What brokers report
| Your situation | Loan size brokers report | Deposit brokers report |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign national living overseas | About 60% to 70% of the value | 30% to 40% |
| Temporary visa holder in Australia | Up to about 80% | About 20% plus costs |
| Australian citizen or PR living overseas | About 80%, and 90% to 95% with insurance at a few lenders | From about 10% at specialist lenders to 30% to 50% at some major banks |
Sources are broker and lender websites; they differ from each other, and every lender sets its own limits.
What that means in dollars on $850,000
| Deposit | Cash you put in | Loan |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $85,000 | $765,000 |
| 20% | $170,000 | $680,000 |
| 30% | $255,000 | $595,000 |
| 40% | $340,000 | $510,000 |
| 50% | $425,000 | $425,000 |
Illustration only. It does not say what you can borrow. Costs on top of the price are separate.
Lenders mortgage insurance
When a loan is above 80% of the property’s value, lenders usually require lenders mortgage insurance, a one-off premium that protects the lender, and the borrower pays it. One broker’s example shows no insurance at an 80% loan. Foreign nationals are generally limited to loans well below that line, so the insurance mostly matters to expats and temporary visa holders who borrow high.
The deposit is not the only cash
On top of the deposit you pay stamp duty, legal costs and, for foreign persons, a FIRB application fee and a state surcharge. See the costs guide for the numbers, including a worked example.
Where the money comes from matters
- Lenders trace the deposit. Keep bank statements that show your savings history and the source of any large payment.
- If you are moving money out of mainland China, India or Malaysia, each has its own rules on how much you can send and for what. See China, India and Malaysia.
- Currency conversion costs money on every transfer. Decide in advance how and when you will convert.
Put in your own numbers
Your loan roadmap shows the deposit at the loan sizes brokers report for your situation, and the extra costs on your price and state.
Frequently asked questions
How much deposit do foreign buyers need?
Brokers report 30% to 40% for non-resident foreign nationals.
What is the minimum deposit for an expat?
It varies by lender: brokers quote from about 10% at specialist lenders to 30% to 50% at some major banks, and up to 95% loans with insurance at a few lenders.
Does the deposit include stamp duty and costs?
No. Brokers quote the deposit as the portion of the price you pay. Duty, legal costs and, for foreign persons, the FIRB fee and surcharge come on top.
Sources
- Home Loan Experts: Non-resident mortgages (broker page)
- Odin Mortgage: Australian expat home loans (broker page)
- Odin Mortgage: Non-resident home loans (broker page)
- Hunter Galloway: Australian expat home loans (broker page)
- Hunter Galloway: Visa home loans (broker page)
Broker-reported and indicative. Checked 7 October 2026.
Expat Finance is an independent guide. It is not a lender, mortgage broker or credit provider, it does not hold an Australian credit licence, and it does not give credit, legal, tax or migration advice. It is not affiliated with any bank, the ATO or the Foreign Investment Review Board. General information only, not legal, tax, migration or financial advice.