Home Loans for the Self-Employed: Proving Income and Boosting Success
Christian Stevens, Mortgage Broker
Published November 28, 2025, 3:50 P.M
Self-employed and applying for a home loan? Learn what lenders accept (tax returns, BAS, P&L), how to strengthen applications, loan options (full-doc, alt-doc), and how Flintgroup.au helps self-employed Australians secure finance.
Article Breakdown
🔑 Key Facts
- Self-employed borrowers can absolutely qualify for home loans — the key is strong documentation and strategic presentation.
- Lenders assess business income, tax returns, BAS, bank statements, and financial stability when calculating serviceability.
- Loan pathways include full-doc, alt-doc (BAS, accountant letters), and specialist self-employed products.
- A broker helps match your financial profile with lenders who understand non-salaried income.
- Flint supports self-employed Australians with tailored guidance, lender selection, and full application packaging.
Can You Get a Home Loan if You’re Self-Employed?
Yes — but lender assessment works differently.
Instead of relying on standard PAYG payslips, banks need proof that your business generates stable, ongoing income. This often means:
- Averaging income over 1–2 years
- Excluding one-off or irregular earnings
- Adjusting for business expenses and tax deductions
Self-employed borrowers typically choose from three main paths:
- Full-doc loans — 2 years’ tax returns + NOAs
- Alt-doc loans — BAS, accountant declarations, P&L statements
- Specialist lending — for new ABNs, inconsistent income, or low-doc files
What Income Evidence Do Lenders Accept?
To prove income and verify serviceability, lenders may request:
- Personal & business tax returns (2 years preferred)
- BAS statements (often 4 quarters)
- Profit & Loss + balance sheets
- Business bank statements (6–12 months) showing cash flow
- Accountant letter confirming income trends or business health
Alt-doc and low-doc lenders may allow reduced documentation, making them ideal for newer businesses or borrowers who optimise taxes heavily.
What Makes Self-Employed Borrowing Challenging?
Common Hurdles:
- Income fluctuations between financial years
- High deductions lowering taxable income
- New ABNs (under 12–24 months)
- Income averaging across strong/weak years
- Complex structures — trust, company, sole trader
- Harder for lenders to measure stability
These factors impact borrowing power, LVR limits, and lender appetite, which is why correct lender selection is critical.
How to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Tips for Success:
- Keep tax returns, BAS, and financials updated & consistent
- Work with a broker to present income in the most lender-friendly way
- Use an accountant who understands lending documentation
- Separate personal vs business spending for clean statements
- Avoid applying with multiple lenders — it reduces credit score & borrowing power
Flint’s brokers specialise in aligning your financial story with lender policy, boosting approval success rates.
What Loan Types Are Available?
Self-employed borrowers can access:
- Standard home loans — when full-doc requirements are met
- Alt-doc / low-doc loans — often requiring BAS, bank statements, or accountant letters
- Interest-only or split loans — ideal for tax efficiency or cash-flow flexibility
Flint structures the loan to match your income pattern, business cash flow, and future growth plans.
How Flint Helps Self-Employed Australians
At Flint, we specialize in complex income scenarios. We:
- Work with 40+ lenders, including specialist self-employed options
- Know which banks accept BAS-only or 1-year tax returns
- Understand company, trust, and sole trader structures
- Help prepare, structure, and package your financials for assessment
- Provide support long after settlement, including refinancing and growth planning
Flint ensures your application meets lender policy before submission — massively increasing approval success.
📞 Self-Employed? Let’s Make Your Home Loan Work for You
Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer, contractor, or business owner — Flint’s brokers know how to present your income clearly, accurately, and lender-ready.
Let Flint help you:
- Maximize borrowing power
- Select lenders that accept your income documents
- Avoid declines from the wrong lender
- Package a strong, strategic application
Chat with Flint today and get matched to a lender that values your hustle — not just your paperwork.
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