I'm Jason Birks, a Brisbane mortgage broker. I spent over ten years lending at Westpac and NAB before starting Birks Financial Group, and I compare more than 60 lenders. This page is based on the lender policies I work with, as at October 2026. For other professions, see home loans for professionals.
What an LMI waiver is
Lenders normally charge lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) when you borrow more than 80% of a property's value. It protects the lender, not you, and it can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. With a waiver, the lender doesn't charge it because of your occupation. My LMI guide covers how it's priced.
Who qualifies, and how far you can go
- Police and protective services. Some lenders go to 90% without LMI for police officers, protective service officers and police employees.
- Fire, ambulance and emergency services. One lender covers any employee or volunteer of an ambulance, fire and rescue, rural fire, SES or triple zero organisation, up to 90% in certain postcodes.
- Defence force personnel. At least one lender includes defence force members in its no-LMI professional policy, and another goes up to 95% for defence.
- Government employees. One lender includes employees of any state, territory or federal government department.
- Essential worker loans. Some lenders offer up to 90% for police, firefighters, paramedics, registered nurses and teachers, where the lender pays the LMI, with as little as $5,000 in genuine savings and no minimum income.
The conditions to know about
- Owner-occupied homes. Most of these waivers are for the home you live in, usually with principal and interest repayments.
- Location. Some lenders limit them to certain postcodes or to metro areas, with 80% in regional areas.
- Experience and income. Some lenders want three years in the role and most of your household income to come from it.
- Property type. Some products are for established homes only, not construction.
Policies change during the year. Use this as a guide to whether it's worth asking, then let me check the current rules for your situation.
Questions people ask
Can police get a home loan without LMI?
Yes, several lenders waive LMI for police, usually up to 90% for an owner-occupied home.
Do paramedics and firefighters qualify for an LMI waiver?
Yes, with some lenders, including essential worker products where the lender pays the LMI.
Do defence force members qualify?
Some lenders include defence personnel. Defence members may also have access to the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, which I can work alongside.
Can volunteers qualify?
One lender includes volunteers with emergency services organisations such as the SES and rural fire services.
