Short answer: we estimate John Stewart earns about US$1.5 million a year from his share of a luxury panic room business. As a non-resident, a specialist lender could lend him about $9.1 million, enough for a brand-new five-bedroom home in Mosman at about $12.9 million. On top of that he would pay about $1.5 million in foreign buyer duty and FIRB fees.
We built this one clue by clue from the show, then ran his numbers as a foreign buyer in Sydney.
The borrower: a self-employed business owner
John co-owns Stewart Brothers with his brother Marcus. They build high-grade panic rooms for clients he describes as people with way too much money: celebrities and senators.
The clues
He pays a blackmailer about $315,000 in cash within a day.
His watch looks like a Richard Mille, worth roughly US$150,000.
He was pitching a $30 billion government bunker program, until he skipped the meeting.
Our income estimate
Two top-end panic rooms a month at about US$550,000 each: about US$13.2 million a year in turnover.
A luxury margin of about 20%: about US$2.64 million profit.
John's half, plus a US$200,000 salary: about US$1.5 million a year (about A$2.16 million).
These are our estimates, not figures stated in the show.
Proving it: two years of tax returns
Self-employed borrowers have no payslip, so lenders want two years of business and personal tax returns. Lenders that accept non-residents usually count only part of foreign income and apply their own buffers.
How much can he borrow?
With 90% of his foreign income counted, about $9.1 million. Only a few lenders on our panel lend to non-residents at this size, and loans this large are assessed case by case.
What can a foreign buyer buy?
Foreign persons are currently banned from buying established homes in Australia, until at least 30 June 2029. New dwellings and vacant land are generally approved. So John's options are new builds.
A brand-new five-bed in Mosman with harbour views, a pool and a lift: about $12.9 million
Loan of about $9.03 million at 70% LVR, with about $3.87 million deposit
FIRB application fee: about $375,600
NSW surcharge purchaser duty of 9%: about $1.16 million, on top of standard stamp duty
NSW surcharge land tax of 5% of the land value, every year
The takeaways
Foreign buyers face extra duties, FIRB fees and a ban on established homes.
Only some lenders accept non-resident borrowers, and they count less of foreign income.
Self-employed borrowers need strong, up-to-date financials.
FAQs
Can a foreigner get a home loan in Australia?
Yes, through a small number of lenders. Expect lower maximum LVRs, a portion of foreign income counted, and FIRB approval before you buy.
Can foreigners buy existing homes in Australia?
Not currently. Foreign persons are banned from buying established dwellings from 1 April 2025 to 30 June 2029, with limited exceptions.
What extra costs do foreign buyers pay in NSW?
A FIRB application fee, 9% surcharge purchaser duty on top of standard duty, and annual surcharge land tax.
Want to know how much you can borrow?
Book a free chat with Echidna Equity
Figures are estimates for illustration only. John's income and business figures are our estimates based on the TV series, not stated in it. Borrowing power estimates use an illustrative non-resident assessment rate and currency conversion at A$1 = US$0.7029 (26 October 2026). This is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Foreign investment rules and duties are general information only; seek legal advice. Subject to eligibility, FIRB approval and lender credit criteria. Fees and charges apply. Your full financial needs and requirements need to be assessed prior to any offer or acceptance of a loan product.