Work With Us · For Overseas Investors
You don't have to be in Australia to invest like one.
If you are an Australian living abroad — or a foreign national building wealth across global markets — this page is for you. The answer to "does this apply to me?" is almost certainly yes.
The most common reason overseas Australians don't invest in Australian property is not that they can't. It is that no one has clearly explained how.
The same is true for expats considering Dubai, or Tri-State residents and UAE nationals thinking about Australian or US property. The process exists. The financing exists. The legal structures exist. What most investors lack is a single advisory firm that understands all of it — and can execute across every jurisdiction.
That is what GRIT was built to do.
Who this page is for
| You are | GRIT can help you |
|---|---|
| An Australian expat based in Dubai or the UAE | Invest in Dubai property (tax-free, on your doorstep) and maintain or build your Australian portfolio simultaneously |
| An Australian expat based in the US, UK, Singapore, or elsewhere | Access Australian property with your existing Australian borrowing power — and explore US or Dubai entry depending on your base |
| A UAE national or resident (non-Australian) | Build a globally diversified portfolio across Dubai, Australia, and the US — with GRIT managing the cross-border complexity |
| A Tri-State (NY/NJ/CT) resident or US-based investor | Access Australian and Dubai property from the US — GRIT's New York office coordinates directly |
| An Australian returning home within 1–5 years | Build your Australian portfolio now, while your borrowing capacity may be at its peak, so you return to equity rather than starting over |
| An Australian who has been abroad for years and feels disconnected from the market | Re-enter the Australian market with a strategy session that accounts for your current tax residency, overseas income, and borrowing position |
The most common questions — answered directly
Can I get an Australian mortgage while living overseas?
Yes — with conditions. Australian lenders will consider overseas income for mortgage assessment, but the treatment varies significantly by lender and by the currency of your income. Some lenders apply a shading factor (typically 20–40%) to foreign income when calculating borrowing capacity. Others accept it at full value. A broker who specialises in expat lending is essential.
Key factors:
- •Your Australian tax residency status (resident vs. non-resident for tax purposes)
- •The currency and stability of your overseas income
- •Whether you have existing Australian assets (a home, super, other property)
- •The loan-to-value ratio required — expat loans typically require 20–30% deposit
GRIT works with mortgage brokers who specialise in expat lending. We make the introduction as part of your Strategy Session.
Does my overseas income count for an Australian mortgage?
Generally yes, subject to the lender's foreign income policy. USD, GBP, SGD, AED, EUR, and HKD income are typically accepted by major Australian lenders — with verification requirements (payslips, employment contract, bank statements). Income in less common currencies may be subject to additional restrictions.
Will I pay more tax in Australia on my overseas rental income?
If you are an Australian tax resident (which many expats remain, depending on their circumstances), you must declare worldwide income in Australia — including rental income from overseas properties. Dubai rental income is not taxed in the UAE but is assessable in Australia. US rental income is taxed in the US first, with a foreign income tax offset reducing your Australian liability.
If you are a non-resident for Australian tax purposes, you are generally taxed in Australia only on Australian-sourced income — and at non-resident tax rates, which differ from resident rates. This has significant implications for property strategy and is a question for your cross-border accountant before you purchase.
Can I buy Australian property as a non-resident?
Foreign nationals (non-Australians) and some temporary residents must apply for Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before purchasing residential property in Australia. FIRB approval is required for new dwellings (typically approved), vacant land for development (typically approved), and established dwellings — generally restricted for foreign nationals.
Australian citizens and permanent residents are not subject to FIRB restrictions, regardless of where they live.
Can a UAE national or resident buy property in Australia?
Yes, subject to FIRB approval for new dwellings. UAE nationals purchasing new Australian property must apply for FIRB approval — a process that typically takes 30 days and is routinely granted for new residential purchases. GRIT can coordinate the FIRB application as part of the purchase process.
Can an Australian buy property in Dubai from overseas?
Yes — entirely remotely. Dubai off-plan purchases can be executed via email, electronic signature, and international bank transfer. GRIT's Dubai team manages the on-the-ground process — developer meetings, snagging inspections, property management setup — so clients never need to be physically present unless they choose to be.
The overseas investor portfolio — common strategies by profile
| Profile | Recommended strategy | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Australian expat in Dubai, 2–5 years remaining | Dubai off-plan now + Australian H&L simultaneously | Maximise the UAE tax-free environment while maintaining an Australian portfolio that will be ready to return to |
| Australian expat in USA (Tri-State, California, Texas) | US cashflow property via LLC + Australian H&L | Deploy locally with GRIT's New York office; maintain Australian exposure with Australian borrowing power |
| Australian expat, long-term overseas, no return date | Dubai off-plan for yield + US cashflow for income | Two tax-efficient markets with no Australian tax residency complications; strong USD/AED income |
| Australian returning home in 1–3 years | Australian H&L now — land settlement timed to return | Buy now while income is potentially higher; return to a completed or near-completed asset with equity already building |
| UAE national building global portfolio | Dubai (existing) + Australia (new market, stable returns) + USA (cashflow) | Full three-market diversification from a UAE base; GRIT coordinates all three markets from one advisory relationship |
| US-based investor (non-Australian) | Australia (stable, transparent, strong legal system) + Dubai (yield, regional proximity) | Both markets accessible remotely; GRIT New York office as primary contact point |
How GRIT works with overseas clients
Distance is not a barrier. Approximately 40% of GRIT's active clients are based outside Australia at any given time. Our process is designed for remote engagement at every stage.
| Stage | How it works remotely |
|---|---|
| Strategy Session | Video call with your assigned strategist — Melbourne, Dubai, or New York team depending on your location and market focus |
| Market research & property selection | All research, shortlisting, and recommendations delivered digitally — property reports, cashflow models, suburb scorecards |
| Financing | Mortgage broker introductions made remotely; expat-specialist lenders engaged; all documentation submitted digitally |
| Legal & structure setup | Referrals to cross-border solicitors and accountants; LLC formation for US purchases coordinated entirely online |
| Purchase execution | Documents executed via electronic signature or notarised power of attorney; no travel required to complete settlement in any market |
| Ongoing management | Property managers in each market report to you directly; GRIT conducts annual portfolio reviews via video call |
Time zones — GRIT offices and availability
| Office | Time zone | Session availability |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne | AEDT (UTC+11) | Monday–Saturday, including evenings |
| Dubai | GST (UTC+4) | Monday to Saturday - including evenings |
| New York | EST (UTC-5) | Monday–Friday, business hours |
Video sessions are scheduled across all time zones. If you are in a timezone that does not overlap comfortably with any of the above, contact us and we will accommodate.
For overseas investors — one question before you book
The most useful thing you can tell us before your Strategy Session is your current tax residency status and the currency of your income. These two factors shape everything — your borrowing capacity, your tax position, your optimal ownership structure, and which market to enter first.
If you are not sure of your tax residency status, your first call should be to a cross-border accountant. GRIT can refer you to one.
Book your overseas investor Strategy Session
Tell us where you are based, and we will assign the right strategist and time zone. The session is 60 minutes, free, and conducted entirely by video.