You started looking at Sydney homes while earning an overseas salary. Now you have a return date, an Australian role or a plan to take a break between jobs. The property brief may be unchanged, but the figures behind it need another conversation.
Even a welcome career move can change the information a lender needs. The sensible next step is to check the effect before increasing offers or committing to a particular property.
We already have pre approval. Does that settle it?
No. Pre approval is conditional. Westpac explains that final approval can differ if your financial position changes, and also depends on matters such as the lender's property valuation.
Tell your broker or lender what is planned, including changes that have not happened yet. Give them the intended end date of the overseas role, the start date of the Australian role and any gap between the two. Ask what they need to reassess and when they can confirm the result.
The new salary is similar. Why revisit the search?
Because a similar headline salary does not answer every question about your circumstances. Ask how the lender will assess the new employment terms and what supporting evidence is required. Avoid assuming that an earlier assessment automatically carries across.
There is also your own spending plan. Temporary accommodation, shipping, furnishing a home and a period without income all compete for cash. Work out what you want available after buying, then discuss that figure with your advisers.
Should we buy before leaving the overseas job?
There is no useful blanket answer. Ask your broker to assess the actual transition, with the planned changes fully disclosed. Your accountant or financial adviser can help with the wider consequences of the move.
An earlier purchase still needs to be a suitable property decision. If you are unsure where the new role will require you to work, or whether the family wants to stay in that part of Sydney, resolving finance does not resolve the brief.
What should we send the broker?
Start with a short update covering your current work, the proposed change, the relevant dates and the property timing you are considering. Attach the documents the broker requests, rather than assuming that a generic checklist will be enough.
Ask for a clear answer to three practical questions: which parts of the earlier assessment remain usable, what is still outstanding, and what needs to happen before you can safely proceed with a purchase. Your lawyer should separately advise on any contract commitment.
What can continue while finance is being checked?
You can still refine locations, compare layouts and understand recent sales. Keep the active buying limit provisional until the finance position is confirmed, and tell your buyers agent promptly if it changes.
Our existing guide to buying with overseas income covers the starting point. A change of job is a reason to revisit it.
If your return plans have shifted during the search, call us. We can adjust the Sydney property brief and timing while your chosen finance adviser checks the numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Should we mention a planned employment change before it happens?
Yes. Explain the plan and its timing to your broker or lender so their assessment is based on the circumstances you expect, as well as your current position.
Can we keep attending inspections while the budget is being reviewed?
Yes, as research. Be clear that the buying range is being checked and obtain the necessary finance and legal advice before committing.
