820 Visa Home Loan: Buy Home with Just 5% Deposit
Last updated 28 February 2026
Holding a Subclass 820 Partner Visa means you’re already building a life in Australia with your Australian citizen or permanent resident partner. Unlike most temporary visas, many specialist lenders treat 820 visa holders almost exactly like permanent residents when you apply jointly — giving you access to 95% LVR home loans, standard interest rates, and genuine savings on fees.
Updated for 2026: Lending policies continue to favour genuine mixed-status couples. You can borrow up to 95% of the purchase price with only a 5% deposit, and in many cases avoid FIRB approval entirely. At Professional Home Loans we’ve helped hundreds of 820 couples secure their first Australian home — even as first-home buyers.
Can You Buy a House on an 820 Partner Visa?
Yes — both legally and from a lending perspective.
The key factors are your tenancy structure and your partner’s citizenship status:
- Joint Tenants (with Australian citizen or PR spouse) → Full FIRB exemption + often no foreign purchaser surcharge (see state table below).
- Tenants in Common (e.g. 50/50 split) → FIRB approval usually required + potential surcharges on the 820 holder’s share.
FIRB Rules for 820 Visa Holders in 2026
If you purchase residential property as joint tenants with your Australian citizen or permanent resident spouse, you are exempt from FIRB approval. This is the only automatic exemption available to temporary visa holders.
FIRB information – always confirm with your conveyancer before signing the contract.
Borrowing Power & Deposit Options
- 5% deposit (95% LVR) – Available with select lenders when buying jointly with an Australian citizen/PR partner and strong combined finances.
- 10% deposit (90% LVR) – Standard for most 820 applicants with professional income.
- LMI Waivers – Doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants and other qualified professionals can often borrow 90-95% with no Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Doctor Home Loans & Medical Professional Specials– exclusive low-rate, high-LVR products.
Foreign Purchaser Stamp Duty Surcharges in 2026 – State Guide
Even with FIRB exemption, stamp duty surcharges can apply depending on the state and your exact residency days. Here’s the current picture for mixed 820 + citizen couples:
| State | Surcharge Rate | Applies to 820 Holder in Mixed Couple? | Typical Outcome for PPOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 9% | Usually exempt if 200+ days in Australia in last 12 months or “ordinarily resident” | Exempt in most cases |
| VIC | 8% | Exemption available for principal place of residence bought jointly with citizen spouse | Often fully exempt |
| QLD | 8% | Assessed case-by-case; living in Australia helps | Reduced or exempt |
| WA | 7% | 820 listed favourably; joint tenant + residency often exempt | Usually exempt |
| Others | Varies | Check with conveyancer | — |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your 820 Visa Home Loan
- Book a free 30-minute strategy session with our 820 visa mortgage specialists.
- Provide visa grant notice + partner’s citizenship proof.
- We shop 20+ lenders for the best rate + highest LVR.
- Submit full application (we handle the relationship evidence banks love).
- Receive conditional approval in 5–10 business days.
- Settlement — move into your new home.
Why 820 Couples Choose Professional Home Loans
- Australia-wide 820 visa mortgage experts (not a general broker).
- Access to lenders that others can’t reach.
- Proven track record with same-sex, de-facto and newly granted 820 couples.
- No upfront fees for pre-approvals.
Savings on Your Partner Visa Home Loan
Avoid surcharges:
| Cost Type | Standard Fee | Savings with Joint Buy |
|---|---|---|
| FIRB | $10,000+ | Waived |
| Foreign Surcharge | 7-8% | Avoided |
| LMI (at 95% LVR) | Variable | Only for certain professions |
What if your Partner is not on the Spousal/Partner (Subclass 820 visa or 309)?
We can assist you if the temporary visa holder is on any of the following:
For more information on visa-related financial planning, check out resources on MoneySmart.
Free 30-Minute Finance Strategy Session For Professionals
Let us help guide you through the Home loan process.
FAQs – Home Loans for Partner 820 Visa
Can I buy a house on a Visa 820?
Yes, you can. However, foreign buyer duty may apply if you choose to be on title. This varies from state to state and is 7% or 8% of your property ownership. Keep the title in the name of the Australian citizen or Permanent Resident to avoid this fee.
Do 820 visa holders need FIRB approval to buy a house?
No, if you buy as joint tenants with your Australian citizen or permanent resident spouse. This is the standard exemption for 820 partner visa holders in 2026.
Will I pay the Foreign Buyer Surcharge on a 482 visa? This depends on the state. For example, in NSW and VIC, 482 visa holders are typically liable for the surcharge, while in other states, you may be exempt if you meet residency requirements.
Will I pay higher interest rates on a partner visa?
No. You receive the same standard variable and fixed rates as Australian citizens when the application is joint and the relationship is genuine.
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.
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
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
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
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 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
Tom has been absolutely amazing. From day 1 Tom was so clear and honest about everything. We got a land loan and then a construction loan. Tom assisted us all the way through and answered every question we had fast. Tom made the entire process painless and easier than I expected. I was also surprised to get a better interest rate than I expected. Absolutely 10/10. Highly recommend
Michael Harris