Australian citizens working in Dubai often benefit from enhanced borrowing power because lenders may calculate serviceability using UAE’s 0% tax rates instead of higher Australian tax brackets. This unique policy allows expats to demonstrate higher net income compared to domestic borrowers.
How Much Can Australian Expats Borrow While Living In Dubai?
Your maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) depends on your residency status and employment type:
- Borrow up to 90% of the property value if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Access up to 80% LVR if you are self-employed, though some lenders may use 90% of your net income for calculations.
- If you are earning in UAE Dirham and lack sufficient documentation to prove foreign income, your borrowing power is limited to 80%.
How Will Lenders Assess Foreign Income From Dubai?
Since most expats in Dubai do not pay income tax, standard tax returns are often unavailable. Instead, lenders require specific alternative documentation:
- Provide your two most recent payslips.
- Submit a copy of your employment contract.
- Verify if the lender accepts 100% of AED income, as policies vary between banks.
- Supply a letter from your employer if borrowing less than 80% LVR (accepted by some lenders).
Dubai Income Mortgage Calculator
Discover if the bank will accept your foreign income.
What If My Financial Documents Are In Arabic?
Most Australian lenders will not accept financial documents written in Arabic. You must provide an interpreter’s certificate, which is an official and certified translation of the original document. You can obtain this certificate from the Australian Consulate in Dubai.
What Deposit Is Required For An Expat Home Loan?
Standard lending policy requires a deposit structure comprising both genuine savings and additional costs:
- Save at least 5% of the property price as ‘genuine savings’ held for 3–6 months.
- Allocate an additional 5% to cover stamp duty, legal fees, and LMI..
- Plan for a total fund of approximately 10% of the purchase price.
Can I Buy A House In Australia Without A Deposit?
If you lack a cash deposit, there are alternative pathways to approval:
- Use a guarantor to secure the loan and potentially avoid a deposit entirely.
- Access equity from an existing property you own within Australia.
- Utilize no-genuine-savings solutions if you have a lump sum but lack the 3-6 month savings history.
Can I Buy A House In Australia Without A Deposit?
If you lack a cash deposit, there are alternative pathways to approval:
- Use a guarantor to secure the loan and potentially avoid a deposit entirely.
- Access equity from an existing property you own within Australia.
- Utilize no-genuine-savings solutions if you have a lump sum but lack the 3-6 month savings history.
Are There Loans For Self-Employed Expats In Dubai?
Self-employed borrowers often cannot provide standard financial statements. Banks typically require the following alternative documentation:
- Submit tax returns for the last two years.
- Provide Business Activity Statements (BAS) for the past 12 months.
- Apply for low-doc mortgage solutions if standard documentation is unavailable.
- Utilize lenders who accept the most recent 6 months of personal or business bank transactions.
Apply For A Home Loan In Dubai
You can call us on 1300 889 743 (+61 2 9194 1700 if you’re overseas) to discuss your situation and loan needs with one of our mortgage brokers. You can also complete our free online assessment form, and one of us will contact you instead.
Mortgages for Australians in Dubai FAQs
What Are The Tax Implications Of Getting Home As An Australian Living In Dubai?
If you are classed as a tax resident of Australia, your foreign income and any capital gains are subject to Australian tax law. You can also take the residency tests on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to check whether or not you are an Australian tax resident.
Are There Any Property Restrictions Or Mortgage Limitations?
Can I Qualify For Waived LMI?
Do I Need The OK From The FIRB?
Does Stamp Duty Surcharge Apply To Overseas Buyers?
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