Optometrists are on some lenders' professional lists and missing from others, so the lender you approach decides more than usual.
At some lenders. Optometrists appear on a few lenders’ professional lists, usually allowing borrowing to 90 per cent with mortgage insurance waived above a minimum income, and are missing from others.
The lender you approach decides more than usual, and salary with bonuses or a share of a practice must be evidenced the way that lender reads it.
Part of the no LMI home loans for professionals guide.
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Fewer lenders include optometrists in their professional policies than doctors or dentists, so the lender you approach matters. Where a concession applies, it is usually tied to current registration with the Optometry Board of Australia through AHPRA.
Many optometrists are employed in retail practices on a salary with bonuses, while others own or part-own a practice. Salary is assessed from payslips, bonuses usually need a history, and practice income is assessed from tax returns.
Check how each part of your pay will be counted: base salary, performance bonuses or practice profits. Then confirm which lenders include optometrists in their policy and on what terms. Knowing both before you apply points you to the right lender first time.
No. Optometrists appear on some lenders’ lists for mortgage insurance concessions but not others, and the terms differ. It is worth confirming the policy before choosing a lender.
Usually, once there is a history, often one or two years. Lenders commonly average bonuses or use the lower year, and an employer letter describing how they are paid can help.
Typically your personal and business tax returns, and sometimes the practice’s financial statements. Your share of profits is assessed rather than a salary, so the documents and lender choice change.
Possibly, if a lender includes optometrists and accepts your income structure. Locum income is often on an ABN and assessed as self-employed, so a steady history helps.
Not by itself. A concession can reduce the deposit or remove mortgage insurance, but how much you can borrow still depends on your income, expenses and commitments.
Yes, as an alternative: scheme eligibility is assessed separately from any lender concession, and first home buyers may qualify for the 5% Deposit Scheme; comparing the two shows which suits you.
Charles will check the current professional policies, how your salary, bonuses or practice share will be read, and what deposit that requires. Free, no credit check.
General information only. Whether any concession applies to your profession depends on current lender policy, your membership or registration status and your full circumstances. Policies change and are confirmed in assessment.
Official sources for the figures on this page: Housing Australia, 5% Deposit Scheme. Scheme rules change; the official pages are the final word. Checked against these sources on 12 October 2026.
