Which professions have LMI waivers?

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is standard for Australians who want to borrow more than 80% of the property's value, and the amount you need to pay is usually tens of thousands of dollars, depending on how much you borrow. This is a significant initial outlay when buying a home, on top of stamp duty and the deposit you need to put down.

Luckily for some Australians, certain professions are granted waivers for LMI, making homeownership more accessible. This article explores which professions are eligible for LMI waivers, the criteria for eligibility, the banks and lenders offering these waivers, and the application process.

Understanding LMI and LMI Waivers

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a type of insurance that protects lenders from financial loss if a borrower defaults on their home loan. Typically, LMI is required when the borrower’s deposit is less than 20% of the property’s purchase price. The cost of LMI can be substantial, often running into tens of thousands of dollars, which is usually added to the mortgage amount.

However, some professions are eligible for LMI waivers. An LMI waiver means that the lender foregoes the insurance requirement, allowing borrowers to avoid this additional cost. This can make a significant difference in the overall affordability of purchasing a home.

Overview of Professions Eligible for LMI Waivers

LMI waivers are generally offered to professionals in fields that are perceived to have stable and high-income prospects. This perception of stability and reliability reduces the lender's risk, thereby justifying the waiver of LMI.

Medical Professionals

Medical professionals are among the most commonly granted LMI waivers. The high earning potential, job stability, and demand for medical professionals make them low-risk borrowers in the eyes of lenders. Eligible medical professionals typically include:

• Doctors: This category includes general practitioners, specialists, and surgeons.
• Registered Nurses: This also applies to dental nurses, midwives, Mothercraft nurses, midwifery professionals and nursing professionals.
• Dentists: Dentists and dental specialists are often included due to their high earning capacity.
  
• Optometrists: Includes orthoptists. 
• Pharmacists: Pharmacists working in various settings, including retail and hospital environments, are also eligible.
• Specialists: Medical specialists, such as anaesthetists, radiologists, and oncologists, are frequently granted LMI waivers.

Healthcare Workers

Besides the medical professionals listed above, there are many other healthcare workers that are eligible for LMI waivers. Here is a comprehensive list:

• Health and welfare service managers
• Nurse educators and researchers
• Nurse managers
• Nursing support and personal care workers
• Dieticians
• Occupational Therapists
• Environmental health professionals
• Pharmacists
• Chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists and podiatrists
• Speech professionals
• Audiologists
• Medical imaging professionals
• Diversional therapists
• Social workers and professionals
• Welfare workers and professionals
• Counsellors
• Psychologists
• Aged carers
• Disabled carers
• Carers, aides and special care workers
• Massage therapists
• Paramedics

Legal Professionals

Legal professionals, due to their rigorous training, high earning potential, and the demand for their services, are another group commonly granted LMI waivers. Eligible legal professionals include:

• Lawyers: Both solicitors and barristers can qualify for LMI waivers.
• Judges: Due to their prominent and stable positions within the judicial system, judges are also eligible.

Accounting and Finance Professionals

Professionals in accounting and finance are considered low-risk by lenders due to their financial expertise and strong earning potential. Those typically eligible for LMI waivers include:

• Chartered Accountants: Accountants who are members of professional bodies such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).
• Certified Practicing Accountants (CPAs): Members of CPA Australia are often eligible.
• Actuaries: Given their expertise in risk management and financial analysis, actuaries are considered stable and high-income professionals.

Teachers and Educational Workers

Teachers and University lecturers are also eligible for LMI waivers, but you can also claim the waiver if you work for any of the following Education Employers:

• Government Schools (Primary, Secondary, Specialist)
• Non-Government Schools (Primary, Secondary, Specialist)
• Catholic Schools
• Universities
• TAFEs
• Preschools and Kindergartens
• Child Care Centres
• Family Day Care Australia
• Education Unions
• Department of Education and Training
• Private Colleges

Additionally, if you are a tutor, trainer (within a professional capacity and related to Education) or a student studying teaching, you are eligible. 

Veterinarians

Veterinarians are another group that often qualifies for LMI waivers. Their specialised training, stable career prospects, and significant earning potential contribute to their eligibility. 

Criteria for Eligibility

To be eligible for an LMI waiver, professionals typically need to meet certain criteria beyond their occupation. These criteria may include:

• Minimum Income Requirements: Lenders often set a minimum income threshold that professionals must meet to qualify for an LMI waiver. This threshold ensures that the borrower has a stable and sufficient income to manage their mortgage payments.
• Professional Registration or Membership: Borrowers usually need to be registered with or members of relevant professional bodies. For instance, doctors must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and lawyers must be admitted to practice in their state or territory.
• Employment Stability and History: Lenders prefer borrowers with a stable employment history, typically requiring a certain number of years of continuous employment in their profession.
• Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) Considerations: While LMI waivers can be granted, they often come with specific LVR conditions. For example, a lender might waive LMI for loans with an LVR of up to 90% or up to 95%, instead of the standard 80%.

Banks and Lenders Offering LMI Waivers

Several major banks (Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ & NAB) offer LMI waivers to eligible professionals. Each lender has its specific conditions and eligibility criteria, so it is best to consult with a mortgage broker who can compare the loan products and communicate the exact requirements to you.

Application Process for LMI Waivers

Applying for an LMI waiver involves several steps, including providing documentation and meeting specific lender requirements. Here’s a general outline of the process:

1. Check Eligibility: Determine if your profession qualifies for an LMI waiver and if you meet the minimum income and other criteria.
2. Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents such as proof of professional registration, employment history, income statements, and any other required paperwork.
3. Consult a Mortgage Broker: A mortgage broker can help navigate the specific requirements of different lenders and increase your chances of securing an LMI waiver. Speak to a free mortgage broker now to begin the process.
4. Submit Application: Apply for the mortgage with the lender, including a request for an LMI waiver. Provide all necessary documentation and information.
5. Lender Assessment: The lender will assess your application, including your eligibility for the LMI waiver. This may involve verifying your professional status, income, and employment history.
6. Approval and Settlement: If approved, the lender will proceed with the mortgage process without requiring LMI. This can significantly reduce your upfront costs and overall mortgage amount.

Contact a Mortgage Broker to Waive Your LMI

Speak to an expert at Eden Emerald Mortgages to begin the process, or simply to ask any questions you have about eligibility. Leave your details below and we will call you back as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can call us directly on (02) 9188 9398.

Alternatives to LMI Waivers

For Australians who are not eligible for LMI waivers, there are other ways to avoid or reduce LMI costs:

• Saving a Larger Deposit: Increasing your deposit to at least 20% of the property’s purchase price eliminates the need for LMI.
• Guarantor Loans: Having a family member act as a guarantor can help you secure a loan without paying LMI.
• First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS): For first-time homebuyers, the Australian government’s FHLDS allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with a 5% deposit without paying LMI.

Conclusion

LMI waivers provide a significant financial advantage for eligible professionals, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the professions that qualify, and the application process, you could potentially save tens of thousands of dollars in LMI costs. It’s essential to consult with a financial advisor or a top mortgage broker to navigate the specifics and maximise the amount you can borrow without paying any LMI.