How Australian nationals and Australia-based high-net-worth individuals who own property in Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Hawaii, the Hamptons, Aspen, and across America's premium real estate markets can release the equity they have built, without Australian tax complexity, FIRB considerations, or the American lending system's inability to recognise AUD income standing between them and their own property wealth
Australia's relationship with American real estate is built on lifestyle logic, Pacific proximity, and the cultural familiarity that comes from two English-speaking countries with deeply similar social and professional values. Australian high-net-worth buyers, from the entertainment, technology, finance, and resources industries, have been consistent American property investors since the 1980s, concentrating in the markets that most directly parallel the Australian lifestyle experience: beach communities, mountain resorts, coastal cities, and the creative industry hubs of Los Angeles.
Australian high-net-worth owners of US real estate are found in Manhattan Beach and Malibu, where the surf and beach lifestyle creates an obvious parallel with Australia's coastal culture. In Aspen, where the Australian skiing community has established a significant presence. In Hawaii, where Australia's Pacific proximity makes the islands the most accessible American resort destination. In Manhattan, where Australian finance and media professionals posted to New York have purchased rather than rented. In the Hamptons, where Australian high-net-worth buyers have joined the British and European community of international summer residents.
The Australian equity release barrier is relatively straightforward compared to some other nationalities, Australian income is in a familiar format, Australian corporations are recognisable structures, and the Australia-US tax treaty provides a degree of bilateral framework. But the AUD income, the Australian corporate and trust structures, the absence of US credit history, and the FIRPTA and capital gains considerations of a sale make GMG's asset-led equity release programme the right solution for Australian high-net-worth US property owners who need to access their equity efficiently.
This is the Unlocked in America: Australian High-Net-Worth Owners of US Real Estate guide, part of the Unlocked in America series by Global Mortgage Group and America Mortgages.
What Australian High-Net-Worth Owners Have Built in US Real Estate
Los Angeles and Southern California
Australian high-net-worth buyers have established a specifically strong community in Manhattan Beach, where the surf culture and beach village lifestyle creates the closest American parallel to Sydney's northern beaches or Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula, alongside consistent ownership in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and the broader LA premium residential market. Properties purchased in the early 2000s have appreciated substantially. The Australian entertainment industry community in Los Angeles has created decades of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood ownership.
Hawaii
Hawaii is the most natural American destination for Australian high-net-worth buyers, Pacific proximity, beach lifestyle credentials, and a resort infrastructure that matches the highest Australian standards. Australian buyers are consistently well-represented in Maui's Wailea market, on Kauai's north shore, and in Oahu's Kailua beach community.
Aspen and Mountain Resorts
Australian high-net-worth buyers with skiing connections have established a significant Aspen presence alongside consistent ownership in Park City and Jackson Hole, the skiing tradition translating naturally from Australia's Snowy Mountains and New Zealand's Southern Alps to the Rocky Mountain ski town market.
Manhattan and the Hamptons
Australian finance, media, and technology professionals posted to New York have consistently purchased rather than rented, retaining Manhattan properties following their return to Australia. The Hamptons has attracted Australian buyers who value the beach lifestyle alongside the social infrastructure of New York's summer community.
GMG's Equity Release Solution for Australian High-Net-Worth Owners
- Loan size: USD 500,000 to USD 100,000,000+
- Term: 6 to 24 months
- LTV: Up to 65–70% of independently appraised US market value
- Interest: Retained or rolled up — no monthly payment
- No US credit history or SSN required
- AUD income from Australian businesses, investment portfolios, and real estate — considered within asset-led assessment
- Australian family trusts, Australian companies, and offshore structures — all considered
- Security: Manhattan Beach, Malibu, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Aspen, Manhattan, Hamptons, and all major US markets with significant Australian high-net-worth ownership
- Timeline: Term sheet 24–48 hours; drawdown 10–20 business days
Contact Donald Klip
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +65 9773-0273
Website: gmg.asia
America Mortgages: americamortgages.com
