03 / SERVICES
SELF-EMPLOYED
LENDING
Business owners, contractors, sole traders and company directors. Different lenders assess business income differently, and the right documentation can make a significant difference.
HOW IT WORKS
YOUR BUSINESS IS MORE THAN YOUR TAX RETURN.
Self-employed income isn't assessed the same way by every lender. Tax returns, BAS, bank statements and eligible add-backs can all affect your borrowing capacity. We review your financial position and available documentation, then identify lenders whose criteria best suit your circumstances.
GOOD TO KNOW
FULL-DOC PRICING
Full-doc borrowers may qualify for standard home-loan pricing.
ALT-DOC OPTIONS
BAS, bank statements or an accountant's letter, depending on the lender.
ADD-BACKS COUNTED
Eligible add-backs like depreciation can lift assessable income.
ATO DEBT & PAYMENT PLANS
Existing tax debts and payment arrangements can affect lender choice.
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FIRST HOME BUYERS
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WHAT WE COVER
FIRST HOME BUYERS
From pre-approval to settlement day, including government schemes.
Selling and buying in the right order.
Upgrading and downsizing
Buying your next home before the current one sells.
Bridging finance
Refinancing
A sharper rate or a better structure, with switching costs weighed first.
SELECT FOR DETAILS
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COMPANIES & TRUSTS
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NEWLY SELF-EMPLOYED
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ALT-DOC & LOW-DOC
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FULL-DOC
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WHAT WE COVER
THE PROCESS
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DISCOVERY CALL
Your goals, circumstances and timeframe
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Preliminary review
Position and borrowing options reviewed
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Strategy
Lenders and structure compared
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Application
Prepared and submitted to the chosen lender
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Approval & settlement
Coordinated to settlement
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Ongoing support
Loan reviewed as your needs change
COMMON QUESTIONS
DO I NEED TWO YEARS OF TAX RETURNS?
Not always. Two years of tax returns and financial statements are common for full-documentation lending, but some lenders can assess one financial year or shorter trading histories.
Where current tax returns don't reflect your income, alternative documentation may include BAS, business bank statements or an accountant's declaration. The available options and pricing depend on how your income is verified.
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ARE SELF-EMPLOYED RATES HIGHER?
Not necessarily. Self-employed borrowers who can verify their income through standard financial documentation may qualify for the same home-loan rates as PAYG employees.
Alternative-documentation loans can carry higher rates, fees or lower maximum LVRs because the lender has less conventional evidence of income. Being self-employed isn't necessarily what costs more; the documentation and risk assessment can make the difference.
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WHAT IF MY LATEST TAX RETURN ISN'T LODGED YET?
Some lenders accept alternative income documentation, such as BAS, business bank statements or an accountant's declaration. Others require lodged returns or additional financial information. The available options depend on your trading history, income and the lender's requirements.
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WHAT IF MY INCOME WENT UP OR DOWN A LOT LAST YEAR?
Some lenders average the last two years of self-employed income, while others may use the latest year or a lower figure.
For example, if your assessable income increased from $120,000 to $180,000, a two-year average would be $150,000, while a lender accepting the latest year may assess $180,000. A sharp decline can lead to a more conservative assessment. The reason for the change and supporting financial records matter.
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CAN I BORROW IF I HAVE ATO DEBT OR A PAYMENT PLAN?
Possibly. Some lenders consider borrowers with existing ATO debts, particularly where a payment arrangement is being maintained. They may assess the outstanding balance, repayment commitments and overall business position. Disclosing the debt early helps identify suitable options, but doesn't guarantee approval.
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HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION? BROWSE THE FAQ
LET'S TALK.
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