Self-employed? Home-loan options you might not know about

Being self-employed doesn't mean a competitive home loan is out of reach — there are more options than most people realise. It just takes the right lender and the right paperwork.

Why it can feel harder

Lenders like predictable income, and self-employed earnings naturally vary. Tax returns can also understate what you really take home, once you've claimed legitimate deductions. So a standard assessment doesn't always tell your full story — but that doesn't mean the door is closed.

Full-doc vs alt-doc loans

If you've been trading a couple of years and have up-to-date tax returns, a full-doc loan works much like any other. If you don't yet have two years of returns, alt-doc (or low-doc) options can use other evidence — BAS statements, an accountant's declaration, or business bank statements — to verify your income.

What lenders look for

• Consistency. A steady or growing income across recent periods.
• Time in business. Many lenders like to see one to two years; some accept less with the right structure.
• A tidy ATO position. Up-to-date lodgements and no unexpected tax debts.
• Clean credit and cash flow. The same fundamentals as any applicant.

Tips to strengthen your application

Keep your business and personal finances tidy, lodge your returns on time, and clear or reduce unnecessary debts before you apply. A bit of preparation can make a real difference to how lenders see you — and which rates you qualify for.

It really pays to compare

Lender policies for self-employed borrowers vary enormously — one bank's no can be another's yes. As a starting point, our borrowing power calculator gives a rough estimate based on your income.

Then have a chat with us: we know which lenders take a sensible view of self-employed income, and we'll match you to the right one.