Can I Get a Home Loan on a Partner Visa?

Do banks lend to partner visa holders?

Banks and other lenders do lend to partner visa holders in some cases, but each lender decides its own policy on temporary residents, deposits and the documents it requires. Some lenders treat a Subclass 820 or Subclass 309 holder in a relationship with an Australian citizen differently from other temporary residents, while others wait for the permanent visa. A mortgage broker or lender can confirm the current policy. Our article on the partner visa mortgage explains how visa status is usually treated.

Do foreign investment rules apply to partner visa holders buying property?

Foreign investment rules can apply to partner visa holders buying property, because a temporary visa holder may be treated as a foreign person for foreign investment purposes until a permanent visa is granted. The rules include exemptions in some cases where a foreign person buys with an Australian citizen or permanent resident spouse or partner, but the details are technical and change from time to time. The couple should obtain advice on the current foreign investment position before signing a contract. My Migration Lawyers advises on the visa, not on property or foreign investment law.

Does buying a home together help a partner visa?

Buying a home together helps a partner visa because a joint mortgage and joint title are among the clearest evidence of the financial aspects of the relationship and of a long-term commitment. Shared repayments, a joint loan account and both names on the rates notices also show the nature of the household. Our articles on partner visa financial evidence and partner visa commitment evidence explain how this evidence is weighed.

What if only my sponsor's name is on the mortgage?

A mortgage in only the sponsor's name can still support a partner visa if the couple shows that both partners contribute to the home and live there together. Evidence of the applicant paying household bills, contributing to repayments from their own account or being named on home insurance helps fill the gap. The couple should explain the reason for the arrangement in the relationship statement rather than leaving the Department to guess. Our article on partner visa separate finances explains how to present this.

Should we wait for the permanent partner visa before buying?

Whether to wait for the permanent partner visa before buying is a financial decision rather than a visa requirement, because the partner visa does not require the couple to own property. Waiting may give access to more lenders and remove foreign investment questions. Buying earlier may be possible where the lender and the foreign investment rules allow it. Our article on the partner visa two-stage process explains when the permanent stage is usually decided.

How does My Migration Lawyers use a home purchase in partner visa evidence?

My Migration Lawyers uses a home purchase in partner visa evidence by selecting the documents that prove joint commitment, such as the contract, loan documents and repayment records, and presenting them in the order the Department assesses the relationship. Where the purchase is in one name only, the firm builds the surrounding evidence of contribution and explains the arrangement clearly. The firm also confirms that the applicant's visa status is described accurately in any document the couple relies on. Couples can speak with our partner visa lawyers or read about the Subclass 820 visa.