Locum Doctor Home Loans

Locum doctors often have strong income but face challenges in the lending process. Income may vary between engagements, documentation can be complex and not all lenders have clear policies for locum structures.

Quick Answer

Locum doctors can access home loans, but income assessment is lender-dependent. Some lenders require longer income history and specific documentation for locum arrangements.

How Lenders Assess Locum Income

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Length of locum history — many lenders want 12–24 months

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Consistency of engagements — irregular locum work may reduce assessed income

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Tax returns showing locum income across financial years

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ABN registration and BAS statements if applicable

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AHPRA registration — typically required for professional lending policies

Common Documentation For Locum Applications

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Tax returns for the last one to two years

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Bank statements showing locum income deposits

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Contract letters or engagement summaries

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AHPRA registration certificate

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ABN registration if billing under an entity

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do locum doctors need two years of tax returns?

Many lenders prefer two years of history. Some may consider alternative documentation depending on overall application strength.

Some lenders may include locum doctors under their medical professional policies, but requirements can be stricter.

Why Locum Income Is Complex For Lenders

Locum income is variable by nature. Lenders that excel at PAYG assessment may struggle with locum structures. The key challenges are income history length, documentation format, ABN vs PAYG, and whether the income is seen as consistent enough to service a loan.

What Lenders May Look At

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12–24 months of locum income history

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Tax returns showing consistent income across financial years

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ABN registration and BAS statements if applicable

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AHPRA registration — typically required for medical professional policies

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Contract letters or engagement summaries

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Bank statements confirming regular income deposits

PAYG Locum vs ABN Locum

Locum doctors who receive PAYG summaries from multiple employers are assessed differently to those who bill through an ABN. ABN locums may be treated similarly to self-employed borrowers — requiring more documentation and potentially two years of tax returns.

Common Mistakes Locum Doctors Make

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Not keeping thorough tax return history from the start of locum work

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Not having AHPRA registration ready at time of application

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Assuming all lenders have the same locum income policy

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Not distinguishing between PAYG and ABN locum income in documentation

Do locum doctors need two years of tax returns?

Many lenders prefer two years. Some may consider less with strong overall application.

Some lenders extend medical professional policies to locums. Requirements can be stricter.

Review Locum Income Assessment

We identify lenders suited to locum income structures.

General information only. Lending eligibility, LMI waiver policies, rates and approval outcomes vary by lender and are subject to assessment.

Review Locum Income Assessment

We identify lenders suited to locum income structures.

General information only. Lending outcomes vary by lender and individual circumstances.

Related Reading

Written by: Simpli Finance Lending Team · Reviewed by: [Broker Name], Mortgage Broker · Last updated: June 2026