Q: How much do I need to save as a deposit to buy an investment property?

A: This depends on your personal circumstances, but there’s some good news for dental professionals. Because lenders consider health professionals to be low-risk borrowers with stable, high-income careers, many banks offer preferential lending terms and Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) exemptions. That means you may be able to borrow up to 90–95% of a property’s value without paying LMI, effectively reducing the amount you need to save as a deposit. For example, where most borrowers might need a 20% deposit to avoid LMI, eligible dentists and medical practitioners can often buy with as little as 5–10%, saving tens of thousands of dollars in upfront costs. In addition, some lenders provide higher borrowing limits, reduced interest rates, or faster approval pathways for registered dental and medical professionals. The key is to work with a specialist adviser who understands professional lending policies and can identify which lenders recognise your qualifications and structure your finance accordingly.