Can foreigners get a mortgage in Australia in 2026?

Australian citizens and permanent residents borrow on the same footing as other locals once income, deposit, and credit clear. Temporary residents can sometimes borrow when the visa subclass sits on a lender’s accepted list, work rights are clear, and enough visa term remains. Broker and comparison guides commonly note major banks that accept selected temporary skilled, regional, and business pathways, with deposit expectations often starting around 20% loan-to-value and higher leverage only in strong joint applications with a citizen or permanent resident.

If your status cannot buy an established dwelling under the 2025–2029 foreign-person ban, a loan for that house type is not the product to chase. Eligible new dwellings, off-plan homes, and vacant land with development conditions remain the usual foreign-person purchase lanes once ATO approval is granted. Push toward residence if ownership is the goal; renting remains the default housing move: How to rent a home.

Lenders weigh verified Australian income, employment length, remaining visa term, deposit size and source of funds, debts, and living costs. Open a bank account and get a TFN early so payroll and credit history can form. Remote foreign income can be accepted with strong contracts or it can shrink the loan. Non-bank lenders may be more flexible on visa type, usually at a price.

Budget cash for stamp duty, possible foreign surcharge, conveyancing, and inspections on top of the deposit: Property purchase costs. Apartments add strata review: Condominium fees.