Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Waiver for Nurses
Save Thousands on Your Home Loan as a Registered Nurse
As a registered nurse or midwife in Victoria, you’ve dedicated your career to caring for others. Now it’s time to invest in your own future — and the good news is, you could save thousands of dollars on your home loan through an LMI waiver.
At Swish Mortgages, we specialise in helping healthcare professionals like you navigate home loan options designed specifically for nurses. Let us show you how an LMI waiver could help you own your home sooner.
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What is Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)?
Lenders Mortgage Insurance is a one-off fee that lenders typically charge when you borrow more than 80% of a property’s value. In other words, if your deposit is less than 20%, you’ll usually need to pay LMI to protect the lender (not you) in case you can’t meet your repayments.
For many buyers, LMI can add thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — of dollars to the upfront cost of purchasing a home. This can make it harder to get into the property market, especially for nurses who may be juggling shift work, student loans, or the high cost of living.
The typical cost of LMI:
- 10% deposit (90% LVR): $5,000 – $15,000+
- 5% deposit (95% LVR): $15,000 – $30,000+
The actual amount depends on your loan size, deposit, and lender.
No LMI for Nurses: How the Waiver Works
Here’s where things get exciting. Several Australian lenders recognise the stable income and low-risk profile of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and midwives. As a thank you for your essential work, they offer LMI waivers — meaning you can borrow with a smaller deposit without paying that hefty LMI fee.
Nurse LMI Waiver Eligibility
To qualify for an LMI waiver as a nurse, you typically need to meet these criteria:
For Registered Nurses and Midwives:
- Minimum annual income of $90,000
- Registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) of 90% (meaning a 10% deposit)
- Borrowing for owner-occupied properties
For Hospital-Employed Nurses and Specialists:
- Some lenders may offer LVR up to 95% (5% deposit)
- No minimum income requirement in some cases
- Potential to have 100% of overtime and allowances assessed as income
What This Means for You
Instead of saving for years to reach a 20% deposit, you could purchase your home with just 10% saved (or even 5% in some cases) — and skip the LMI bill entirely. That’s thousands of dollars you can put towards furniture, renovations, or simply keep as a financial buffer.
From Eligibility to Settlement
Complete Loan Solutions for Nurses
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Compare options, access exclusive LMI waivers and competitive rates, and secure a loan that supports your lifestyle and long-term goals.
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Explore SMSF OptionsLMI Waiver for Nurses Australia: Which Lenders Offer It?
Not all lenders provide LMI waivers for nurses, and the terms can vary. Major Australian banks like Westpac, along with other financial institutions, have specific nurse and healthcare professional programs.
At Swish Mortgages, we have access to multiple lenders offering nurse LMI waivers, and we’ll help you find the one that best suits your circumstances. We’ll compare:
- Interest rates
- Loan features (offset accounts, redraw facilities, fixed vs variable)
- Borrowing capacity
- Approval times
- Flexibility for casual or shift workers
Benefits of the Nurse LMI Waiver
1. Lower upfront costs Save thousands by not paying LMI, making homeownership more accessible sooner.
2. Get into the market faster With only a 10% deposit required, you won’t need to wait years to save the traditional 20%.
3. Retain your savings Keep more money in your offset account or emergency fund instead of putting it all towards LMI.
4. Competitive rates LMI waivers don’t mean higher interest rates — you’ll still access competitive home loan rates.
5. Recognition of your profession Lenders acknowledge the stability and importance of your work as a healthcare professional.
Understanding LVR (Loan-to-Value Ratio)
Your LVR is the amount you’re borrowing compared to the property’s value, expressed as a percentage.
Examples:
- $450,000 loan on a $500,000 property = 90% LVR (10% deposit)
- $475,000 loan on a $500,000 property = 95% LVR (5% deposit)
- $400,000 loan on a $500,000 property = 80% LVR (20% deposit)
With a nurse LMI waiver, you can borrow up to 90% LVR (sometimes 95%) without LMI, whereas other borrowers would typically pay LMI for anything over 80% LVR.
Casual and Shift Workers Welcome
We know nursing often means casual contracts, agency work, or rotating rosters. Don’t worry — many lenders will assess casual nursing income calculated over 48 weeks, and some will even include 100% of your overtime and allowances if you’re employed by a hospital.
At Swish Mortgages, we’re experienced in presenting applications for nurses with varied employment arrangements. We’ll help you put your best foot forward.
How to Apply for a Nurse LMI Waiver
Getting started is easier than you might think:
1. Check your eligibility Confirm you’re a registered nurse or midwife earning at least $90,000 annually.
2. Gather your documents You’ll typically need:
- Proof of AHPRA registration
- Payslips (usually last 2-3 months)
- ATO Notice of Assessment
- Bank statements
- Identification
3. Get pre-approval We’ll help you submit your application and potentially receive conditional approval within one business day.
4. Find your property With pre-approval in hand, you can shop for homes with confidence.
5. Settle and celebrate Once everything’s finalised, you’ll be handed the keys to your new home — without paying thousands in LMI.
Why Choose Swish Mortgages?
At Swish Mortgages, we’re not just mortgage brokers — we’re your advocates and guides throughout the entire property journey. Here’s what sets us apart:
Deep understanding of healthcare professionals We know the nursing industry inside and out, including the unique financial circumstances nurses face.
Access to multiple lenders We’ll compare LMI waiver options across various lenders to find the best fit for you.
Personalised service No two nurses are the same, and neither are their financial goals. We tailor our advice to your specific situation.
Stress-free process From application to settlement, we handle the paperwork and liaise with lenders on your behalf.
Victorian property expertise Based in Victoria, we understand the local property market and can provide insights specific to your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most LMI waivers for nurses are available for owner-occupied properties only. However, we can explore your investment property options with you.
Some lenders offer fast-track assessments for self-employed nurses. You may only need to provide your two most recent ATO Notices of Assessment.
Yes! If you’re currently paying LMI or have a higher interest rate elsewhere, refinancing with an LMI waiver could save you money.
This varies by lender, but typically you can borrow up to $5 million (or more with certain LVRs).
Not necessarily. Many lenders will consider casual income calculated over 48 weeks.
Ready to Make Your Property Dreams a Reality?
You’ve spent your career caring for others. Now let us help you secure your financial future with a home loan that recognises your hard work and dedication.
Whether you’re a first home buyer or looking to upgrade, the nurse LMI waiver could save you thousands and help you achieve homeownership sooner than you thought possible.
Contact Swish Mortgages today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Let’s explore your options together and find the perfect home loan solution for your unique circumstances. Your dream home is closer than you think.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and has been prepared without considering your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. We recommend seeking professional financial advice tailored to your circumstances.