In Brisbane’s 2026 property market, demand continues to outpace supply, creating significant barriers for first-time buyers—especially essential workers like nurses. Rising house prices, stricter lending standards, and high upfront costs can make home ownership feel out of reach. While nurses have stable, reliable incomes, navigating lender policies and maximising borrowing power isn’t always straightforward.
Mortgage brokers play a vital role here, helping nurses access suitable lenders, optimise loan structures, and apply for relevant government support.
At Zest Mortgage Solutions, we work closely with nurses across Brisbane to find tailored mortgage solutions—whether through low-deposit loans, waived LMI offers, or policy flexibility not publicly advertised.
Let’s explore what’s available for nurses in Brisbane, how these loan types work, and the role a trusted broker can play in helping healthcare professionals secure their first home or investment property.
Can Nurses Qualify for Home Loans in Brisbane?
Yes, nurses in Brisbane can qualify for home loans and often receive favourable consideration from lenders due to their income stability, consistent employment, and essential worker status. Lenders frequently assess nurses more positively—particularly those employed in the public sector—by including overtime, shift penalties, and allowances when calculating borrowing capacity. Some also offer reduced LMI or tailored policy guidelines.
How Lenders Assess Nurses' Income
Lenders evaluate income to determine how much a nurse can afford to borrow. The structure of a nurse’s pay can significantly affect the outcome:
- Base Salary: Always included in income calculations. Most lenders require evidence via payslips and employer statements.
- Overtime and Shift Allowances: These are considered by many lenders, especially if consistently earned over a 3–6 month period.
- Casual Income: Nurses working casually can still qualify, although lenders usually prefer at least 6–12 months of consistent earnings.
Some lenders will only assess a portion of variable income, while others may count 100%—a detail that can make thousands of dollars’ difference in borrowing power. This is where a broker’s insight into lender policies becomes valuable.
Eligibility Criteria for Nurses Applying for Home Loans
Nurses, midwives, and enrolled nurses working in Queensland or nationally are generally eligible for a wide range of loan products, but specific criteria do apply:
- Employment Status: Full-time, part-time, and casual nurses may all be eligible, depending on how long they’ve held their role and income consistency.
- Credit Score: A clean credit history remains crucial. Defaults or late payments can limit loan options or trigger higher interest rates.
- Deposit Requirements: Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit, but eligible nurses may benefit from LMI waivers or government-backed schemes such as the First Home Guarantee or Help to Buy. These programs reduce upfront costs by either avoiding LMI or lowering the loan amount needed.
- Residency Status: You’ll generally need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to qualify for most government schemes.
Home Loan Types Available to Nurses in Brisbane
While not all lenders offer “nurse-specific” products, several loan types are particularly suitable for healthcare professionals:
Standard Variable Loans
Variable-rate loans offer flexibility with interest rate fluctuations and features like offset accounts.
Fixed Rate Loans
Lock in a stable rate for a set period, providing budgeting certainty.
Low Deposit Loans
Often paired with government schemes, these low-deposit loans help nurses enter the market with as little as 5% deposit.
Interest-Only Loans
Interest-only loans are useful for certain investment strategies or cash flow management, though not typically suited for long-term owner-occupiers.
Some lenders also provide professional packages for health professionals, which may include:
- Discounted interest rates
- Fee waivers
- Higher borrowing limits
Working with a broker ensures you’re matched to the right structure and lender based on your career and financial goals.
Common Challenges Nurses Face When Applying for a Home Loan
Even with a reliable income, nurses may still face some unique hurdles when applying for finance:
- Variable Pay Components: Overtime, weekend loading, and night shifts vary from month to month, making some lenders cautious.
- Casual or Contract Roles: Not all lenders treat casual employment equally, even if income is steady.
- High Property Prices: In Brisbane suburbs like New Farm or Camp Hill, rising prices can make a 20% deposit difficult to achieve without support.
- Limited Awareness of Schemes: Many eligible nurses don’t realise they can access government programs or fee waivers unless advised by a broker.
Professional guidance helps overcome these roadblocks, especially when navigating policy differences between lenders.
How a Mortgage Broker Helps Nurses Secure the Right Loan
Mortgage brokers like Zest Mortgage Solutions simplify the process, offering guidance tailored to healthcare professionals. Here’s how they add value:
- Lender Access: With over 40 lenders on their panel, Zest can match you with banks that favour nurses’ income structures and employment types.
- LMI Waiver Access: Some lenders offer waived or reduced Lenders Mortgage Insurance for nurses—available through broker channels only.
- Government Scheme Navigation: Whether it’s the First Home Guarantee or the Queensland First Home Owner Grant, brokers ensure paperwork is correct and submitted on time.
- Loan Structuring Advice: From offset accounts to split loans, brokers structure your finance for long-term savings and flexibility.
For a personalised, free consultation, call our expert Brisbane brokers today at (07) 3461 6499.
FAQs About Home Loans for Nurses in Brisbane
Can nurses in Brisbane access low deposit home loans?
Yes, eligible nurses can access low deposit home loans, especially through government-backed schemes like the First Home Guarantee.
Do nurses qualify for LMI waivers in Australia?
Some lenders waive LMI for nurses with a strong financial profile, saving thousands on upfront costs.
Are shift allowances included in loan assessments?
Yes, many lenders accept shift loadings and overtime if consistent over 3–6 months, boosting borrowing capacity.
What support is available for first-home buyer nurses in Queensland?
Nurses may be eligible for the $30,000 Queensland First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty concessions, and the First Home Guarantee.
Can casual nurses qualify for a mortgage?
Yes, provided they show consistent income for at least 6–12 months and meet lender criteria.
How much deposit does a nurse need in Brisbane?
If eligible for the First Home Guarantee, nurses may only need a 5% deposit without paying LMI.
Do mortgage brokers charge fees to help nurses apply?
Many brokers, including Zest, are paid by lenders and don’t charge upfront fees to applicants.
Final Thoughts
As the Brisbane property market evolves in 2026, nurses remain well-positioned to achieve home ownership with the right guidance. With stable employment and eligibility for key support schemes, the pathway to buying your first home—or upgrading—is more accessible than many believe.
Zest Mortgage Solutions understands the financial needs of nurses and provides clear, personalised advice from application to settlement. Whether you're ready to buy or just exploring your options, our experienced Brisbane mortgage brokers are here to help you move forward with confidence.
Get in touch with Zest Mortgage Solutions today:
📞 (07) 3461 6499
🌐 www.zestmortgagesolutions.com.au
