About the Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Calculator
A lenders mortgage insurance calculator Australia helps home buyers estimate the cost of LMI when their deposit is less than 20% of the property value. LMI protects the lender, not the borrower, but the cost is passed on to you. Understanding LMI costs is essential for Australian first-home buyers planning their deposit strategy and loan structure.
What is the Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Calculator?
This calculator estimates the lenders mortgage insurance premium payable when borrowing more than 80% of a property's value in Australia. LMI is a one-time premium paid by the borrower that protects the lender if the borrower defaults on the loan. The premium is calculated based on the loan-to-value ratio, the loan amount, and the lender's LMI provider rates. Higher LVRs result in significantly higher premiums. For example, borrowing at 95% LVR may incur an LMI premium of 3% to 4% of the loan amount, while borrowing at 90% LVR may incur around 1% to 2%. The calculator accounts for the fact that LMI can be capitalised into the loan, meaning you pay interest on the LMI premium over the life of the loan. It also considers that certain professions such as doctors, accountants, and lawyers may qualify for LMI waivers with some lenders. By estimating LMI costs upfront, borrowers can decide whether to save for a larger deposit or proceed with a higher LVR loan.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter the property value: Input the purchase price or estimated market value of the property.
- 2Enter your deposit amount: Input the cash deposit you plan to contribute, excluding any grants or gifts.
- 3Enter the loan amount: Input the mortgage amount you need to borrow from your lender.
- 4Select your profession: Choose your occupation to check eligibility for professional LMI waivers offered by some lenders.
- 5Select whether LMI is capitalised: Choose whether you will pay LMI upfront or add it to your loan balance.
- 6Review your LMI estimate: The calculator displays the LMI premium amount and total loan amount if LMI is capitalised.
Worked Australian Example
Practical Example
Tom and Chloe are first-home buyers purchasing a house in Penrith, NSW for $750,000. They have saved a deposit of $60,000, which is 8% of the property value, requiring a loan of $690,000 at 92% LVR. Using the calculator, they enter $750,000 as property value, $60,000 as deposit, $690,000 as loan amount, and select standard employment with no professional waiver. The calculator estimates an LMI premium of approximately $20,700 (around 3% of the loan amount). If they capitalise the LMI, their total loan becomes $710,700, and they will pay interest on this amount over the loan term. They consider waiting until they have a 10% deposit ($75,000), which would reduce the LMI to an estimated $13,800 and save them $6,900. However, they decide to proceed now, knowing the LMI cost allows them to enter the market sooner. Their lender confirms the LMI estimate, and Tom and Chloe proceed with their purchase.
Common Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) Calculator Questions
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Use Calculator →Reviewed by
BizMetrixs Team
Australian Financial Specialists