Which allied health professions qualify for LMI waivers?
Eligible professions vary by lender but can include: physiotherapists, chiropractors, optometrists, pharmacists, veterinarians, psychologists, occupational therapists, podiatrists, osteopaths, midwives, speech pathologists, audiologists, sonographers, radiographers, and registered nurses. The key is matching your profession to the right lender — some cover all of these, while others only cover a handful.
Why does eligibility vary so much between lenders?
Each lender sets its own criteria for which professions qualify under their medical/health professional lending programs. These programs were originally designed for doctors and dentists, and each lender has expanded their lists differently over time. There's no industry standard, which is why broker expertise is so valuable in this space.
I'm a psychologist — can I get an LMI waiver?
Yes, but your options are limited. Our research shows that only one of the five major lenders with medical professional programs includes psychologists as eligible. Two lenders explicitly exclude psychologists. This makes it essential to work with a broker who knows which lender to approach — otherwise you'll likely be told you don't qualify.
Do I need to be AHPRA registered?
For most allied health professions, yes — AHPRA registration is required to qualify for the LMI waiver. However, some professions like sonographers, speech pathologists, and audiologists aren't regulated by AHPRA. For these professions, lenders typically accept alternative evidence such as membership with relevant professional bodies.
What's the difference between Group A and Group B professions?
Group A typically includes doctors, dentists, and medical specialists — they can borrow up to 95% LVR without LMI and usually have no minimum income requirements. Group B includes allied health professionals — they can typically borrow up to 90% LVR without LMI but need a minimum combined income of approximately $90,000 from their qualifying profession.
Can I get an LMI waiver for an investment property?
This depends on the specific lender's policy. Some lenders extend their allied health LMI waiver to investment properties, while others restrict it to owner-occupied purchases only. The LVR limits may also differ for investment properties. We'll confirm what's available for your situation during your consultation.
What income threshold do I need to meet?
For Group B (allied health) professionals, most lenders require a minimum combined income of approximately $90,000–$100,000 derived from your qualifying profession. Some lenders may have higher thresholds for certain professions, such as pharmacists requiring $100,000 minimum. Your total household income from all sources can be higher, but the qualifying income must come from your health profession.
I own a private practice — does this affect my eligibility?
Owning a private practice doesn't disqualify you, but it changes how your income is assessed. Some lenders offer favourable treatment under their medico policy, accepting just 1 year of tax returns instead of the standard 2 years for self-employed applicants. The structure of your practice (sole trader, partnership, company) also affects assessment. We'll help you find the lender with the most suitable private practice income policy.
What documents do I need for my application?
Typically you'll need: proof of registration (AHPRA certificate or professional body membership), recent payslips (2–3 months) or business financials for private practice owners, employment contract or letter, most recent tax return and notice of assessment, bank statements showing savings, and identification documents. For private practice owners, you may also need business activity statements and accountant-prepared financials.
Can my non-medical partner be on the application?
Yes, your partner can be a co-applicant regardless of their profession. For the LMI waiver to apply, at least one applicant needs to be the eligible allied health professional meeting the registration and income requirements. Your partner's income will be included in the borrowing power assessment, which can help you qualify for a larger loan. We assess both applicants' positions during consultation.
