💼 How to Get a Home Loan When You’re Self-Employed

Being your own boss comes with freedom, flexibility… and sometimes, frustration — especially when it comes to getting a home loan. If you're self-employed, securing finance can feel harder than it should be. But it doesn't have to be.

Let’s walk through how the process works,what lenders look for, and how a mortgage broker (like me!) can make it mucheasier.

📊 Why IsIt Harder for the Self-Employed?

Lenders love stability — especially inincome. So, when you're self-employed and don’t have a simple payslip everyfortnight, they might view your application as higher risk, even if you earnmore than someone on a salary.

📁 WhatDo Lenders Want to See?

For full doc (standard) loans, mostlenders will ask for:

• 2 years of tax returns (personal +     business)
• 2 years of Notices of Assessment
• Sometimes BAS statements or profit & loss reports

The more consistent and healthy your incomeappears on paper, the easier the process.

But if your financials are a little messy —or you haven’t been self-employed for 2 full years — you’re not out ofoptions...

🔍 What Are Low Doc and Alt Doc Loans?

These are loan products specificallydesigned for self-employed borrowers who:

• Haven’t completed 2 full financial years
• Use accountants or trusts that reduce taxable income
• Have strong cash flow but weaker paper trails

Instead of standard tax returns, lendersmight accept:

• BAS statements
• Bank statements showing business income
• An accountant’s declaration
• A letter confirming your income

Rates are slightly higher than standardloans, but not unreasonable — and can often be refinanced into a full doc loanlater.

💡 Tipsto Improve Your Chance

1. Keep your tax returns clean
       Avoid overly “creative” deductions if you plan to borrow — lenders look at     net profit.
2. Register for GST and have a valid ABN
       Many lenders require you to be GST-registered and trading under an ABN for     12–24 months.
3. Use a good accountant
       They can structure your finances in a lender-friendly way without     compromising your tax position too heavily.
4. Speak to a broker early
       I can guide you on what documents you’ll need, which lenders are flexible,     and what to tweak before applying.

🧠 WhyUse a Broker If You’re Self-Employed?

Not all lenders are created equal. Somelove self-employed applicants, while others are strict and inflexible.

As a mortgage broker, I:

• Know which banks offer low doc/alt doc loans
• Understand which lenders are lenient on income verification
• Can present your income in the strongest light possible
• Save you time, stress, and probably money

👋 Let’sMake It Easy

If you’re a sole trader, company director,contractor or freelancer — and you’re looking to buy or refinance — don’t letthe paperwork overwhelm you.

📞 Reachout today and I’ll help you navigate the process with confidence.