New product allows crypto holders to use Bitcoin as collateral for property purchases
Fintech Block Earner has introduced what it claims is Australia’s first home loan product secured by Bitcoin, offering cryptocurrency investors a way to enter the property market without selling their digital assets.
The Sydney-based fintech said the new loan enables eligible borrowers to use their Bitcoin as collateral for deposit financing, while retaining exposure to Bitcoin’s market performance.
The move comes as more Australians invest in digital assets, with industry estimates placing the total local crypto market at $91.43 billion in 2025 and around 3.9 million Australians holding cryptocurrencies last year.
Block Earner’s approach reflects changing attitudes towards wealth and financial eligibility. Traditionally, lenders have assessed affordability based on salary, savings, and superannuation. The company’s new model instead recognises Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class, allowing borrowers to leverage their crypto holdings without liquidating them.
“This is a turning point for both property finance and digital assets,” said Charlie Karaboga, chief executive and co-founder of Block Earner. “Crypto holders shouldn’t have to choose between holding Bitcoin and buying a home. We’re giving them a smarter option, a way to put their crypto to work without giving it up. This product isn’t just innovative, it’s inevitable.”
We're excited to officially unveil the waitlist for Australia’s first and only Bitcoin-Backed Home Loans
— Block Earner (@blockearner) June 25, 2025
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the night such a success — this is just the beginning. 🏡🚀
Join the waitlist 👉 https://t.co/aO0aDXA43u pic.twitter.com/nVLMeizkrL
Block Earner’s product allows borrowers to transfer their Bitcoin into institutional-grade custody. A cash loan is then issued against the Bitcoin, covering up to half of the property’s value – typically for the deposit. The remainder is financed through a standard mortgage from a traditional lender.
The Bitcoin-backed deposit loan can be interest-only for up to four years, with principal repayments possible in either crypto or cash. Borrowers can exit the loan at any time without penalty, and the company does not lend out the Bitcoin security to third parties.
The fintech said the product is aimed at digital natives who want to maintain their exposure to Bitcoin while acquiring real estate. It also noted that, in some cases, the structure could help borrowers avoid lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).
Interest in the product has been strong, with Block Earner reporting more than $110 million in mortgage demand following early briefings. The company has begun a national roadshow, with events in Sydney and plans for further sessions in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Discussions with formal lending partners are ongoing, with a broader rollout expected later in the year.
Block Earner’s announcement comes as regulators and traditional finance institutions globally begin to consider the role of digital assets in mainstream lending. In the US, the Federal Housing Finance Agency recently said it is exploring the inclusion of crypto assets in mortgage applications.
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