Self-employed? You're not unbankable.

Banks love payslips. Business owners don't have them. We know the lenders who understand real-world business income, and how to present yours so it counts.

Self-Employed Lending

Your business is the asset. We make lenders see it.

If you've ever felt that being self-employed makes lenders treat you like a risk, you're not imagining it. Standard bank policy is built for salaried employees; business owners get asked for more paperwork, assessed more conservatively, and too often declined for reasons that have nothing to do with their real position.

The reality is that lenders vary enormously in how they treat self-employed income. Some average two years of financials; some use the most recent year; some accept accountant declarations, BAS or business bank statements instead of full financials (alt-doc). Some add back depreciation and one-off expenses, some don't. Choosing the right lender for how your business looks on paper is most of the battle, and that's exactly what we do.

Tradies, contractors, consultants, company directors, sole traders, Daniel works with business owners every week, and having run projects in construction, he knows what irregular income actually looks like. We'll tell you honestly what's achievable now, and if the answer is 'wait until your next tax return', we'll tell you that too, with a plan.

Why it works

How we get self-employed deals approved

Policy Matching

We know which lenders average income, which use the latest year, and which accept alt-doc, and we pick the one your figures look strongest with, before anything hits your credit file.

Presentation Matters

Add-backs, one-off costs, retained profits, presented properly, your true income is often much higher than your taxable income. We build that case for the lender.

Your Accountant, Looped In

We work alongside your accountant so the financials, declarations and timing line up, and so your loan strategy doesn't fight your tax strategy.

Run the numbers

Borrowing power estimator

A rough guide to what you might borrow, based on income and commitments. Self-employed assessments vary significantly by lender, treat this as a starting point.

Indicative borrowing power
$397,702
Estimated monthly surplus
$3,200 /mo

Estimates only. This is a simplified model: it approximates after-tax income, applies the standard 3% serviceability buffer to the rate, and assumes a 30-year term. Real lender assessments use your actual financials, household size and detailed expense categories, and results vary widely between lenders, especially for self-employed applicants. Results do not constitute credit advice or an offer of finance, and your eligibility depends on a full assessment of your circumstances. Talk to us for figures based on your actual situation.

Common questions

Self-Employed Lending FAQs

How long do I need to have been self-employed to get a home loan?
Most lenders want two years of financials, but several accept one year, and a handful will consider ABN holders from around 12 months with alternative evidence. If you've recently gone out on your own after working in the same field, some lenders view that favourably too.
What documents do I need as a self-employed applicant?
For full-doc loans: usually two years of personal and business tax returns plus notices of assessment. For alt-doc loans: typically an accountant's declaration, BAS statements, or business bank statements instead. We'll tell you exactly what your shortlisted lender needs before you gather anything.
My taxable income looks low because of deductions. Am I stuck?
Not necessarily. Lenders can 'add back' certain expenses, depreciation, one-off costs, extra superannuation contributions, interest on debts being refinanced, which can lift your assessable income well above your taxable income. Presenting these properly is one of the biggest wins a broker delivers for business owners.
Are low-doc loans more expensive?
Alt-doc and low-doc loans usually carry somewhat higher rates than full-doc loans, reflecting the reduced verification. For many borrowers they're a stepping stone: get the property now, then refinance to a sharper full-doc rate once your next returns are done. We'll map that path with you.
Will using a broker stop multiple credit hits?
Yes, that's one of the big advantages. Instead of applying to banks one by one (each adding an enquiry to your file), we match your situation to lender policy first and lodge once, with the lender most likely to approve you.

Run your own show? Let's get you approved.

Tell us about your business and what you're trying to do, we'll tell you honestly what's achievable.

Get in touch

Start your enquiry.

Your information is kept confidential and used only to respond to your enquiry, as described in our Privacy Policy. Toukan Finance is an Authorised Credit Representative (CRN 577748) of Outsource Financial Pty Ltd (ACL 384324).

Call Daniel, 0455 721 087