Yes. For a home loan, permanent part-time income is usually counted in full at the hours you actually work, much like full-time pay. Lenders check recent payslips and an employer letter for your contracted hours. Problems arise when hours have just changed, when part-time work is really casual, or when the income needs to be combined from several jobs.

Part-time income at a glance
Situation Usual treatment
Permanent part-time, steady hours Counted in full
Hours recently increased Some lenders count new hours with an employer letter; others average
Hours recently reduced The lower hours are used
Two part-time jobs Both counted if stable
Casual described as part-time Treated as casual

How is part-time different from casual?

A permanent part-time employee has set hours and leave entitlements; a casual has neither and is paid a loading instead. Lenders count permanent part-time income like full-time income, while casual income is usually averaged and may need a longer history. The casual employment home loans article explains casual income.

What if your hours just changed?

If your hours went up, some lenders will count the new hours with a letter from your employer and recent payslips at the higher rate. Others average your income over recent months. If your hours went down, for example after returning from parental leave, lenders use the lower hours. The parental leave home loans page covers the return to work.

How much can you borrow on part-time income?

On the site’s model at a 9% assessment rate, a single applicant earning $65,000 part time with no other debts could borrow roughly $230,000. Many part-time workers buy with a partner, where both incomes count. The borrowing power calculator gives a figure for your incomes.

Can you combine two part-time jobs?

Yes, if both are stable. Lenders like to see each job has been held for a while, usually with payslips from both and a recent tax return showing the income. The second job and multiple income page explains how lenders combine income from more than one employer.

Can part-time workers use the 5% Deposit Scheme?

Yes. The schemes do not depend on whether you work full or part time. Eligibility is about citizenship or residency, age, prior ownership and the price cap. The 5% deposit checker gives a quick answer.

What should you provide?

  • Two recent payslips showing year-to-date income.
  • An employer letter with your contracted hours, pay rate and that the role is permanent.
  • Your latest tax return or income statement.
  • For more than one job, the same for each employer.

Which part-time workers do lenders see most?

Nurses, teachers, allied health staff and office workers returning from leave make up a large share of part-time applicants. Penalty rates and shift allowances on top of part-time hours are assessed as they would be for full-time staff; the nurses and teachers pages explain how lenders treat those professions.

A worked example

A nurse works three days a week in a permanent part-time role on $72,000, and her partner works full time on $95,000. Both incomes count in full. Lenders check her contracted hours and recent payslips; if she has just moved from two days to three, an employer letter confirming the new hours lets some lenders count the higher income now rather than waiting.

Questions people ask

Can I get a home loan working part time?

Yes. Permanent part-time income is usually counted in full at your current hours.

Do lenders gross up part-time income to full time?

No. They count the hours you actually work.

Is part-time income riskier for lenders than full-time?

Not if it is permanent. What lenders watch is recent changes in hours and whether the role is really casual.

Charles Touma checks how each lender will read your hours before you apply, and which one counts a recent increase. A free 30-minute call covers it. General information only, not credit advice.

Sources: ASIC, Regulatory Guide 209; Housing Australia, 5% Deposit Scheme, checked 18 October 2026.

General information only, not credit, legal or tax advice. Your situation is assessed properly before any recommendation. Government scheme details change; figures are current at the time of writing.