485 Graduate Visa Home Loan Australia – Buy Property on Temporary Graduate Visa
Last updated: 8 May 2026 · Reading time: 8 minutes
If you’re on a 485 Temporary Graduate visa after finishing your studies in Australia, you can still buy your own home. Thousands of International Graduates on the 485 visa successfully secure home loans every year. Professional Home Loans specialises in Graduate Visa lending and has helped hundreds of 485 Visa Holders buy property with competitive rates and fast approvals.
Fast facts before you read on
- Fast pre-approval and settlement guidance
- Borrow up to 80% LVR for 485 visa holders (up to 95% LVR when buying jointly with an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner)
- No-obligation, no-cost service – we only get paid if you settle
Why 485 Graduate visa holders can get a home loan in Australia
The 485 visa lets you live and work in Australia after your studies. Many graduates decide to put down roots and buy property while on this visa. The good news is that specialist lenders treat 485 visa holders who are working full-time in Australia very similarly to permanent residents – provided you choose the right lender and meet basic criteria.
Learn more about our full range of home loan options.
How much can you actually borrow on a 485 visa?
485 visa holders can borrow up to 80% LVR (20% deposit plus costs). If you buy jointly with an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner, you can often access up to 95% LVR – a massive advantage.
Important 2026 update: Temporary visa holders (including 485) are currently restricted from purchasing established (second-hand) dwellings until at least March 2027. You can still buy new homes, off-the-plan apartments, or vacant land to build on. This rule applies to most foreign persons and temporary residents (official guidance: foreigninvestment.gov.au).
Extra costs you must budget for
- Foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge – 7–8% of the purchase price in most states (no surcharge in ACT or NT).
- FIRB approval – required in almost all cases unless buying jointly with an Australian citizen or PR partner. FIRB fees start at a few thousand dollars (full details and fees on the ATO residential property page).
- Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) – applies when borrowing over 80% LVR.
- Standard stamp duty, legal fees, and moving costs.
Buying jointly with a citizen or PR partner often removes both the FIRB requirement and the stamp duty surcharge – a huge saving.
Requirements for 485 visa home loan approval
Lenders typically look for:
- At least 12 months remaining on your 485 visa (longer is better)
- Full-time employment in Australia (not on probation)
- Stable Australian income in a relevant field
- Good credit history and savings mostly held in Australia
Step-by-step process to get your 485 visa home loan
- Free strategy session – We review your visa, income, deposit, and goals (30 minutes, no obligation).
- Pre-approval – We submit to the lenders who actively lend to 485 visa holders. Get started with our pre-approval process.
- FIRB application (if required) – We guide you through the simple online process.
- Property search & contract – Once pre-approved, you can confidently make an offer.
- Full application & settlement – We handle everything until keys are in your hand.
Most clients go from enquiry to pre-approval in 3–7 days.
Benefits of buying on a 485 Graduate visa
- Lock in today’s interest rates and property prices before potential PR approval.
- Build equity while living and working in Australia.
- Same competitive interest rates as Australian citizens in most cases.
- Pathway to permanent residency often makes future refinancing easier.
- Many graduates tell us owning a home helped them feel truly settled in Australia.
Tips to maximise your approval chances
- Show at least 6–12 months of stable Australian employment.
- Keep savings in Australian accounts.
- Reduce high credit card limits if possible.
- Use our free borrowing power calculator or stamp duty calculator to see exactly what you can afford.
Common myths debunked
Myth: “Banks won’t lend to 485 visa holders.”
Reality: Many specialist lenders do – you just need the right broker.
Myth: “I’ll pay a much higher interest rate.”
Reality: You can access the same rates and discounts as citizens/PRs with the right lender.
Myth: “I need a 20% deposit and can’t buy until PR.”
Reality: Many 485 holders buy with 20% deposit (or less when joint) and start building equity now.
Ready to buy your first home in Australia on your 485 visa?
Contact Professional Home Loans today on 1300 55 44 97, visit our contact page, or complete our quick online enquiry form. We’ll tell you exactly what is possible for your 485 visa situation – with zero cost and zero obligation.
For more insights, explore our full guide to temporary visa home loans.
About the Author: Tom Luu
Tom Luu is a specialist mortgage broker and the founder of Professional Home Loans. With over 9 years of experience in the Australian mortgage industry, Tom specializes in complex lending scenarios, particularly for medical professionals, expats, and temporary visa holders. He is dedicated to helping clients navigate the nuances of Australian credit policies to secure the best possible financial outcomes.
Experience: 9+ Years in Mortgage Broking
Credentials: Credit Representative Number 486574
Expertise: Visa Home Loans, Professional LMI Waivers, and Expat Finance.
Free 30-Minute Finance Strategy Session For Professionals
Let us help guide you through the Home loan process.
FAQs – 485 Graduate Visa Home Loans
Can I get a home loan on a 485 Graduate visa?
Yes. Specialist lenders offer home loans to 485 visa holders, with maximum LVRs of up to 80% when you are the sole applicant.
How much deposit do I need for a 485 visa home loan?
Typically 20% plus costs. Some clients qualify for as little as 5% deposit when buying jointly with an Australian citizen or permanent resident partner.
Do I need FIRB approval on a 485 visa?
Yes in most cases unless you are buying jointly with an Australian citizen or PR partner. FIRB approval is straightforward but adds a small fee and processing time.
Will I pay the foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge?
Yes in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and most other states (7–8%). No surcharge in the ACT or Northern Territory. Buying jointly with a citizen/PR partner usually removes the surcharge.
Can 485 visa holders buy established homes in 2026?
No – there is currently a government ban (until March 2027) on temporary visa holders purchasing established dwellings. New builds, off-the-plan properties, and vacant land are still permitted.
Are interest rates higher for 485 visa holders?
No. With the right lender you receive the same competitive rates and discounts available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Do I qualify for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) on a 485 visa?
Generally no. The grant is usually only available to Australian citizens or permanent residents.
What documents will lenders need for a 485 visa home loan?
Valid 485 visa grant, recent payslips or employment contract, Australian tax returns, bank statements showing savings, proof of deposit funds, and ID. We compile everything for you.
Is the loan term limited by my 485 visa expiry date?
Most lenders require the loan term to fit within your remaining visa duration or have a clear exit strategy (e.g., refinance on PR). We match you with flexible lenders.
Can self-employed applicants on a 485 visa get approved?
Yes, but it is more complex. Lenders usually require 1–2 years of Australian tax returns to prove income stability. PAYG employees generally have an easier path.
What happens to my home loan if I gain permanent residency?
Nothing negative – it becomes much easier. You can often refinance to better rates, remove LMI (if applicable), and access higher LVR options as a permanent resident or citizen.
How long does the whole 485 visa home loan process take?
Pre-approval can happen in 3–7 days. Full settlement usually takes 6–8 weeks once you find a property.
“You not only got the loan approved on time, but at a better rate! You are professional, honest, dedicated & obviously love what you do-your passion shines through & I look forward to doing all my loans through you from now on!”
Linh
After having two other brokers tell us that we had to be in Australia with proof of payslips to buy a house, we had lost hope of buying from NZ before moving over. Thankfully we found Professional Home Loans online! Michael has been amazing from start to finish. His replies to my emails were always prompt and he managed to sort an issue with our paperwork before settlement. We are very grateful for Michael’s hard work. Without it we likely would have given up on our dream of moving to WA as it would have been tricky getting a rental with pets, especially during a rental crisis.
Melanie Downers
We had a very complex mortgage transaction to negotiate as we live overseas and did not have the 20% deposit. However, Michael Nguyen from MAP was instrumental in helping us purchase our first home. We would genuinely recommend Michael to anyone looking to purchase a house. Thanks Michael.
Robert Smith
Great service, always attentive and let us know what would happen, how it would work, what was required etc. Tom goes the extra mile and is always available on the phone or email at anytime to explain things. Phenomenal Service. You won’t get better (Although first house purchase in Australia, this is my 4th house purchase and the best service yet by far!)
Peter
Michael succeeded where other brokers couldn’t due to my subclass 461 visa. Clear and prompt comms from start to finish and fantastic service.
Thanks Michael 🥳
Alex S
Working with Michael as our mortgage broker was an absolute pleasure. He was extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we received the best mortgage for our needs. Michael’s communication was exceptional, keeping us informed and updated throughout the entire process. He made what can be a stressful time, a breeze.
With me being on a visa, I was told it was impossible for my partner and I to get a loan. Michael came in and told us he would be able to get our loan approved despite my visa status and safe to say he did not disappoint!
We highly recommend Michael for anyone in need of a mortgage broker. Thank you, Michael!
Komal
Michael is the best broker out there. Besides his credit knowledge, he was also very attentive to his clients. He makes sure that all our questions are answered and is always looking after you. Responses within minutes too if you ever reach out. People always talk about how stressful it is to apply for a home loan. As a temporary resident in Australia, Michael made the application process the easiest thing we have ever done. Fun fact! I was so amused when Michael was guiding our solicitor during the process, that’s how skilled and knowledgeable he is about his clients’ background and what they’re entitled to when it comes to purchasing a property. Thank you Michael and Professional Home Loans for the best experience!
Nicoleen Pitargue