Kiwis Moving to Australia
Moving to Australia is a big step; buying property here is the next one. At Mortgages Plus, we work with New Zealanders across Australia to navigate the home loan process, from understanding what you're eligible for to securing a competitive rate and settling on a property you're happy with.
As a Kiwi in Australia, you have more options available to you than you might realise. We help you make the most of them.
As a Kiwi who moved to Australia in 2012, I know what the move looks like from both sides. I've spent the years since helping other Kiwis navigate the home loan side, from working out what you're eligible for to securing a competitive rate and settling on a property you're happy with. You have more options than you might realise and we help you make the most of them.
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Can Kiwis Buy Property in Australia?
New Zealand citizens have some of the strongest property buying rights of any non-Australian group in the country, and most of the complexity people expect simply doesn't apply.
Here's what you need to know:
- Visa and residency: As a New Zealand citizen, you're automatically granted a Special Category Visa (SCV subclass 444) when you arrive in Australia. This allows you to live and work here indefinitely, with no application required.
- No FIRB approval needed: Most foreign buyers need approval from the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board before purchasing property. New Zealand citizens residing in Australia are exempt from this requirement, which removes a significant hurdle and cost.
- Borrowing on the same terms as Australians: Once you're living in Australia, most lenders will assess your home loan application on the same basis as an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This means access to the same loan products, deposit options, and borrowing limits.
- First home buyer grants and concessions: Even if you already own property in New Zealand, you may still be eligible for Australian first home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions, because your NZ property doesn't count toward Australian eligibility criteria. Conditions vary by state, so it's worth checking what applies in your situation.
Why Kiwis Choose Mortgages Plus
We Understand Your Situation
Moving countries adds a layer of complexity to the home loan process that standard brokers don't always account for. We work with New Zealanders regularly and understand the specific questions you arrive with, from how your NZ credit history is assessed to whether your income qualifies if you've only recently started working in Australia. We build a lending strategy around your actual circumstances, not a generic checklist.
Why it matters
The wrong lender for your situation can result in delays, a lower borrowing capacity, or an unnecessary decline on your record. Starting with a broker who knows the landscape saves you time and stress.
Access to the Right Lenders
With 50+ lenders on our panel, we know which ones are most familiar with New Zealand applicants and which products suit your stage of the buying journey. We handle eligibility checks, documentation, and coordination with conveyancers and real estate agents so you can focus on finding the right property.
Why it matters
Not every lender assesses Kiwi applicants the same way. We do the comparison work so you don't have to.
A Clear, Transparent Process
We explain your options in plain terms, set realistic expectations on timelines, and keep you updated at every stage. There are no hidden fees. Because lenders pay us at settlement, our service comes at no cost to you.
Why it matters
Buying property in a new country involves enough uncertainty. We make sure the mortgage side of things is the least stressful part of the process. Our service is backed by 95+ five-star Google reviews from clients, including many Kiwis who've been exactly where you are now.
Common Challenges for Kiwis Buying in Australia
The process of buying property in Australia is straightforward for most Kiwis, but there are a few hurdles that catch people off guard. Understanding them early makes a real difference.
Your Credit History from New Zealand Doesn't Transfer
Australian lenders assess your creditworthiness using Australian credit records. If you've recently moved, you may have little to no credit history here, even if your record in New Zealand is strong. We work with lenders who take a broader view of your financial background and can help you present your application in the strongest possible way.
Getting Your First Australian Payslip
Most lenders require at least one Australian payslip before they'll approve a home loan. If you've just arrived and started a new job, this can feel like a delay. We let you know exactly what documentation you need at each stage so you're ready to move when the time is right.
NZD Income and Exchange Rate Fluctuations
If you're still receiving income in New Zealand dollars, exchange rate movements can affect how lenders assess your borrowing capacity. Some lenders accept foreign income, but the criteria vary. We identify which lenders are best positioned to work with your income structure and give you an accurate picture of your borrowing power.
Not Knowing What You're Eligible For
Many Kiwis apply for a standard home loan without realising they may qualify for first-home buyer grants, stamp duty concessions, or government schemes. Because your New Zealand property doesn't affect your Australian first home buyer eligibility, the savings available can be significant. A conversation with our brokers early in the process helps you understand the full picture before you commit to anything.
Supporting Kiwis Across Australia
Our brokers are based in Manly on Sydney's Northern Beaches and work with New Zealanders buying property across Greater Sydney, regional NSW, and nationwide. Whether you've just arrived in Australia or have been here for years and are ready to buy, we can help you work out what you're eligible for and get the process moving.


Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need FIRB approval to buy property in Australia as a Kiwi?
No, New Zealand citizens residing in Australia are exempt from the Foreign Investment Review Board approval required for most other non-Australian buyers. This removes a step that would otherwise add time and cost to your purchase.
Can I refinance my New Zealand property to fund an Australian deposit?
Yes, and it's a route many Kiwis take to enter the Australian market sooner. Releasing equity from your NZ property can give you the deposit you need without waiting years to save from scratch. Our home loan refinancing service can help you with this.
Can I buy an investment property in Australia as a New Zealander?
Yes. Once you're residing in Australia, you can purchase investment property on largely the same terms as an Australian buyer. If building a property portfolio is part of your longer-term plan, our property investment service outlines how we help clients structure their approach.
I'm buying my first home in Australia. Does owning property in New Zealand affect my eligibility for grants?
In NSW (and most states) the First Home Owner Grant and the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme stamp duty concession explicitly require the applicant to have never owned residential property anywhere in Australia or overseas. Owning a home in NZ disqualifies you from both.
The federal First Home Guarantee changed in October 2025 to a 10-year prior-ownership look-back, which is different and may apply.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN
- FHG (federal): NZ ownership generally doesn't disqualify, as long as you haven't owned in Australia in the last 10 years
- State FHOG and stamp duty concessions: NZ ownership typically does disqualify (state by state confirmation required)
For more information our first home buyer service covers the grants and concessions available and how we help you access them.
How long do I need to be in Australia before I can apply for a home loan?
There's no fixed waiting period, but most lenders require at least one Australian payslip before approving a loan. If you've recently started work here, we can help you understand exactly when you'll be in a position to apply and what to prepare in the meantime.
Can I buy Australian property while I'm still living in New Zealand?
Yes, though your options are more limited than if you were already here. Lending criteria are stricter, borrowing limits are lower, and foreign buyer surcharges may apply depending on the state. We work with lenders who accept NZ-based applications and will give you an honest assessment of what's achievable in your circumstances.
Catherine
Darlington, NSW
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Verity
Redfern, NSW
Anton
Brisbane, QLD
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Thomas
Manly, NSW
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Francois
Belrose, Sydney
Char + Eric
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Willoughby, Sydney
Hannah + Leron
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Catalina
St Leonards, NSW
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Perth, WA
