In 2026, North Shore Sydney remains a highly sought-after location for property investment, known for its strong capital growth, lifestyle appeal, and market stability. For overseas investors, however, securing a home loan can be complex: foreign income, stricter deposit requirements, and varying lender policies often create challenges.

This is where an experienced mortgage broker adds real value. North Shore Sydney brokers like Sabea Financial match investors with suitable lenders, tailor loan structures, and provide access to exclusive lender policies, making the home loan process smoother, more accessible, and better aligned to individual needs.

Here’s what you need to know about home loans for overseas investors in North Shore Sydney.

Can Overseas Investors Qualify for Home Loans in North Shore Sydney?

Yes, overseas investors can qualify for home loans in North Shore Sydney in 2026, provided they meet lender requirements around income verification, residency status, and deposit size. Eligibility varies significantly between banks and lenders, with many offering specific loan products or policies for foreign buyers. 

As a result, overseas investors often need tailored loan structures and careful lender selection to secure financing in the North Shore Sydney property market.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Overseas Investors Seeking Home Loans?

To be eligible for a home loan as an overseas investor in Australia, you’ll typically need to meet several requirements:

• Residency status: Non-residents, temporary visa holders, and expats are assessed differently. Some lenders only lend to certain visa categories.
• Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval: Non-residents must obtain FIRB approval before purchasing residential property.
• Deposit: A minimum 20–30% deposit is usually required, depending on the lender and the type of property.
• Income verification: Lenders will assess your income in your local currency and may apply shading (usually 20–40%) to factor in exchange rate risks.
• Deposit sourcing: Deposits must usually be held in an Australian account or fully traceable to meet Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws.
• Genuine savings: Some lenders require evidence that your deposit is made up of genuine savings, not just gifted or borrowed funds.
• Credit history: While Australian credit files may not exist for overseas investors, some lenders accept foreign credit reports or alternative documents.

Each lender interprets these criteria differently. That’s why working with a mortgage broker ensures your application is matched with a suitable lender from the start.

What Types of Home Loans Are Available to Overseas Investors?

Overseas investors have access to a range of home loan options, though fewer than local borrowers. Common home loan types include:

• Principal and Interest Loans: Standard repayment loans that reduce your loan balance over time.
• Interest-Only Loans: Ideal for investors focusing on rental yield or short-term capital growth.
• Fixed or Variable Rate Loans: Fixed-rate loans offer payment certainty, while variable rates may provide flexibility and lower rates over time.
• Non-resident Investor Loans: Some lenders offer specialised products tailored specifically for non-residents, expats, and foreign income earners.

The availability of these options depends heavily on your profile, income type, currency, and deposit size. Sabea Financial helps overseas investors navigate these choices and structure loans suited to their investment goals.

How to Apply for a Home Loan as an Overseas Investor in North Shore Sydney

Applying for a home loan as a non-resident or overseas investor involves several steps:

1. Check your FIRB obligations

Apply for Foreign Investment Review Board approval (if required) before making a purchase. FIRB is mandatory for most non-resident property buyers.

2. Consult a mortgage broker

A broker like Sabea Financial will assess your profile, income, and goals to shortlist suitable lenders and products.

3. Gather your documents

Prepare proof of identity, income, asset declarations, overseas credit or bank records, and FIRB approval if applicable.

4. Obtain pre-approval

A conditional pre-approval gives you an idea of how much you can borrow, strengthening your position when making offers.

5. Select a property and make an offer

Once you’ve found the right home or investment, make a formal offer or attend an auction with your pre-approval in hand.

6. Finalise loan approval

The lender will conduct property valuation and final credit assessment. Once approved, formal loan documents will be issued.

7. Settlement

After signing, the loan is advanced and the property settles. Congratulations, you now own a piece of North Shore Sydney!

How Mortgage Brokers Help Overseas Investors Secure Home Loan Approval

A mortgage broker plays a crucial role in simplifying the loan process for overseas investors. Here’s how:

• Lender selection: Brokers identify which lenders are open to foreign income, unique visa statuses, and non-resident applications.
• Policy access: Many lender policies aren’t available publicly. Brokers can access internal guidelines and speak directly with credit assessors.
• Loan structuring: Brokers help optimise loan amounts, interest-only terms, and cross-collateralisation if needed, tailoring everything to your goals.

Sabea Financial’s team of experienced North Shore Sydney mortgage brokers offers unparalleled support to overseas investors. We don’t just submit applications; we advocate for your profile, prepare your documents correctly the first time, and liaise with lenders to keep the process moving.

Looking to secure your future in Sydney real estate? We’re here to make it happen.

FAQs

Can overseas investors buy property in North Shore Sydney?

Yes, overseas investors can buy property in North Shore Sydney, but most require Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval. FIRB conditions vary depending on your residency status and the type of property.

What is the minimum deposit required for non-residents?

Generally, overseas investors need at least a 20–30% deposit. Some lenders may require even more for high-value properties or high-risk areas.

Can I use foreign income to apply for an Australian home loan?

Yes, many Australian lenders accept foreign income, but they usually apply a discount (shading) when assessing borrowing power. The shading rate depends on the currency and income type.

Do overseas investors pay higher interest rates?

Some lenders may charge higher rates for non-resident loans due to perceived risk. However, with the right lender and structure, competitive rates are still possible.

Are there restrictions on the types of property I can buy?

Yes, non-residents can usually only buy new properties or vacant land for development. Buying existing dwellings typically requires specific FIRB exemptions or residency status.

How long does FIRB approval take?

Standard FIRB processing takes around 30 days, but complex cases may take longer. It’s best to apply early to avoid delays during settlement.

Can I get a loan from an Australian bank if I live overseas?

Yes, many Australian banks and lenders work with overseas applicants, especially with support from a mortgage broker. Policy varies, so tailored advice is key.

Final Thoughts

Investing in North Shore Sydney’s high-demand property market as an overseas buyer is a strategic move, but securing a home loan requires expert guidance, tailored lender selection, and accurate document preparation. That’s where Sabea Financial steps in.

As trusted North Shore Sydney mortgage brokers, we help overseas investors access the right lenders, structure loans effectively, and simplify the approval process from start to settlement.

Get started with Sabea Financial today. Call us at 1300 001 755 to book a free consultation. 



External Resources

• Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)
• MoneySmart – Home Loans
• Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB)
• Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)