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Links Property Finance · Home loans for first home buyers: Home Loans for New Zealand Citizens in Australia

New Zealand citizens on a subclass 444 visa do not need FIRB approval and can avoid NSW surcharge duty, but the 5% Deposit Scheme and some NSW first home help need citizenship or permanent residency.

Reviewed by Charles Touma Updated 18 October 2026

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Can New Zealand citizens get a home loan in Australia?

Many lenders treat New Zealand citizens on a Special Category visa (subclass 444) much like Australian residents, often lending up to 90% or more of the value. You do not need FIRB approval to buy a home.

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In NSW you avoid surcharge purchaser duty if you have been in Australia for 200 days in the past year or live in the home for 200 days in the first year.

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The 5% Deposit Scheme is not available unless you are a citizen or permanent resident.

Part of the first home buyer loans guide.

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What could a 5% deposit get you?

What could a 5% deposit get you?

$800,000
$40,000 A 20% deposit would be $160,000

No LMI: an estimated $22,800 premium avoided (a broad guide; real premiums vary by lender and loan).

Stamp duty: $0 for eligible NSW first home buyers (saves $30,187).

Indicative only. The deposit excludes stamp duty, legal and inspection costs, and a participating lender, not this calculator, confirms 5% Deposit Scheme eligibility.

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Which rules apply to a New Zealand citizen?

For a New Zealand citizen holding a subclass 444 visa and buying a home in NSW.

FIRB approvalNot needed
NSW surcharge purchaser duty (9%)Not payable if in Australia 200 days in the past 12 months, or living in the home 200 days within 12 months
NSW first home buyer duty reliefNeeds at least one buyer who is a citizen or PR
First Home Owner Grant ($10,000, new homes)Needs at least one applicant who is a citizen or PR
5% Deposit SchemeEvery applicant must be a citizen or PR

How do lenders see a 444 visa?

Because a 444 visa lets you live and work in Australia indefinitely, many lenders treat it much like permanent residency for lending, with similar loan sizes. Some are more conservative and lend less, or ask for a larger deposit.

Your Australian employment and credit history matter most. The permanent resident home loans page covers similar rules.

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What if your partner is an Australian citizen?

Then more doors open. If at least one buyer is a citizen or permanent resident, NSW first home buyer duty relief and the First Home Owner Grant can apply, subject to their other rules.

The 5% Deposit Scheme still needs every applicant to be a citizen or permanent resident, so a joint application with a 444 holder does not qualify. Buying as joint tenants with an eligible spouse also removes any FIRB question.

Can you use KiwiSaver for a deposit in Australia?

Usually not. KiwiSaver first home withdrawals are for buying in New Zealand. If you have permanently emigrated, you can move KiwiSaver savings into an Australian complying super fund, but they then follow retirement rules and are not available for a deposit.

Your Australian savings, a gift or a family guarantee are the usual deposit sources; see gifted deposits.

Common questions about New Zealand citizen home loans

Do New Zealand citizens need FIRB approval?

No, if you hold or are eligible for a subclass 444 visa.

Do New Zealanders pay foreign buyer duty in NSW?

Not if you hold a 444 visa and have been in Australia 200 days in the past 12 months, or live in the home 200 days within 12 months.

Can New Zealand citizens use the 5% Deposit Scheme?

No, unless they are also an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Every applicant must be one.

Can I use my KiwiSaver to buy in Australia?

Generally no. First home withdrawals are for New Zealand property.

How much deposit does a New Zealand citizen need?

Many lenders lend up to 90% or more with lenders mortgage insurance; some ask for more.

Read about permanent resident home loans and temporary resident home loans.

Get advice on home loans for New Zealand citizens

Charles can check which lenders treat a 444 visa like residency, and which schemes you or your partner can use.

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Charles Touma, mortgage broker at Links Property Finance
Reviewed by Charles Touma Director & Mortgage Broker · MFAA member · Credit Representative 579003 under ACL 389328 About Charles · Complex lending · MFAA register · ASIC register · Complaints processEvery page is reviewed by Charles before it is published and checked against current lender policy and the official scheme pages linked where figures appear.

General information only, not credit, tax or migration advice. Scheme and duty eligibility is decided by the scheme administrator, Revenue NSW and the lender.