Self-Employed Lending

Running your own business shouldn't mean struggling to get a home loan. We specialise in presenting self-employed income to lenders for the best possible outcome.

Why Work With a Specialist?

Self-employed lending requires specific expertise. The way your income is presented can mean the difference between approval and decline.

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

We understand how lenders assess self-employed income and know which ones are most flexible.

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

We'll help present your income in the best light — whether it's from financials, BAS, or bank statements.

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

Access to lenders who specialise in self-employed borrowers and understand business income.

Who We Help

We help self-employed borrowers of all types get the finance they need.

Sole traders & ABN holders
Company directors
Contractors & freelancers
Partnership structures
Trust beneficiaries
Recently self-employed (1-2 years)

Income Verification Options

Different lenders accept different types of income evidence. We'll match you with the right option.

Full financials (2 years tax returns)
1 year financials
BAS only lending
Bank statement lending
Accountant letter loans
Alt-doc & low-doc options

Common Challenges We Solve

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

We use income averaging and find lenders who understand seasonal or project-based earnings.

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

Your accountant reduces taxable income, but we know lenders who look at true business performance.

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

Trusts, companies, partnerships — we understand how each structure affects borrowing capacity.

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

Some lenders accept 1 year ABN registration with the right documentation and income evidence.

Our Process

1

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

We review your business structure, income history, and borrowing goals to understand your situation.

2

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

We analyse your financials, BAS, or bank statements to determine the best way to present your income.

3

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

We match you with lenders whose policies suit your income type and business structure.

4

Self-Employed Lending Melbourne | Loans Cart

We prepare and submit your application, liaising with your accountant if needed.

Self-employed home loan questions — answered

Can I get a home loan if I'm self-employed?

Yes. Being self-employed doesn't prevent you from getting a home loan — but lenders assess your income differently to a PAYG employee, and the documentation requirements are higher. Most lenders want to see two years of tax returns and business financials. At Loans Cart, we work regularly with self-employed clients and know which lenders on our 30+ panel are most flexible with ABN income, sole trader structures, and company or trust setups.

How do lenders assess self-employed income?

Most lenders use your last two years of personal tax returns and business financials to calculate your average income. They typically average the two years, and if your income has been declining they may use the lower figure. Some lenders will use the most recent year only if income is increasing. Loans Cart helps self-employed clients present their income position in the strongest compliant way before approaching any lender.

What documents do I need as a self-employed borrower?

Typically: last two years of personal tax returns and notices of assessment, last two years of business tax returns and financial statements, last three months of business bank statements, ABN registration (active for at least two years for most lenders), and GST registration if applicable. Some lenders require less — Loans Cart will tell you exactly what's needed for the lenders that suit your situation.

What is a low-doc loan and do I need one?

A low-documentation loan is designed for borrowers who can't provide the standard two years of financials — typically because they're newly self-employed or their tax returns don't reflect their actual income. Instead of full financials, lenders may accept an accountant's declaration or business bank statements. Low-doc loans usually come with slightly higher rates or lower LVR limits. At Loans Cart, we assess whether a full-doc or low-doc approach is better for your situation before recommending anything.

How long do I need to be self-employed to get a home loan?

Most lenders require a minimum of two years of self-employment history. Some specialist lenders will consider one year, particularly if you were previously in the same industry as a PAYG employee. Loans Cart has access to lenders across both categories and will match you to the right option based on your employment history.

Can I refinance if I'm self-employed?

Yes — the same principles apply as for a purchase. You'll need to demonstrate your income through financials or bank statements, and the lender will assess your current loan against your verified income. If your business income has grown since you first took out your loan, refinancing can be a good opportunity to access better rates or release equity. Loans Cart reviews self-employed refinance cases regularly and will tell you honestly whether the numbers stack up.

"As a self-employed borrower I was worried about getting approved. Brendan knew exactly which lenders to approach and got us across the line."

— Amit K., Google Review

"Really impressed with how quickly Loans Cart moved on our loan. Professional, easy to deal with."

— Forum M., Google Review

Brendan Singh

You'll be working with:

Brendan Singh — Director & Mortgage Broker

Credit Rep 575816 | ACL 391209 | 30+ lenders

English · Hindi · Punjabi

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Check Your Borrowing Options

Tell us about your situation and we'll outline your options.

No obligation. We'll review your situation and get back to you within 24 hours.

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