Mining and FIFO workers in the Bowen Basin often earn well above average, yet still get knocked back by the bank. Usually it's not the income. It's the lender's policy on overtime, allowances, roster patterns, time in the job or the postcode of the property. We match you with a lender whose rules fit your situation before anything is submitted.
How lenders look at roster income
Lenders treat the parts of a mining pay packet differently. Base pay is easy. Overtime, shift penalties, site and travel allowances and bonuses are where policies differ. Some lenders count most of your regular overtime once it's been consistent for a few months, others shade it heavily or want two years of history. The right lender can mean a noticeably larger borrowing capacity on the same payslips.
| Roster | What we look at |
|---|---|
| 7 on / 7 off | Base, shift loadings and how long you've held the pattern |
| 4 on / 4 off | Penalty rates and averaged overtime across payslips |
| 14 / 7 FIFO | Site and travel allowances, and where you'll live |
| 8 / 6 DIDO | Lender postcode policy for Moranbah, Dysart and nearby towns |
| Contractor / ABN | Day-rate history, contract length and tax returns |
Buying in a mining town
Some lenders limit how much they'll lend against property in mining towns such as Moranbah, Dysart and Middlemount, asking for a bigger deposit or declining certain postcodes altogether. Others are comfortable lending there. If you're buying in the Isaac Region, choosing the lender first saves a lot of wasted applications.
Living in Mackay, working on site
Plenty of DIDO and FIFO workers base their family in Mackay and travel to site. We can structure your loan around a Mackay home, an investment property near the mine, or both.
New to mining or just changed sites?
Short time in a new role is one of the most common reasons for a decline. Some lenders accept a new role in the same industry straight away, others want you past probation. Tell us your start date and history and we'll tell you where you stand.
What to have ready
- Your two most recent payslips, plus your last year-to-date payslip if you get regular overtime
- Your employment contract or a letter showing your roster and base rate
- Your latest tax return or income statement
- Savings and any existing loan or credit card statements
Text us your roster and we'll call when you're off shift. No credit check is needed for the first conversation.
Guides
- How much can I borrow on a mining roster? How lenders count base, overtime, penalties, allowances and bonuses
- New to mining: when can I get a home loan? Probation, experience, contracts and labour hire
- Buying a home in Mackay while working FIFO or DIDO
- What lenders look for on your payslips: overtime, allowances, salary sacrifice and year-to-date figures
Common questions
Can I get a home loan if I only started in mining recently?
Often, yes. Some lenders accept a new role in the same industry from day one, while others want you past probation. Your history matters more than the start date alone, so tell us your full work history.
Do lenders count my overtime?
Most do, but the amount varies. Some count most regular overtime after a few months; others discount it or need a longer history. Picking the right lender can make a large difference to how much you can borrow.
Why do some banks refuse to lend in Moranbah or Dysart?
Some lenders see mining towns as higher risk because property values have moved sharply with the mining cycle. They may cap the loan size, require a bigger deposit or avoid certain postcodes. Others are comfortable lending there.
I work 14/7 FIFO and live in Mackay. Can you help?
Yes. We help FIFO and DIDO workers buy in Mackay, buy near site, or buy an investment property. We can work around your roster with calls, texts and electronic signing.
I am a contractor on an ABN at the mine. Is that a problem?
Not necessarily. Lenders look at how long you have been contracting, your day rate and your tax returns. Some specialist lenders accept shorter contracting histories.