Self Employed Home Loans

Specialist home loan support for business owners on the Central Coast, Newcastle and across Australia

Why Self Employed Home Loans Work Differently

WHY IT'S DIFFERENT

Being self employed gives you flexibility and control over your income, but it can also make applying for a home loan feel more complicated. Banks are used to assessing employees on a fixed salary with regular payslips. When you run your own business, your income may look different on paper, even if your business is doing well.

That’s because lenders rely on your tax returns and financial statements to verify income, rather than a payslip. If your accountant has structured your finances to minimise tax, your taxable income may appear lower than what you actually earn. This doesn’t mean you can’t get a home loan. It simply means the process and the paperwork look a little different.

This is exactly where a mortgage broker who understands self employed lending can help. We can’t provide personal financial advice, but we can explain how different loan types work and connect you with lenders who are comfortable assessing business owners.

Loan Options for Self Employed Borrowers

Full Doc
Loans

Full doc loans are the standard home loan option and usually offer the most competitive rates. They require your last one to two years of personal and business tax returns, along with your ATO Notices of Assessment, to confirm your income.

Low Doc and Alt Doc Loans

If your tax returns aren't fully up to date, or your taxable income doesn't reflect your real earning capacity, a low doc or alt doc loan may be an option. These loans use alternative documents such as BAS statements, business bank statements or an accountant's letter instead of full tax returns.

Loans for Newly Self Employed Borrowers

Just started your business? Some lenders will still consider your application if you've been trading for less than two years, particularly if you have a longer history in the same industry or strong supporting documentation. Options can be more limited, so it helps to speak with a broker who knows which lenders are flexible.

Business and Commercial Lending

If you're also looking to grow your business alongside buying a home, our commercial and business lending options may be worth exploring alongside your home loan.

Documents Lenders Typically Ask For

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Every lender is a little different, but most self employed home loan applications will ask for a combination of the following:

  • Personal and business tax returns, usually for the last one to two years
  • ATO Notices of Assessment
    Business Activity Statements (BAS)
  • Business and personal bank statements
  • Your ABN and GST registration details
  • An accountant’s letter, if your income needs further explanation

Having these documents organised and up to date before you apply can make a real difference to how smoothly your application moves through the bank or lender.

Why Work With Country Wide Wealth

WHY CHOOSE US

Self employed lending isn’t one size fits all, and that’s why having access to a wide panel of lenders matters. We compare options across the market rather than relying on a single bank’s policy, so you have a better chance of finding a lender who understands your business and how you’re structured, whether you’re a sole trader, company or trust.

We’re based on the Central Coast and work with business owners across Newcastle and Australia-wide, so wherever you’re located, we can help. If you’re considering refinancing your home loan into a better structure now that your business is established, or you’re a first home buyer navigating self employment for the first time, we can talk you through your options.

For business owners thinking about their long term wealth alongside property, it’s also worth exploring how SMSF loans can fit into your broader financial picture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a home loan if I've only been self employed for one year?
It’s possible, though your options may be more limited. Some lenders will consider applicants with under two years of trading history, especially if you have a longer background in the same industry or can provide strong supporting documents like BAS or bank statements. Speaking with a broker can help you understand which lenders may suit your situation.
A full doc loan uses your complete tax returns and financial statements to verify income, and generally comes with the most competitive rates. A low doc loan is designed for borrowers who can’t provide full tax returns, using alternative documents such as BAS statements or bank statements instead. Low doc loans often come with a slightly higher interest rate and may require a larger deposit.
Not necessarily. If you qualify for a standard full doc loan, you’ll generally be offered the same rates and loan features as any other borrower. Low doc and alt doc loans, which are designed for those without complete documentation, do tend to carry a rate premium because of the extra risk involved for the lender.
Yes. Lenders assess each business structure a little differently, and the documentation required can vary. Sole traders typically have a more straightforward assessment, while companies and trusts may need additional financial statements. A broker can help make sense of what’s needed for your specific structure.

FAQ