Australian property finance for Singapore-based investorswith local time-zone coverage
Private first mortgages in Australia: typically $250k to $50m+ at 65–75%, over 6–36 months, settling in 5–15 days once security and entity documents are in hand. A first mortgage from a private or non-bank lender, used when speed, structure, credit history or documentation call for an alternative to the banks.
- Representative offices in your marketWhat we bring
- FIRB-aware process from the startWhat we bring
- Time-zone-matched communicationWhat we bring
Indicative terms in three minutes
Business-purpose and investment finance only. No credit check at this stage.
“Australia is closed to foreign buyers”
We hear this constantly. The honest answer is that it depends on security, exit and documentation — which is exactly what the enquiry form asks — and that the lenders on our panel — banks, private lenders and specialist funds alike — price those three things, not the label on the borrower.
“The process takes too long from overseas” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
“We won't get a straight answer from a bank” — a fair concern, and one we address in writing before any application is lodged.
Typical pain points: Banks restrict lending to non-residents; FIRB approval adds time and uncertainty; Time zone makes communication difficult; Currency and remittance complexity. What we bring: representative offices in your market, firb-aware process from the start, time-zone-matched communication.
How we work.
From the first call to the final drawdown, each step is led by a principal — not a queue.
Tell us the scenario
Purpose, amount, security and timeframe — the qualifier takes about three minutes and every answer maps to how our lender panel assesses private first mortgages.
Indicative terms
A specialist reviews the scenario and comes back with an indicative structure, pricing range and the documents needed. Urgent scenarios get a call within minutes during business hours.
Credit and valuation
The lender assesses security, entity and exit. For private first mortgages this is typically 5–15 days end to end.
Settlement
Solicitors settle, funds are released, and the deal is tracked to its exit in our CRM so refinancing or the next facility is ready before the term ends.
Questions we are asked.
Can a foreign investor get finance for Australian property?
Yes, though the lender panel is narrower than for Australian residents, and terms are typically more conservative on loan-to-value ratio and documentation. Lenders on our panel specifically work with offshore borrowers and offshore entities rather than treating every application as an exception.
Do I need FIRB approval before applying for finance?
⚠ In most cases, yes, if you're a foreign person acquiring Australian property, FIRB approval is a separate legal requirement from the finance itself. This is a legal question specific to your residency and entity structure, and you should confirm your position with a qualified Australian lawyer before proceeding.
How does financing work across different time zones?
We structure calls and documentation around your local business hours from Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai, using representative offices in those markets rather than expecting you to work entirely to Sydney time. Most of the process can run by email and video call regardless of the time difference.
Can an offshore company or trust borrow directly, rather than an individual?
Yes, offshore entities are a normal borrower type in this category, though lenders will want the entity structure, its beneficial ownership and its jurisdiction clearly documented before assessing the loan. Individual directors or trustees are usually still required to provide a personal guarantee.
Is construction finance available to foreign investors developing in Australia?
It's available through a narrower panel than for local developers, generally requiring a stronger pre-sale position, more conservative loan-to-cost terms, and clear documentation of the entity and funding source. We work through what's realistic before submitting to lenders. Engaging early, before a site is committed to, generally produces better terms.
Should I get local tax or legal advice before borrowing in Australia?
⚠ Yes — foreign investment, tax residency and structuring rules are complex and specific to your circumstances, so we'd always recommend independent Australian legal and tax advice alongside arranging the finance itself, rather than relying on the loan process to cover that ground.
How fast can private first mortgages settle?
Typically 5–15 days from a complete application, depending on valuation, legal and lender workload. Speed depends on how quickly security and entity documents are available.
How much can I borrow with private first mortgages?
Our panel typically funds from $250,000 to $50,000,000+, at 65–75%. Larger or more complex facilities are structured case by case across banks, private lenders and specialist funds.
What security is needed?
First registered mortgage. The stronger and more liquid the security, the sharper the pricing.
Is this a consumer loan?
No. Solara arranges business-purpose and investment-purpose finance only. If your purpose is personal or for owner-occupied housing, this product is not suitable and we will say so.
Not quite the right product? Every loan type we arrange.
Most scenarios can be structured more than one way. Browse the alternatives, or tell us the situation and we'll recommend the structure.