Physician loans
A physician loan built for medical professionals.
A physician loan (also called a doctor loan or medical professional loan) is a specialty mortgage designed for physicians, dentists, and other medical professionals. It solves the two biggest mortgage headaches for new doctors: a huge student loan balance and the need to buy before residency income shows up on tax returns.
What is a physician loan?
A physician loan is a mortgage program that lenders offer specifically to medical professionals. The loans usually allow low or no down payment, do not require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) even at low down payments, and handle student loan debt differently than traditional mortgages.
Belong Lending works with wholesale lenders who offer physician loan programs to eligible medical professionals across Michigan, Ohio, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
Who qualifies?
Physician loans are generally available to MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, OD, and DPM degrees. Some programs also extend to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and CRNAs — this varies by lender.
Most programs allow residents and fellows to qualify using a signed employment contract for a job starting within 60 – 90 days of closing. That means you can often buy a home before your attending paycheck ever hits.
How student loans are handled
On a traditional mortgage, student loan debt often makes qualifying difficult — lenders use a fixed percentage of the balance as a monthly payment for DTI calculations. Physician loan programs handle student debt more favorably: many use the actual income-based repayment (IBR/PAYE) amount, and some exclude student debt entirely during the deferment period.
Key benefits
- 0% – 10% down payment on many programs (loan amounts up to $1M – $2M+)
- No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) even at low down payments
- Student loan debt handled favorably — often IBR/PAYE payment used or excluded
- Employment contract accepted before job starts (60 – 90 days out)
- Higher loan limits than standard Conventional programs
Who this loan fits best
- Physicians, dentists, and veterinarians starting or advancing careers
- Residents and fellows buying before attending income appears on tax returns
- Medical professionals with significant student loan debt who would struggle on Conventional DTI
- High-earning medical professionals wanting to preserve cash instead of putting 20% down
Estimate your monthly payment
Physician Loan payment calculator
Estimate only. Actual rate, taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance depend on your specific loan and property. Belong Lending confirms your exact payment at pre-approval.
Serving Detroit and surrounding Michigan communities
Belong Lending helps borrowers with Physician Loan loans across Detroit, Troy, Southfield, Ann Arbor, Flint, Livonia, Warren, Sterling Heights, Farmington Hills, Novi, Rochester Hills, Dearborn, and beyond — plus additional coverage throughout Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, Genesee County. We also lend on eligible properties in Ohio, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a physician loan?
Physician loans are generally available to MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, OD, and DPM professionals. Some programs also extend to nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and CRNAs. Requirements vary by lender — Belong Lending matches you to the program that best fits your specific credential and situation.
How much can I borrow with a physician loan?
Most physician loan programs allow up to $1M to $2M+ in total loan amount, with 0% – 10% down on the lower tiers. Some jumbo physician programs go even higher for high-earning specialties. Loan limits typically decrease as the loan amount increases.
Can I get a physician loan as a resident or fellow?
Yes. Most physician loan programs allow residents and fellows to qualify using a signed employment contract for a position starting within 60 – 90 days of closing. This means you can buy a home before your attending salary begins.
How is student loan debt treated on a physician loan?
Physician loan programs handle student debt more favorably than traditional Conventional mortgages. Many programs use the actual IBR/PAYE monthly payment, and some exclude student loan debt entirely if the loans are in a deferment period. This helps physicians qualify for larger loans despite significant student balances.
Is there PMI on a physician loan?
No. Physician loans do not require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) even at low or zero down payments. This is one of the primary reasons physician loans are attractive versus a Conventional loan at similar down payment levels.