How to buy an investment property as an expat

Singapore-based Aussie expat Trent Wanted to diversify his investments and found  the perfect investment property in sunny Queensland.

Working in the tech sector, Trent is used to a challenge. But he didn’t realise how  challenging it would be to buy an investment property as an expat.

“As soon as we identified the property, I was working with brokers in parallel to  understand my financial situation and how much I could borrow.”

Trent said while the brokers he approached delivered initial results, they didn’t follow  through when things became difficult.

“Most lenders and brokers were happy to see you through the door, they would always  give you a positive initial result. But as soon as you would get through to a bank’s  credit department or getting assessed on the back end, you’d hit a dead end.  Especially in terms of being an expat with the amount of risk they are willing to take  on.”

Scott from UNO to the rescue

Frustrated with a lack of results—and commitment—from other brokers, Trent  approached UNO broker Scott Wilkinson. The pair began working together to find  financing options.

Trent said Scott went above and on beyond when looking for potential lenders.

“When we hit a dead end, he didn’t stop there, he continued to search around to speak  to the right banks and lenders to look at my situation and see where we can get the  best deal possible whilst also considering my circumstances.”

“This was a significant process - it didn’t happen overnight - and I think my relationship  with Scott went on for two two and a half months as he was researching these different  options for me.

“Scott managed to find a [finance] option that matched my profile in terms of what I  was looking for and enabled me to purchase a successful investment in the end,” said  Trent.

“So what I can say is that out of so many different brokers and lenders that I worked  with, Scott stood out from the rest in really supporting me and going the extra mile to  help me find the right lending option and being able to find me an investment property  that is not really successful.”

The customer difference 

Trent often visits other countries for work. Between flights, countless coffees, and

plenty of jet lag, he was able to work with Scott to eventually secure funding.  Trent said

“As a broker, Scott would keep me continually updated and informed. He also had a  really good team behind him that throughout the settlement process, and once we did  get the funding his team really helped support that process in terms of the bank, getting  settlement documents organised, coordinating with my legal team, the sellers, and with  the bank.”

If you are an Australian citizen living and working overseas then a broker from UNO is well placed to help you as UNO is Australia's Online Mortgage Broker. With award winning technology, a process designed for online and a focus on delivering Unparalleled Service you're in good hands

If you would like to book in to talk to Scott Wilkinson specifically then please use the booking link below