Professions / Accountants
Home Loans for
Accountants
Accountants understand numbers better than anyone. Here is the one that matters most: what you are actually entitled to borrow.
Why This Matters for Accountants
Professional LMI Waivers
Qualified accountants — CPAs, CAs, and CNZs — are eligible for LMI waivers under specialist professional lending policies, saving tens of thousands of dollars.
Self-Employed Accounting Professionals Accommodated
For principals and partners in accounting practices, we work with lenders who assess business income, trust distributions, and practice drawings correctly.
High Borrowing Capacity Recognised
Accounting professionals often have complex income structures that standard banks underassess. The right lender recognises the full picture.
Rate Discounts via Professional Package
Specialist lenders offer rate discounts to accounting professionals below standard market rates — these are only accessible via broker.
SMSF and Investment Structures Supported
Many accounting professionals hold property through SMSF or trust structures. We arrange SMSF lending and can work within your existing investment framework.
case study
Full Practice Income Recognised. Deal Done.
CPA, Senior Partner at boutique accounting firm
A senior accounting partner with income split between salary and trust distribution sought to purchase an investment property to add to an existing portfolio.
The Challenge
Their bank only recognised the PAYG salary component, ignoring trust distributions entirely. This reduced assessed income by over $90,000 per annum, making the investment purchase unviable.
What We Did
- Structured the application with a non-bank lender who accepts trust distributions with two years of evidence
- Used the existing residential property equity to reduce the LVR on the investment purchase
- Structured as standalone loans to preserve portfolio flexibility
The OUTCOMES
- Full income — salary plus distribution — recognised
- Investment property purchased without need to liquidate existing assets
- Interest-only period secured for cashflow management
- Loan structured as standalone to protect existing portfolio
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a CPA or CA to qualify for a professional lending policy?
Most lenders recognise CPA Australia, ICAA (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand), and equivalent designations. Some extend policies to CIMA and IPA members. We confirm your eligibility as part of our initial assessment.
My income comes partly from a trust — will this be counted?
Yes, with the right lender. Trust distributions require documentation — typically two years of tax returns and trust tax statements. We identify lenders whose policy accommodates this income type.
Can I use my accounting knowledge to structure a better loan?
Absolutely. Accountants are often well-placed to make strategic decisions about loan structure — offset accounts, split loans, trust ownership, SMSF borrowing. We work with you to implement the structure that best serves your position.
I already own investment properties. How does this affect my application?
Existing investment properties are assessed as part of your overall portfolio. Lenders vary significantly in how they treat rental income, negative gearing, and existing debt. We match you to a lender whose policy treats your portfolio profile most favourably.
Can you help with SMSF lending for property?
Yes. We arrange SMSF limited recourse borrowing arrangements for both residential and commercial property. This is a specialist area and we work with lenders who maintain active SMSF lending programs.
Key Takeaway
Accountants with CPA, CA or IPA membership may qualify for LMI waivers with certain lenders. Trust, company and self-employed income all require specific documentation and lender selection.
This Page Is For
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PAYG accountants checking LMI waiver eligibility with CPA or CA membership
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Self-employed accountants needing lenders experienced with trust or company income
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Accountants with trust distributions wanting to understand income assessment
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Accountant investors with complex income building a property portfolio
What To Prepare Before Speaking With Us
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CPA, CA or IPA membership certificate
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Most recent payslips (PAYG) or two years tax returns (self-employed)
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Two years of business financial statements
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BAS statements for the last four quarters
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Quick Answer
Accountants may qualify for LMI waivers with CPA, CA or IPA membership. Trust income, company income and self-employed income all require specific documentation and lender selection.
PAYG vs Self-Employed Income
Accountants in PAYG employment are assessed straightforwardly. Accountants who own a practice, operate as contractors or receive income through a trust or company face a more complex assessment.
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PAYG: payslips, employment contract, tax returns
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Trust income: trust deed + 2 years financials
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BAS statements for GST-registered businesses
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Self-employed: 2 years tax returns + financials
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Company income: company financials + tax returns
Trust & Company Income
Trust distributions and company income require documentation that many lenders handle differently. The right lender can make a major difference to how much income is counted toward borrowing capacity.
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2 years of trust financial statements
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Consistent distribution history preferred
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Accountant add-backs to taxable income
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Trust deed may be required
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Company financials and tax returns required
Accountant LMI Waivers
Some lenders offer LMI waiver policies for accountants holding CPA, CA or IPA membership. Eligibility depends on membership, income level, LVR and the specific lender policy.
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CPA, CA or IPA membership typically required
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LVR threshold varies — commonly 85–90%
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Self-employed eligibility varies significantly by lender
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Income minimum may apply by lender
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PAYG employment generally broader eligibility
Investment Lending For Accountants
Accountants with a clear understanding of tax and structure are well-placed to build a property portfolio, but lending assessment still depends on income structure, business debts and lender policy.
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Trust or company income adds complexity
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Loan purpose clarity is essential for tax
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Future borrowing capacity planning is important
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do accountants need 2 years of tax returns?
Self-employed accountants typically need 2 years. PAYG accountants follow standard income documentation requirements.
Can trust income be used for a home loan?
Some lenders accept trust distributions as income. 2 years of trust financials and consistent distribution history are typically needed.
Can accountants get LMI waivers?
Some lenders offer LMI waivers for CPA/CA/IPA members. Eligibility depends on membership, income, LVR and lender policy.
How are add-backs calculated for self-employed accountants?
Lenders typically add back depreciation and some non-cash deductions to taxable income. The method varies by lender.
Does being a company director affect my home loan?
It can. Director fees, company debts and guarantee obligations may all affect how a lender assesses your application.
Book An Accountant Lending Review
We assess PAYG, self-employed, trust and company income alongside LMI waiver eligibility for accountants.
General information only. Lending eligibility, LMI waiver policies, rates and approval outcomes vary by lender and are subject to assessment.
Common Mistakes Accountants Make Before Applying
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Assuming all lenders recognise IPA membership for LMI waiver purposes
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Applying to a lender that does not have experience with trust or company income
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Not having two years of business financials ready
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Not having CPA/CA/IPA membership certificate available
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Documents Accountants Should Prepare
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CPA/CA/IPA membership certificate
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Most recent payslips (PAYG)
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2 years personal tax returns
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2 years business financial statements
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BAS statements (last 4 quarters)
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Trust deed if applicable
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Company ASIC extract
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Business bank statements
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Existing loan and liability statements
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Identification documents