Self-employed loans
Home loans for people who run their own show
Business owners, contractors and sole traders don't always fit a bank's standard boxes. We match your situation with lenders whose policies may suit it.
Ways lenders can assess you
There's more than one way to show your income
Director wages
If you pay yourself a wage from your own company, some lenders may assess you much like a PAYG employee, using payslips and company details.
Full doc: 1 or 2 years of financials
Most lenders ask for two years of tax returns and financial statements. Some will consider just the most recent year, which may help if your income has grown.
Low doc: accountant's letter or bank statements
If your tax returns aren't up to date, some lenders may accept an accountant's letter, BAS or business bank statements as evidence of income.
Tax debt
An ATO debt does not always rule you out. Some non-bank lenders may consider refinancing to pay out tax debt, subject to their criteria.
Company and trust borrowers
Borrowing through a company or a trust involves extra documents and lender-specific rules. We know which lenders cater for these structures.
Not sure where you fit?
Most self-employed borrowers aren't. That's what the first chat is for.
Book a chatBe prepared
Documents lenders commonly ask for
You won't need all of these. What's required depends on the lender and the type of loan. We'll give you a short, specific list once we know your situation.
- Personal and business tax returns
- Notices of assessment
- Financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet)
- BAS statements
- Business bank statements
- ABN and GST registration details
- Accountant's contact details
- Trust deed or company documents (if applicable)
FAQ
Self-employed loan questions
How long do I need to have been self-employed to get a home loan?
Many lenders look for an ABN registered for at least two years, but some may consider one year or less depending on your industry experience and circumstances.
Are low doc loans more expensive?
They can be. Low doc loans may come with higher interest rates, fees or lower maximum loan-to-value ratios than full doc loans, because the lender is relying on less documentation.
My taxable income is low because of deductions. Is that a problem?
Lenders assess the income shown in your financials, but many will add back certain non-cash expenses such as depreciation. We work through your figures to see how different lenders would view them.
Can I get a home loan if I have an ATO debt?
Possibly. Mainstream banks are often cautious, but some non-bank lenders may consider it, subject to their criteria. It is best to talk it through early.
Talk to a broker who gets business owners
Tell us how your income works and we'll outline which lenders may be worth approaching.