Why your income can be harder to assess than it should be

Base salary is straightforward. The complication is everything around it — shift penalties, overtime, allowances that vary week to week. Some lenders take a conservative, narrow view of this income; others genuinely understand how emergency services rosters work and factor in a realistic, evidenced picture of your total earnings. The difference between those two approaches can meaningfully change your borrowing power.

What we actually do

  • Assess which of our panel lenders take the most sensible view of shift and overtime income for your role
  • Help you gather the right evidence — payslips, employer letters, rostering patterns — so your income is presented clearly
  • Structure your application around your actual pay pattern, not a simplified average that undersells you
  • Check current first home buyer schemes and concessions if this is your first purchase

Not just police

Everything here applies equally to paramedics, firefighters, ambulance officers and other emergency services and public sector roles with similar shift-based, allowance-heavy income structures. If your payslip looks more complicated than a standard 9-to-5 salary, this is exactly the kind of situation worth a proper conversation rather than a generic online application.

General information only. This page is general in nature and doesn't take into account your personal financial situation, objectives or needs. It isn't tax, legal or financial advice. Lending criteria, product availability and policies vary between lenders and are subject to change — always confirm current detail with your broker before making decisions.

Frequently asked

Does shift work or overtime income count toward my borrowing power?

Often yes, at least in part — many lenders will factor in a portion of consistent shift allowances or overtime, though policies vary significantly on how much and how it needs to be evidenced. This is exactly where comparing across a panel matters.

Are police officers and first responders eligible for any special loan schemes?

Eligibility for government schemes and grants depends on your income, the property price and whether you're a first home buyer — not your profession specifically. Some lenders do offer preferential policies for public sector employment given its stability, which we can check for your situation.

Does probation or a recent transfer affect my application?

It can, particularly during initial probation — some lenders want to see it completed, others are comfortable with confirmed ongoing employment. Worth discussing your specific timeline before you apply.

Can you help with a loan if I'm on WorkCover or reduced duties?

This depends heavily on your specific circumstances and how a lender assesses ongoing income during that period. It's a conversation worth having directly rather than assuming either way.