Don't let the wrong broker cost you $50,000 on your Partner Visa purchase
820 and 309 holders buying with an Australian citizen or PR can access 95% LVR, $0 FIRB fees, and standard interest rates — when the application is structured correctly. Book a free 30-minute session to see exactly what you qualify for.
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Your partner visa specialists
9+ years combined experience · 200+ partner visa approvals · Access to 20+ lenders
- 9+ years in visa lending
- Fluent Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian
- Global clients: UK, UAE, HK, SG, USA
- Specialist in 461, 820, 309 visas
- Foreign income expert
- Global clients: HK, UAE, London, Switzerland
Why partner visa couples choose us
We specialise in exactly your situation
Most banks have no policy for partner visa holders at high LVRs. We know which 20+ lenders do — and which will save you the most.
$0 FIRB fee strategy
Joint tenants with your citizen/PR/NZ partner = $0 FIRB fees and no foreign buyer surcharge in most states. We structure the title correctly from day one.
LMI waiver for professionals
Doctor, lawyer, accountant, nurse, or engineer? You may save $10,000–$30,000 on an LMI waiver at 90–95% LVR. Most brokers don't know to ask.
Foreign income optimised
Some lenders shade foreign income by just 10% vs 40% at major banks. We find the best one for your income source and can boost borrowing power by up to 30%.
Supported through to PR
We review your loan when your 801 or 100 PR is granted — often the perfect moment to refinance to a sharper rate or access equity.
Who qualifies
Do you meet the basics?
For 95% LVR and standard rates, most couples need to tick most of these boxes.
Subclass 820 (onshore) 820
- Applied from inside Australia
- Income usually in AUD — easiest to approve
- Pathway to 801 (PR)
- Up to 95% LVR on joint application
- Standard interest rates — no visa surcharge
Subclass 309 & 461 309 461
- 309 applied from outside Australia
- 461 with NZ citizen partner
- Foreign income shaded 10–20% (not 40%)
- FIRB exemption with citizen/PR/NZ partner
- Up to 95% LVR on strong joint applications
How much can you borrow?
Deposit & LVR options
Your LVR depends on income, deposit, and whether either of you qualifies for a profession-based LMI waiver.
| Deposit | LVR | Who it suits | LMI? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% Most flexible | 95% | Joint application with strong AUD incomes and good credit | Waived for qualifying professions; otherwise applies |
| 10% | 90% | Most 820/309 couples with stable employment | Reduced or waived for professions |
| 15–20% | 80–85% | Couples using foreign income or self-employed income | Usually none |
| 0% (guarantor) | Up to 100% | First-home buyers with a family guarantor | None |
How it works
From strategy session to settlement in 6–10 weeks
No unexpected visa hurdles — we've handled every scenario across 200+ approvals.
Free 30-min strategy session
We map your visa, income, deposit, and target state. You leave with a clear borrowing range and FIRB status — before you spend a cent.
Document gathering
Tailored checklist: visa grant, sponsor's PR/citizenship proof, payslips, bank statements, ID. Usually 1–2 days.
Lender selection & pre-approval
We compare 20+ lenders on rate, LVR, income shading, and partner-visa policy. Pre-approval typically in 5–10 business days.
FIRB, valuation & settlement
Joint-tenant exemption = no FIRB application needed. Formal approval after valuation; settlement as per your contract.
Ongoing support to PR grant
We review your loan at PR — often the right moment to refinance, drop LMI, or unlock equity.
Client stories
Real Couples, Real Approvals
"After being told no by other brokers, Michael was the only one who believed we could get a home loan despite our complex visa situation. He truly knows what he's doing and goes the extra mile."
"We were on a 461 visa with my husband being a New Zealand citizen. Michael was an absolute lifesaver — 3 other brokers couldn't assist us. He made the process incredibly straightforward and stress-free."
"It was a relief knowing we had a broker that understood our visa subclass 461. Michael was informative and responsive throughout the process. We went through at least 3 pre-approval renewals but he moved quickly when needed."
Avoid these pitfalls
The 5 mistakes that cost couples the most
After 200+ partner visa approvals, these patterns derail otherwise-strong applications.
Going to the wrong bank first
Half the major lenders won't lend to 820/309 holders at high LVRs. A "no" leaves a soft enquiry on your credit file — making the next application harder.
Tenants in common, not joint tenants
This mistake triggers FIRB approval and foreign buyer surcharges. On a $900k NSW purchase, that can be $80,000+ — entirely avoidable.
Keeping unused credit cards
Lenders treat your card limit — not the balance — as fully drawn. A $20,000 limit reduces borrowing capacity by ~$80,000–$100,000.
Counting on First Home Guarantee
Many couples discover at loan-signing that the visa holder makes the application ineligible. Plan for this from day one — not the day you sign.
Ignoring the NSW 200-day residency test
A trip overseas at the wrong time can cost you the stamp duty surcharge exemption. Advance planning prevents this completely.
Wrong lender for foreign income
Singapore, UAE, or Hong Kong income? Some lenders use the local tax rate — boosting borrowing power 20–30%. Most brokers don't know which ones.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a house on a Subclass 820 or 309 Partner Visa?
Yes. The simplest structure is joint tenants with your Australian citizen or PR partner — exempting you from FIRB and, in most states, from the foreign buyer surcharge. Alternatively, the citizen/PR partner can buy in their sole name with both names on the loan.
Will I pay the same interest rate as an Australian citizen?
Yes, in almost all cases. Standard variable and fixed rates apply on joint applications with a citizen or PR partner — there is no visa surcharge on the rate. Higher rates only appear on non-resident applications or through specialty lenders for foreign-currency income.
Do I need FIRB approval on a Partner Visa?
Not if you buy as joint tenants with your Australian citizen, PR, or eligible NZ citizen spouse or de facto partner. You will need FIRB if you buy solo, as tenants in common, or if both partners are temporary residents.
What's the minimum deposit for a partner visa home loan?
5% (95% LVR) is achievable for joint applications with strong combined AUD income and clean credit. 10% is the more common starting point. Without a citizen or PR partner, expect to need 20%.
What happens to my loan when my visa converts to PR?
Nothing automatic — the loan continues. We review your file at PR grant: it's a great moment to refinance for a sharper rate, drop LMI if equity has grown past 80% LVR, or restructure for a renovation or investment purchase.
Ready to get started?
We'll map your exact borrowing power — free, in 30 minutes
Don't risk a six-figure mistake by going to the wrong lender. Let us show you the right path before you spend a cent.