The self-employed challenge
Banks assess self-employed income conservatively. The right lender makes all the difference.
Self-employed borrowers are not higher risk - they are different risk. Banks with rigid serviceability models often decline or under-assess self-employed income. Lenders who understand business income, trust distributions, director fees and irregular cash flow assess your position more accurately. Lendology identifies those lenders before lodging a single application.
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ABN history - Most lenders require at least 2 years of ABN registration. Some consider applications from 12 months. Lendology knows which lenders accept shorter trading histories.
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Income structure - Sole trader, company, trust, PAYG director - each is assessed differently. Lendology understands all structures and which lenders suit each.
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Low-doc options - If your tax returns are not finalised or declared income doesn't reflect your actual capacity, some lenders offer low-doc and alt doc options. Lendology assesses whether this is appropriate.
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Industry knowledge - Some industries are treated more conservatively by certain lenders. Lendology knows which lenders are most favourable for your specific business type.
How it works
The Lendology process
1
Income assessment review
We review your tax returns, financial statements, BAS and bank statements to understand how your income will be assessed by different lenders.
2
Lender matching
We identify which lenders assess your income type most favourably - this varies significantly and can affect your borrowing capacity by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
3
Document preparation
We prepare your application to present your income clearly and compliantly - addressing the questions lenders ask before they ask them.
4
Application and approval
We manage the application, any lender queries and coordinate formal approval and settlement.
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Common questions
FAQs
How many years do I need to be self-employed to get a home loan?
Most lenders require at least 2 full years of self-employment supported by tax returns and financial statements. Some lenders consider applications from 12 months of ABN registration, particularly with a strong financial profile and relevant industry experience. Lendology identifies which lenders apply which criteria.
What income documents do I need?
Typically: personal tax returns and ATO Notice of Assessment (2 years), business tax returns (2 years), financial statements (profit and loss, balance sheet), and business bank statements. The exact requirements vary by lender and income structure. Lendology prepares a specific document list for your situation.
What is a low-doc home loan?
A low-documentation loan allows borrowers to declare their income without providing full tax returns - typically using a declaration form supported by BAS statements or bank statements. Low-doc loans generally carry a higher interest rate and stricter LVR requirements. Lendology assesses whether low-doc is appropriate or whether full-doc with the right lender is a better outcome. Learn more on our low doc and alt doc loans page.
Can I borrow if my business has had a difficult year?
Potentially - it depends on the trend over the past two years, your overall financial position and which lender assesses your income. Some lenders average the last two years; others take the most recent year. Lendology identifies the most favourable assessment approach for your situation.
Related services
You might also be interested in
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Refinancing
Self-employed borrowers can often refinance to a significantly better rate once they have 2 years of trading history. Lendology runs the comparison.
Learn more →
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Investment loans
Many self-employed clients grow into property investment. Lendology understands how to structure lending around business income to maximise borrowing capacity.
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Pre-approval
Pre-approval as a self-employed borrower requires careful lender selection. Lendology identifies the right lender before lodging, so you get a clean approval.
Learn more →
Local self-employed lending
Adelaide suburbs we serve
Self-employed home loan help across Adelaide - specialist advice for business owners and contractors.
Your self-employed lending specialist
Jason Given MFPA
Director & Mortgage Broker
Jason founded Lendology to give Adelaide borrowers honest, expert advice that is genuinely in their corner. His particular strength is in complex and non-standard lending - self-employed borrowers, company directors, trust structures, multiple entities, and anyone whose income does not fit neatly into a payslip. He holds the MFPA designation - one of the first four awarded in South Australia.
MFPA
Designation
2018
Broking since
60+
Lenders
Self-employed
Company directors
Trust structures
Low-doc lending
Complex income
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