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.

Expert mortgage support for New Zealanders in Australia.

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.

Photo of Chris the Mortgage Broker
A beautiful cathedral cove in New Zealand with water and blue sky

Ready to Buy Your Home in Australia?

No upfront fee. Clear advice. Mortgage support built around your situation as a New Zealander.

Whether you've just landed or have been here for years, find out what you can access and what your next step looks like. Call us today at +61 (0) 447 222 628 or start the process now.

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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.

Don’t just take our word for it
See for yourself what our clients think with 95+ five star reviews on Google
“We can’t recommend Chris highly enough! He not only secured us a great rate but did so with lightning speed and amazing communication along the way. If you are looking for a mortgage broker who combines great expertise, incredible efficiency and a genuine passion for his clients’ success... Chris is the one!”

Nicole + Tristan

Manly, NSW

"Chris is incredible. Responsive and meticulous with detail, he took the time to understand my needs and goals and showed me what was possible with my finances. Ultimately, he made the process of buying our new home stress-free. Couldn’t have done it without him. I can’t recommend Chris highly enough!"

Catherine

Darlington, NSW

"Chris, thank you for your fantastic service from start to finish. The entire process took less than a week, and we received unconditional approval from the bank — which was amazing. You were always quick to respond, provided clear guidance throughout, and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for us. Of course, we understand that we also had to do our part with supplying all the paperwork promptly to make this happen. We truly appreciate your hard work and efficiency. You’re an outstanding professional and a true Kiwi at heart. "

Ian + Della

Melbourne, VIC

"Chris is an outstanding broker and easily the best we’ve worked with. He recently helped us refinance and went above and beyond to get everything sorted. Our situation was complex, as I’m a self-employed contractor operating through a company, which created a number of challenges along the way. Chris was incredibly persistent and hardworking, navigating each hurdle and ultimately achieving the best possible outcome for us. He liaised with all relevant parties to ensure the process moved smoothly and that our circumstances were properly understood. His communication was exceptional. We were kept informed at every stage, and everything was handled professionally and efficiently. Chris is friendly, approachable, and provides genuine advice that is always in his clients’ best interests. We would absolutely work with him again and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a reliable and dedicated broker. Thank you again, Chris."

Girlie + Ryan

Brisbane, QLD

"As a single woman, I often find anything financial incredibly difficult, frustrating, and overwhelming. From the moment I first connected with Chris, however, the entire process became smooth, straightforward, and stress-free. I usually dread dealing with financial matters, and the idea of refinancing my mortgage felt particularly daunting, but I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. When it comes to mortgages or refinancing, I truly couldn’t recommend anyone more highly. Chris has been not only professional but also wonderfully down to earth. He has a real talent for explaining things clearly and concisely, making everything easy to understand. He’s also fantastic at following up and keeping things on track...which was especially helpful for me. Thank you so much, Chris. I genuinely couldn’t be happier with the experience."

Verity

Redfern, NSW

"His service is on another level. He’s professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and you can feel the years of experience in every conversation. Chris doesn’t just “do the job,” he actually cares — he explains everything clearly, gives you options you didn’t even think of, and fights to get you the best result every single time."

Anton

Brisbane, QLD

"Exceptional service and expertise. Chris was understanding of my goals, very supportive and executed with speed. I would definitely use him again. Highly recommend him for your personal or business growth."

Samantha

Fairlight, NSW

"Chris made buying my apartment in Manly a simple and stress-free experience! He explained everything clearly, moved quickly with pre-approval, and secured a great rate that the bank couldn’t match. His communication and strategy were outstanding from start to finish. If you’re looking to buy on the Northern Beaches and want a reliable and excellent local mortgage broker, I highly recommend Chris and Mortgages Plus!"

Thomas

Manly, NSW

"Best broker in Manly and on the Northern Beaches!! Chris made the whole process easy and worked tirelessly to get the result I needed. What really impressed me was that he followed up with all parties throughout the entire process and ultimately drove a fast and successful outcome. He found the best deal for my situation, kept me informed every step of the way, and took care of everything - right through to arranging settlement. He even managed to bring the settlement date forward so the funds were in my account before I went overseas. That level of service is rare. I highly recommend Chris and will definitely be using his services again. Excellent broker and broker for life. 💪"

Luke + Melissa

Manly, NSW

"Chris is my Mortgage Broker and drove the process for my wife and I to secure our first property this year. He was fantastic to work with from start to finish. Being our first purchase, we had plenty of questions and many blind spots through the process which Chris was able to very effectively guide us through. He was able to provide excellent broker advice, as well as very helpful advice and coaching to help us better understand the properties we were pursuing as an impartial observer. I would absolutely recommend him for my friends and family, as he secured us a great rate, was extremely transparent on our financial position and the options it allowed for, and communicated clearly & promptly at every step. Looking forward to continuing working with him into the future!"

Alex + Naomi

Manly, NSW

"My wife and I couldn't be happier with the service provided by Chris. After being frustrated and disappointed by other brokers, Chris was a total breath of fresh air and made purchasing our first home on the Northern Beaches a reality. From our first contact, Chris was excellent across the process: highly organised, approachable, and a great communicator. He was completely upfront with expectations, and his tools for comparing lenders gave us fantastic visibility of our options. Chris was constantly on top of the process, from securing our initial pre-approval to finalising the bank arrangements promptly after purchase. ​If you need a broker who is a true professional, solution-focused, and delivers results, we absolutely recommend Chris to anyone! "

Francois

Belrose, Sydney

"Chris is an absolute godsend, we initially messaged Chris having no idea what is involved with buying our first home or if it was even possible. We dotted the i's and crossed the t's and he took care of the rest. I've gained so much knowledge and insight throughout this process thanks to Chris and have really enjoyed working with him, I cannot fault this experience at all. Today is the day we got our approval and it all wouldn't have been possible if we didn't have Chris on our side. I cannot recommend him enough for anyone considering buying their first home, especially if you are a fellow kiwi he is equipped with all the knowledge. Our new home is going to be filled with memories of our family and a reminder of our amazing mortgage broker who helped us to be able to create those memories. Thank you for your professionalism, guidance and patience and sharing your knowledge with us Chris. You are an absolute legend!"

Char + Eric

Melbourne, VIC

"Chris is excellent. From the first meeting, he was friendly, professional and prompt. He helped to find actionable solutions and work around our needs to deliver a product that met our requirements. He made himself available constantly and was proactive in progressing matters. It is rare to find someone that is both so helpful and responsive. 10/10"

Tanya + Egor

Willoughby, Sydney

"Chris has been an absolute diamond! He is responsive, friendly and incredibly professional all while getting the best deal for us as we purchase our first home in Australia. He has taken the time to answer all our questions (there have been plenty!) and made sure we are certain of every process step. We honestly feel we have hit the jackpot with Chris and I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you are looking for a broker, you cannot go wrong with Chris. Thank you for your continued support!"

Hannah + Leron

Manly, NSW

"We recently worked with Chris to refinance our property, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. He was instrumental in helping us secure the best possible deal, moved quickly through every step of the process, and took the time to clearly explain all the details along the way. We highly recommend Chris to anyone looking for property advice! "

Catalina

St Leonards, NSW

"From the outset, Chris demonstrated exceptional professionalism, clear communication, and a thorough understanding of both the lending environment and the unique challenges faced by self-employed expats. He worked diligently with the banks, explored every possible avenue, and ultimately secured the finance I needed — something others had said wasn’t possible! If you’re navigating a complex lending situation, especially as a New Zealander in Australia, Chris is absolutely the person you want in your corner."

Bianca + Clinton

Perth, WA