Self-Employed Loans
Standard income checks don't always fit business owners
Being self-employed shouldn't mean starting from behind. We know which Fraser Coast-relevant lenders actually understand how business owners are paid.
Home loans for business owners, sole traders and contractors
Small business and self-employment make up a meaningful share of work on the Fraser Coast — from tradespeople and hospitality operators in Hervey Bay to farming and agribusiness around Maryborough. Standard lender income checks are built around regular payslips, which doesn't reflect how most business income actually works. That mismatch is where a lot of otherwise-strong applicants get an unnecessary "no."
What lenders typically want to see
- ✓ Two years of tax returns and notices of assessment (standard doc loans)
- ✓ BAS statements or accountant confirmation of income (low-doc options)
- ✓ A reasonably stable or improving trend in business income
- ✓ Clarity on how income is drawn — wages, dividends, trust distributions or drawings
Why the lender you choose matters more here
Policies for assessing self-employed income vary significantly between lenders — some are notably more flexible than others. Applying to the wrong one first can mean a knock-back that shows up on your file and makes the next application harder. We help you apply to the right lender the first time.
Find out what you qualify for
Tell us a bit about what you're after and we'll be in touch within one business day.
Common questions
Self-employed loan questions
I've only been self-employed for a year — can I still get a home loan?
It's harder, but not impossible. Some lenders on our panel will consider one year of financials in the right circumstances, particularly if you have a strong trading history in a related role beforehand. We'll be upfront about what's realistic.
What documents will I need?
Typically two years of tax returns and notices of assessment, though some lenders offer low-doc options using BAS statements or an accountant's letter if your financials aren't finalised. We'll tell you exactly what your chosen lender needs before you start gathering paperwork.
Do sole traders and company directors get treated differently?
Yes — how income is assessed depends on your business structure. We work through this with you rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.
Will a bad year in my financials sink my application?
Not necessarily. Lenders vary in how they weigh a single weaker year, especially if there's a clear explanation (e.g. a one-off expense) and the trend is otherwise solid. We know which lenders take a more sensible view.
Running your own business shouldn't complicate your loan
Get a straight answer on what you qualify for, based on how your income actually works.
Get my free assessment