New Zealand citizens can buy property in Australia. Your visa, where you live and the property you choose affect the lending and tax checks. Start by separating the right to buy from the loan and concessions you can qualify for.
This guide covers the deposit, lender requirements, government assistance and duty checks for an Australian purchase.
Hunter Galloway can assist through this service if you are a New Zealand citizen living and working in Australia. We cannot arrange finance here for applicants living and working in New Zealand.
But we have included details below on lenders that can assist if this is your situation.
Quick Overview - New Zealand Citizen Home Loans
New Zealand citizens who hold or are eligible for an SCV can generally buy residential property without foreign investment approval.
Your deposit, income currency, debts, location and lender policy determine the loan available. A visa does not guarantee a 95% loan.
Ordinary duty, surcharge exemptions and first-home concessions are separate checks.
Queensland AFAD is 8% where it applies; a qualifying SCV holder may be outside that charge.
State grants and the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme have their own eligibility and residence requirements.
Prepare identification, visa evidence, payslips, tax records, bank statements, savings evidence and details of your debts and property.
Can A New Zealander Buy Property In Australia?
If you are a New Zealand citizen, you can buy townhouses, detached houses, units, vacant land and even commercial properties in Australia. However, the property must be in Australia. We are not able to help you buy a house in New Zealand from Australia.
How much can I borrow?
The lender assesses your income, expenses, debts, deposit and the property. Living overseas or earning NZD can narrow the options because lenders treat foreign income and non-resident applicants differently.
Some eligible Australian-resident borrowers can use a small deposit, but a 95% loan is not automatic. A subclass 461 visa has different treatment from an SCV; check the lender and each government scheme separately. Include duty, legal fees and any LMI in your deposit budget.
Hunter Galloway's service on this page is for New Zealand citizens living and working in Australia. If you live and work in New Zealand, speak directly with lenders about their current non-resident policy.
Example: A 5% Deposit On A $750,000 Home
This is a hypothetical budget, not a client approval. A 5% deposit on a $750,000 home is $37,500, leaving a $712,500 loan before fees or LMI. The buyer also needs money for any duty, legal fees and other costs.
A Queensland home valued at exactly $750,000 does not meet the cash grant's requirement to be valued below $750,000. The $30,000 grant cannot simply be deducted to claim the buyer needs only $7,500. A deposit guarantee, grant and duty concession each need a separate eligibility check.
What Will My Interest Rates As A New Zealand Citizen Be Like?
As a New Zealand citizen, your interest rates may vary depending on each lender's policies
Rates depend on the lender, loan size, deposit, purpose and applicant profile. Eligible SCV holders living and working in Australia may access the same products as other resident borrowers. Offshore income or a smaller deposit can affect the available rate and lenders.
Compare the actual quote and fees. We cannot promise the same rate at every loan-to-value ratio. Our Westpac review and CommBank review explain features to compare.
Do Special Category Visa Subclass 444 Holders Qualify For A Home Loan In Australia?
Yes, holders of the Special Category Visa (Subclass 444) do qualify for home loans in Australia. This visa grants New Zealand citizens the right to live and work indefinitely in Australia, and lenders generally treat SCV holders similarly to Australian permanent residents when assessing loan applications.
Here are key points to know:
Loan eligibility: SCV 444 holders can apply for home loans with most major lenders.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR): Many lenders allow up to 95% LVR (meaning only a 5% deposit may be needed), depending on your financial situation.
Government schemes: SCV holders are eligible for schemes like the First Home Owner Grant and the Home Guarantee Scheme, subject to meeting other criteria.
No FIRB approval: Visa subclass 444 holders buying residential property generally do not need Foreign Investment Review Board approval.
Interest rates: Interest rates for 444 holders are usually comparable to those offered to Australian citizens, but can vary by lender.
What If I'm A New Zealand Citizen Wanting To Buy In Australia, But I Am Still Living In NZ?
If you're a New Zealand citizen living in New Zealand and want to buy property in Australia, here's what you need to know:
Can You Buy Property in Australia from New Zealand?
Yes, you can. New Zealand citizens are allowed to buy property in Australia, even if they are not currently living there. However, your situation will be treated differently compared to someone already residing in Australia.
FIRB Approval: Do You Need It?
Living in New Zealand does not by itself remove the residential-property exemption for an eligible New Zealand citizen. Read the foreign investment approval requirements below before signing.
Can You Get a Home Loan If You Are Not Living In Australia?
Some lenders consider offshore applicants, but the maximum loan, accepted income and rate depend on their current policy. Do not assume that 70% applies to every non-resident, or that an intention to move guarantees a 95% loan. Confirm the policy directly before signing a contract.
Stamp Duty and Taxes
Being a New Zealand citizen does not automatically remove ordinary stamp duty or every state's foreign buyer surcharge. In Queensland, AFAD is currently 8% of the foreign buyer's interest. A New Zealand citizen holding a Special Category Visa when entering the transaction is not liable for AFAD under QRO's rules. QRO also has anti-avoidance rules for entering Australia to obtain a visa to avoid AFAD. Have your solicitor check your status and transaction date.
Are You Eligible for Government Grants?
Probably not if you're still living in New Zealand:
Most First Home Owner Grants (FHOG) and Home Guarantee Scheme programs require you to be living in Australia and to move into the property as your primary residence.
You'll typically only qualify once you've moved and become an Australian resident under a Special Category Visa (subclass 444).
Banks & Lenders with NZ‑Australia Coverage
A bank operating in both countries does not automatically offer Australian mortgages to NZ-based customers. Ask its Australian lending team whether it accepts your country of residence, income currency and property type. Hunter Galloway cannot arrange finance through this service for applicants living and working in New Zealand.
What You'll Need
Here's what lenders usually require if you're applying from New Zealand:
Passport and ID
Income proof (payslips, tax returns, bank statements)
Visa or migration intention (if applicable)
Property contract
Credit history (NZ or international)
Summary Table
Factor
Living in NZ
Planning to Move to Australia
FIRB Approval
An SCV holder or eligible New Zealand citizen is generally exempt for residential property
Confirm SCV eligibility and the purchase structure
Maximum loan
Depends on lender and foreign-income assessment
Depends on lender, deposit and confirmed residence position
FHOG
Check the state visa, property and occupation requirements
Moving alone does not establish grant eligibility
Stamp Duty Surcharge
Depends on state law and visa status at the relevant date
Check the state rules; ordinary duty is separate
Interest Rates
Depends on lender, income currency, deposit and loan
Depends on lender and confirmed applicant circumstances
If you live and work in New Zealand, contact lenders directly to check whether they can assist with an Australian purchase.
Worked example: Queensland foreign buyer surcharge
This is a hypothetical tax calculation, not a client story or confirmation that a purchase is permitted. Assume a foreign investor buys a $500,000 Queensland residential property, acquires the whole interest and qualifies for no concession or surcharge exemption.
Standard transfer duty: $15,925.
AFAD at 8%: $40,000.
Total duty: $55,925, before registration, legal costs or any FIRB fee.
A New Zealand buyer with a qualifying visa position can have a different surcharge result. Check foreign-person status with QRO before relying on an estimate.
Do I Need Approval From The Government?
New Zealand citizens who hold, or are eligible for, a Special Category Visa are exempt from needing foreign investment approval for residential land. Living in New Zealand does not, by itself, remove that exemption. Other citizenship, visa, ownership structures or commercial purchases need a separate assessment. Check Treasury's residential-property guidance. State duty and lender requirements are separate.
Check to see if you are eligible for a home loan
Why Are So Many People Investing In Australia Now?
Employment, family ties, rental demand and local infrastructure can influence where people buy. They do not guarantee capital growth or a positive rental return.
For an investment, compare recent local sales and achievable rent with the full costs: interest, vacancy, maintenance, insurance, rates, management fees and tax. Stress-test the budget for higher costs or periods without a tenant. Our affordability guide can help with the borrowing side.
Top Regions For NZ Citizens Buying Property In Australia
Compare locations against your work, family, travel and budget needs. City-wide price comparisons can hide large differences between suburbs and property types.
Brisbane and Southeast Queensland
Check the commute, flood exposure and total ownership costs for the particular property. Queensland's cash grant is for eligible new homes below $750,000, not every home in a new estate.
Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Look at the local rental market, insurance, body corporate costs and access to work. Beachside location does not guarantee a particular yield or growth rate.
Melbourne
Compare recent sales for the suburb and dwelling type rather than assuming Melbourne is more expensive than all of Queensland.
Regional NSW and Victoria
Check employment, transport and resale demand. Victoria's current new-home grant is $10,000 for eligible purchases up to $750,000; the former $20,000 regional amount is historical.
Do I Have To Pay Stamp Duty?
Ordinary duty, first home concessions and foreign buyer surcharges are separate checks. Avoiding a surcharge does not make the ordinary duty $0.
Queensland: A New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category Visa when entering the transaction is not liable for AFAD, subject to the anti-avoidance rules. Do not import NSW's 200 day test into Queensland. See QRO's foreign-person guidance and our Queensland duty guide.
NSW: SCV holders have additional residence tests. An exemption can depend on being in Australia for at least 200 days during the preceding 12 months, or meeting the separate prospective principal-residence exemption, including 200 continuous days in the acquired home within 12 months of the contract. Check Revenue NSW's individual-buyer rules and our NSW duty guide.
ACT: There is no general foreign purchaser duty surcharge. Ordinary conveyance duty can still apply. Eligible HBCS transactions from 1 July 2026 have no income or property-value cap, but buyers and domestic partners must meet the ownership-history and residence conditions. See ACT Revenue's scheme rules.
Other states have their own visa and surcharge tests. Check the first home duty guide and have your solicitor assess the state where you are buying. There is no national rule that an SCV holder automatically pays no duty.
Tax residence is separate from citizenship and visa status. There is no general rule that a New Zealander's 4% mortgage automatically becomes 4.4% because of withholding tax. Get advice on the actual loan, income and property transaction rather than refinancing or reducing a deposit on that assumption.
Can New Zealand Citizens Get The First Home Owners Grant In Australia
Yes, New Zealand citizens can qualify for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Australia, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. This grant is available to both Australian citizens and permanent residents, including New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV Subclass 444) and are living in Australia.
FHOG Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Citizens
Each state sets its grant rules. Check the buyer and spouse or partner ownership history, citizenship or visa requirements, whether the home is new, the value cap and the occupation period. Do not apply a single national 6-month residence or investment-property exception to every state.
For example, current SA rules can exclude previous Australian residential ownership even if the person never lived there. The grants guide links to the state requirements.
FHOG Grant Amounts by State
Each state offers different grant amounts and conditions, so it's important to understand what's available where you plan to buy.
Queensland
$30,000 for contracts signed from 20 November 2023, continuing for eligible transactions from 1 July 2026.
$15,000 for contracts signed before 20 November 2023.
$30,000 for owner-builders where foundations are laid from 20 November 2023, continuing for eligible transactions from 1 July 2026.
Note: The grant amount is separate from other schemes like the Home Guarantee Scheme.
New South Wales
$10,000 for new homes valued at no more than $600,000.
Building: $10,000 for an eligible comprehensive building contract where the total land and build value is $750,000 or less.
Applicants must move into the property within 12 months from settlement and live there for at least 12 continuous months.
Victoria
$10,000 for new homes valued at $750,000 or less.
Victoria's former $20,000 regional grant is no longer the current amount. The $10,000 grant applies to eligible new homes valued at $750,000 or less.
At least one applicant must occupy the home as their principal place of residence for at least 12 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement or completion of construction.
South Australia
Up to $15,000 for eligible new homes, with no property-value cap for contracts entered into on or after 6 June 2024.
Applicants must meet other eligibility criteria, including residency requirements.
Required Documentation For Kiwis
When applying for the FHOG, New Zealand citizens will need to provide:
Proof of identity: Current passport or movement record.
Proof of residency: Evidence that you are living in Australia, such as a movement record from the Department of Home Affairs.
Property details: Contract of sale, building contract, or other relevant documents.
Previous property ownership: Information regarding any previous property ownership or occupation in Australia.
Are New Zealand Citizens Eligible For The First Home Guarantee?
Eligible SCV holders living in Australia may apply under the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. The former Home Guarantee Scheme name and separate regional pathway have changed. There are no current income caps or fixed FY25 application window.
The first-home pathway generally requires a minimum 5% deposit and no ownership of a home or land in Australia in the previous 10 years. Eligible single parents or single legal guardians may use the separate 2% pathway. Property-price caps, residence obligations and lender credit approval remain.
Using Your KiwiSaver and the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) Scheme
If you are a New Zealand citizen living in Australia, you may be able to use both your KiwiSaver savings and the Australian First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme to boost your first home deposit.
How the FHSS Scheme Works
The FHSS scheme allows eligible first-home buyers to make voluntary contributions into their Australian super fund and later withdraw those savings (plus earnings, minus tax) to put toward a home deposit. This gives you a tax-effective way to accelerate your savings compared to a regular bank account.
Eligibility for New Zealand Citizens
An SCV does not automatically establish Australian tax residence. For FHSS, check the ATO's age, previous Australian property ownership, eligible contribution and release requirements. Limited hardship exceptions may apply.
Transferring KiwiSaver to an Australian Super Fund
Some eligible KiwiSaver amounts transferred to a participating Australian super fund can count towards FHSS. It is not correct to say that all transferred money qualifies, or that none can qualify. Australian-sourced amounts and returning New Zealand-sourced amounts are excluded. The ATO and receiving fund must identify the eligible portion, subject to the $15,000 annual and $50,000 total FHSS contribution limits.
Up to $15,000 of eligible contributions per financial year and $50,000 overall can count towards FHSS. The ATO determines the releasable amount and associated earnings; those contribution limits are not a promise of the same amount in cash after tax.
Key Step: Apply Before Signing a Contract
Arrange an FHSS determination before committing where possible, so you know the available amount. Under the current rules, a determination can be requested after signing but must be made before property ownership transfers. Release and contract-notification deadlines also apply. Check the ATO's timing rules rather than assuming signing first always disqualifies you.
KiwiSaver to Australia estimate
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Can I Use Equity From My NZ Property To Buy A Property in Australia?
Yes, you can use equity from your New Zealand property to help buy a property in Australia: but there are some important details to understand.
How Equity Works
If you own a property in New Zealand and it has gained value over time, the difference between the current value and what you still owe is called equity. You may be able to tap into this equity through a cash-out refinance or line of credit with your NZ lender.
You can then use those released funds as part or all of your deposit for an Australian property.
What Lenders Consider
Location of Equity: Australian banks won't accept NZ property as security for a loan. You'll need to access the equity through a New Zealand bank or lender and bring the cash across as liquid funds.
Currency Exchange: You'll typically need to convert NZD to AUD, which means exchange rate fluctuations can affect how much you have to spend.
Deposit evidence: Show how the equity was released and disclose the NZ loan and repayments. Ask the Australian lender whether genuine-savings rules apply to your proposed loan.
Living overseas: The maximum loan and accepted foreign income depend on the lender. Confirm its current requirements before relying on an assumed borrowing limit.
Work with both a New Zealand lender to access your equity and anAustralian mortgage brokerto ensure the funds are accepted as a valid deposit.
Can I Buy A Previously Owned Property?
New Zealand citizens who hold, or are eligible for, an SCV can generally buy new or established residential property without foreign investment approval. Someone who is only a New Zealand permanent resident needs a separate assessment of their citizenship and Australian visa status.
Why Do Kiwis Buying In Australia Have Certain Rules?
Lenders assess income, debts, credit history, visa status and the property. Credit reports or banking relationships in New Zealand do not automatically transfer into an Australian approval. An SCV can make some lending options available, but the lender still needs to assess the application.
Step-by-Step Guide To Buying Property In Australia As an NZ Citizen
Buying a home in Australia can feel overwhelming, especially when you're moving from overseas. But for New Zealanders, the process is often simpler than expected.
Here's what to do:
Step 1: Check your visa status. Confirm the visa evidence your lender and each grant or duty concession requires. An SCV is not treated identically under every rule.
Step 2: Speak with a mortgage broker: A good mortgage broker will guide you through your options and help you get pre-approved faster.
Step 3: Confirm purchase and scheme eligibility. Have your solicitor check foreign investment and duty requirements, and confirm any grant separately from the loan.
Step 4: Start your property search: Whether you're buying a home to live in or an investment, you can buy new or existing property.
Step 5: Organise conveyancing and legal checks: Once you find a property, a solicitor or conveyancer will help review contracts and protect your interests.
Step 6: Settle and move in: After approval and contracts are signed, settlement typically takes 30 to 90 days. Then, the property is all yours!
FAQs For NZ Citizens Buying Property In Australia
Can NZ citizens buy a house in Australia?
New Zealand citizens who hold, or are eligible for, an SCV can generally buy residential property without foreign investment approval. Loan approval, ordinary duty and surcharge exemptions have separate requirements.
Can New Zealand permanent residents buy property in Australia?
New Zealand permanent residence alone does not provide the exemption available to eligible New Zealand citizens. Your citizenship, Australian visa and proposed property determine whether you need foreign investment approval and which purchases are permitted. Check these before signing.
Do NZ citizens get home loan benefits in Australia?
An eligible SCV holder living and working in Australia may qualify for resident home-loan products, state grants or the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. Each has its own criteria, and a visa does not guarantee approval.
Can NZ citizens apply for the First Home Owner Grant?
Eligible SCV holders living in Australia may qualify under their state's rules. For example, Queensland offers $30,000 for a qualifying new home valued below $750,000 including land. Previous ownership and occupation requirements also apply. Our first home grants guide compares the states.
Are NZ buyers considered foreign investors in Australia?
It depends on the law being applied. Foreign-investment approval, state duty surcharges, tax residence and lender eligibility use different tests. An SCV-related FIRB exemption does not establish every other exemption.
Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy a house in Australia?
Some eligible KiwiSaver funds can count towards FHSS after transfer to a participating Australian super fund. Ask the fund and ATO to identify the eligible amount before transferring it or relying on it for your deposit. The exclusions and contribution limits are explained above.
How long do you have to live in Australia before you can buy a house?
There's no minimum residency period to buy property. However, eligibility for certain grants or stamp duty exemptions may require living in Australia for a set time.
Can I get a home loan in New Zealand if I live in Australia?
Ask a New Zealand lender whether it accepts your Australian residence and income. Approval depends on its lending rules and the property. Hunter Galloway's service on this page covers Australian purchases for New Zealand citizens living and working in Australia.
What is stamp duty in Australia?
Stamp duty is a state or territory tax on a property transfer. Ordinary duty, first-home concessions and foreign buyer surcharges have separate rules. Use our stamp duty calculator for an estimate, then have your solicitor check your eligibility.
Next Steps And Buying A Home In Australia
Bring your visa details, income, savings and the property location. Our team can compare the loan options and explain which grant and duty conditions need checking.
If you want to get started, please give us a call on 1300 088 065 orbook a free assessment onlineto see how we can help.
Our team of home loan experts is here to help you buy a home in Australia
Note: The information on this page is general and should not be considered as advice. Before you act on this information, you must seek independent legal and financial advice.
Enter one exchange rate and each buyer’s balance. All questions stay together so you can compare and adjust the figures easily.
What Hunter Galloway can help with
We can help with the Australian home loan after your transfer and FHSS amounts have been confirmed.
What we cannot help with
We do not choose super funds, arrange KiwiSaver transfers, complete transfer forms, lodge FHSS applications, or give superannuation, investment, tax, or legal advice.
Rules reviewed 15 July 2026. Check the latest information with the ATO and your providers before acting.
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