure have been finalised, we present a clear recommendation for the most appropriate lender and product. This includes confirming the fixed and variable interest mix, identifying features such as redraw or offset facilities, and exploring any cashback offers or ongoing fee waivers. At this stage, we’ll also determine whether your application proceeds as a pre-approval (for property search) or formal approval (if a contract is already in place).

Outcome: Lender confirmed and loan documentation prepared.

5. Lodgement & Tracking

We manage your application from submission through to decision, ensuring accuracy and speed throughout. This includes compiling all required documentation and submitting the application via lender platforms. You’ll receive real-time updates via email, SMS, or phone, and we’ll proactively engage with credit assessors, escalate where necessary, and manage any information requests to avoid delays.

Outcome: Application lodged and professionally managed through to decision.

6. Pre-Approval or Formal Approval

At this stage, your application is assessed and conditionally or formally approved. If you’re still property hunting, a pre-approval provides a 90-day conditional lending limit, allowing you to negotiate confidently and act quickly when the right opportunity arises. If you’ve already secured a property, formal approval will be issued once all conditions—including a satisfactory valuation and compliance checks—are met. This approval unlocks the final steps toward property ownership.

Outcome: You’re formally equipped to secure your property or finalise your purchase with full lender support.

7. Settlement & Ongoing Support

We work closely with your solicitor or conveyancer and your lender to ensure settlement proceeds smoothly. This includes coordinating document signing, verifying disbursement instructions, and managing final loan conditions. Post-settlement, we assist you in setting up access to your loan account, offset arrangements, and repayment schedules to ensure everything is in order.

Outcome: Settlement complete—your new property or structure is now funded and fully operational.

8. Post-Settlement Check-In & Loan Strategy Review

Our commitment doesn’t end at settlement. Luxe Finance provides ongoing guidance, with check-ins at 6 and 12 months to review your loan’s performance and ensure it remains competitive. We offer annual repricing services, refinancing alerts when suitable, and structured discussions for future borrowing strategies. Whether you're planning renovations, expanding your portfolio, or simply monitoring market trends, we remain your trusted lending partner.

Outcome: You stay ahead of market movements with a strategy that evolves alongside your financial goals.

What Our Clients Say

Rated 5.0 from 85 Reviews

Review from Google

Jay was extremely proffessional and knowledgeable helping navigate a complex application process to achieve our desired outcome. Can't recomend highly enough!

Nick Doherty

Review from Google

I am very grateful for Dino’s help being quite young I had no idea about all the process and procedures he made this very easy and explained everything in great detail for me to understand. I would definitely recommend this team for any needs!! 😀😀 …

Jayde Lock

Review from Google

Dino at luxe finance was super helpful, he explained everything well and made the process of it all less overwhelming and pleasant.

Kaylyn Shipham

Review from Google

Absolutely outstanding service from Jay Coakley and the team. Jay provided clear, strategic advice throughout our purchase journey and had an in depth understanding of professional loans. Jay was always willing to speak with us (even on the weekend) and helped us navigate a competitive silent auction with 12 buyers ensuring we secured the property without overpaying. Our finance was pre-approved and formal approval was obtained in under 7 days. Linh was also incredibly efficient and competent throughout. We couldn’t recommend Jay and his team more highly.

Lauren and Joe Saban

Common Questions

Can I get a home loan if I'm self-employed in Perth?

Yes, self-employed borrowers can obtain a home loans, though the application process requires additional documentation and careful preparation. Traditional lenders typically require two years of tax returns, financial statements, and accountant-prepared documentation to assess your income stability. Some lenders offer low-doc or alt-doc products that require less documentation but usually come with higher interest rates and lower loan-to-value ratios. At Luxe Finance Group, we work with numerous lenders who have varying appetites for self-employed borrowers, including specialist non-bank lenders who may consider your application based on bank statements or business activity statements. We help structure your application to present your income in the most favourable light and identify lenders most likely to approve your circumstances, potentially saving you time and multiple credit enquiries.

What additional costs should I budget for when buying property in Perth?

Beyond your deposit, several additional costs apply when purchasing property in Western Australia. Stamp duty is calculated on a sliding scale based on property value - for a $500,000 property, expect approximately $17,765 (though first-home buyers may receive concessions). Legal or conveyancing fees typically range from $1,200-$2,500 depending on complexity. Building and pest inspections cost around $400-$800 combined. Loan application fees vary by lender from $0-$600. If paying less than 20% deposit, lenders mortgage insurance can range from $2,000-$20,000+ depending on loan amount and deposit size. Other costs include mortgage registration fees ($185), title search fees ($40), and moving expenses. You should budget approximately 3-5% of the purchase price for these additional costs. Luxe Finance Group provides detailed cost estimates during the pre-approval process to help you budget accurately.

How much does it cost to use a mortgage broker in Perth?

At Luxe Finance Group, our mortgage broking services are typically provided at no direct cost to you as the borrower. We receive our remuneration through commissions paid by the lenders when your loan settles successfully. This upfront commission is usually between 0.55% and 0.70% of your loan amount, followed by a smaller ongoing commission throughout the life of your loan. This payment structure means we can provide our expertise and guidance without you paying broker fees upfront. However, there may be instances where we offer fee-for-service arrangements for complex scenarios or when working with certain lender types. We'll always discuss our fee structure transparently before commencing work on your application.

How long does the mortgage approval process typically take in Western Australia?

The mortgage approval timeframe can vary significantly depending on several factors including lender choice, loan complexity, and documentation completeness. Generally, pre-approval can be obtained within 3-7 business days for straightforward applications with major lenders. Full approval and settlement typically takes 4-6 weeks from application submission, though this can extend to 8-10 weeks during busy periods or for more complex scenarios. Self-employed borrowers, investment loans, or construction loans may require additional time for assessment. At Luxe Finance Group, we work to expedite this process by ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate before submission, maintaining regular contact with lenders, and providing updates throughout the process. We also help manage settlement timelines to align with your property purchase contracts.

What services does Luxe Finance Group offer to clients in Perth?

Luxe Finance Group provides comprehensive mortgage broking and finance services throughout Perth and Western Australia. Our services include home loan assistance for first-time buyers, investment property financing, commercial lending solutions, and refinancing options for existing mortgages. We work with over 30 lenders across Australia to source suitable loan products tailored to your specific circumstances. Our team also assists with pre-approvals, construction loans, self-managed super fund lending, and asset finance for vehicles and equipment. We pride ourselves on delivering personalised service and maintaining ongoing relationships with our clients throughout their property and investment journey.

What documentation do I need to prepare for a home loan application?

Documentation requirements vary based on your employment type and loan complexity. PAYG employees typically need recent payslips (usually last 4), tax returns or notice of assessments for 1-2 years, bank statements for 3-6 months, and employment confirmation. Self-employed applicants require tax returns for 2 years, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and business bank statements. All applicants need identification (driver's licence and passport/birth certificate), proof of deposit savings, details of existing debts and assets, and council rates notices for any properties owned. If receiving rental income, provide lease agreements and rental statements. For purchases, you'll need the contract of sale and any building reports. Luxe Finance Group provides a comprehensive checklist tailored to your specific situation and lender requirements. We review all documentation before submission to ensure accuracy and completeness, reducing the likelihood of delays or additional requests from lenders.

How does refinancing work and when should I consider it?

Refinancing involves replacing your existing home loan with a new loan, either with your current lender or a different institution. This process can help you secure lower interest rates, access additional features, consolidate debts, or release equity for other purposes. You should consider refinancing when interest rates drop significantly below your current rate, when your circumstances change, or when your current loan lacks features you now require. The refinancing process involves application, valuation, approval, and settlement, typically taking 4-6 weeks. Consider the costs involved, including discharge fees from your current lender (usually $150-$400), application fees for the new loan, and potential valuation costs. At Luxe Finance Group, we regularly review our clients' loans and market conditions to identify refinancing opportunities. We calculate whether the potential savings justify the switching costs and handle the entire refinancing process on your behalf.

What deposit do I need to buy a house in Perth?

The deposit requirement varies depending on your circumstances and the loan product you choose. Traditional lending requires a 20% deposit to avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), so for a $500,000 property, you'd need $100,000 plus additional costs for stamp duty, legal fees, and inspections. However, many lenders accept lower deposits of 5-10% with LMI, which is an insurance premium protecting the lender. First-time buyers may access the First Home Guarantee Scheme, allowing purchases with just 5% deposit without LMI for eligible properties. Some lenders offer family guarantee products where relatives use their property equity to reduce or eliminate deposit requirements. At Luxe Finance Group, we assess your situation to identify the most suitable deposit strategy and explore all available options to help you enter the property market sooner.

Should I fix my interest rate or choose a variable rate in the current market?

The decision between fixed and variable interest rates depends on your personal circumstances, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Variable rates offer flexibility to make extra repayments and access features like offset accounts, and they may decrease if the Reserve Bank of Australia cuts the cash rate. However, they can also increase, affecting your repayment amounts. Fixed rates provide certainty and budget stability for the fixed period, typically 1-5 years, protecting you from rate rises during that time. Some borrowers choose a split loan, fixing a portion while keeping some variable. Given the current economic environment and recent interest rate movements, it's important to consider your financial buffer and long-term plans. Luxe Finance Group can analyse your situation and discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your specific circumstances and goals.

What is the current property market like in Perth for first-time buyers?

Perth's property market has shown strong growth over recent years, with median house prices experiencing significant increases across most suburbs. For first-time buyers, this presents both challenges and opportunities. While prices have risen, Perth remains more affordable compared to Sydney and Melbourne markets, with many suburbs still offering entry-level properties under $500,000. The Western Australian government's First Home Owner Grant provides $10,000 for eligible new builds, and the federal government's First Home Guarantee Scheme allows eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance. At Luxe Finance Group, we help first-time buyers understand these schemes and identify suitable loan products that align with their budget and circumstances.

Ready to Explore Your Non-Resident Loan Options?

Luxe Finance Group works with foreign residents, temporary residents, and visa holders across Perth to find non-resident mortgage solutions that suit their individual circumstances. Reach out to our team today and take the first step toward Australian property ownership.

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