- Doctors
- Updated
- • 5 min read
Home Loans For Doctors
Doctors and medical professionals face unique lending challenges — registrar income, locum structures, HECS, LMI waiver eligibility and future income changes all play a role. Choosing the right lender from the start can make a significant difference.
Quick Answer
Home loans for doctors may involve LMI waiver eligibility, assessment of registrar or locum income, HECS treatment and lender policies specific to medical professionals.
What Lenders Review
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LMI waiver eligibility — AHPRA registration typically required
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Registrar income assessment — some lenders consider future income
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Locum income — history and consistency requirements vary
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HECS — compulsory repayment affects serviceability
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Investment lending and portfolio planning
Common Mistakes
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Applying to a lender that does not offer a medical LMI waiver
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Underestimating the HECS impact on borrowing capacity
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can doctors get LMI waivers?
Some doctors may qualify with certain lenders subject to AHPRA registration, income, LVR and assessment.
Can registrars get a home loan?
Yes. Some lenders assess registrar income and factor in future earning potential, but policy varies.
The Medical Professional Lending Landscape
Not all lenders approach doctor home loans the same way. Some have formal medical professional programs with dedicated LMI waiver policies, favourable LVR limits and income treatment for registrars and locums. Others assess doctors as standard borrowers. Choosing the right lender from the outset matters significantly.
Registrar vs Consultant: How Lenders Differ
A registrar earning $100,000–$130,000 is assessed very differently to a consultant earning $300,000+. Some lenders factor in future earning trajectory for registrars near the end of training. Others will only assess current income. This affects borrowing capacity, LMI waiver eligibility and loan size.
What To Know If You Are A Registrar
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Some lenders extend medical LMI waiver policies to registrars
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Current PAYG income is the primary assessment basis
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HECS is a significant serviceability factor at registrar income levels
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Future income trajectory may be considered by specialist lenders
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AHPRA registration must be current and unrestricted
Private Practice vs Public Hospital Employment
Doctors employed by a public hospital or health network are assessed similarly to PAYG employees. Doctors with private practice income, locum income or who operate through a company or trust face a more complex assessment — requiring tax returns, practice financials and potentially BAS statements.
Documenting Doctor Income Correctly
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AHPRA registration certificate — current and unrestricted
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Most recent payslips — public hospital or health network employment
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Tax returns and practice financials — for private practice or locum income
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Locum engagement letters or tax summaries if applicable
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HECS balance from ATO
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Existing loan and liability statements
| Doctor type | Income complexity | LMI waiver typical availability |
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| Hospital-employed doctor | Low — standard PAYG | Broad — most lenders with medical policy |
| Registrar | Low — PAYG, may have HECS | Some lenders — policy varies |
| Locum (PAYG summaries) | Medium — variable income | Some lenders with evidence |
| Locum (ABN) | High — treated as self-employed | Limited — stricter requirements |
| Private practice owner | High — company/trust income | Case by case |
Review Your Doctor Home Loan Options
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General information only. Lending outcomes vary by lender and individual circumstances.t.