Can I get a home loan if I have only been self-employed for one year?

It depends on the lender, your industry, and the strength of your figures. Most mainstream lenders want at least two years of tax returns, but some specialist lenders will consider one year of trading if your BAS and bank statements show consistent income. We assess each case individually and match you with the right lender.

My accountant minimised my taxable income — will that hurt my borrowing power?

Tax planning can reduce the income a lender assesses you on, which in turn affects how much you can borrow. However, many lenders allow add-backs for depreciation, one-off expenses, and other non-cash deductions. We work through your financials carefully to present the strongest possible picture of your true earning capacity.

Do I have to provide BAS statements and bank statements?

Often yes, especially for low-doc applications or where your tax returns alone do not reflect your actual income. BAS statements help demonstrate your business turnover, and bank statements show real cash flow. We will tell you exactly what is needed upfront so there are no surprises.

Can I borrow under my company or trust name?

Some lenders allow borrowing through a company or trust structure, but directors or trustees usually need to provide personal guarantees. The assessment process is more involved, and not all lenders are comfortable with these structures. We know which lenders are and can guide you through the requirements.

What if I have an ATO payment plan or outstanding business debts?

Many self-employed borrowers carry ATO payment plans or business debts at some stage. Full disclosure is key — hiding these will cause problems later. Some lenders are more comfortable with ATO arrangements than others, and we know which ones. We help you present your situation honestly and find a lender who understands business realities.

Self-Employed

Home Loans for Self-Employed & Business Owners Smart Lending When Your Income Doesn't Fit a Simple Payslip

Fluctuating income, tax-effective structures, and complex financials do not mean you cannot get a great home loan. We know how to present your true financial picture to the right lenders.

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The Challenge

Why Self-Employed Loans Are Harder

Lenders see self-employed borrowers differently. Here is why your application needs a specialist approach.

Lenders Rely on Tax Returns

Most banks assess your income based on lodged tax returns, which may not reflect your current earning capacity or business growth.

Income Varies Year to Year

Seasonal work, project-based revenue, and business cycles mean your income is never the same two years running, which concerns lenders.

Companies, Trusts & Partnerships

Complex structures make it harder for lenders to determine who earns what and how income flows through to the individual borrower.

Tax Planning Reduces Taxable Income

Good accountants minimise your tax, but lower taxable income means lenders see lower borrowing capacity on paper.

Business Debts and ATO Obligations

Equipment finance, trade creditors, and ATO payment plans all affect your serviceability. Lenders assess these alongside personal debts, which can significantly reduce your borrowing power if not handled properly.

Who We Help

Who This Is For

We work with self-employed people across a wide range of industries and business structures

Sole Traders

Tradies, consultants, freelancers, and independent contractors operating under their own ABN.

Company Directors

Directors of Pty Ltd companies who draw a combination of salary, dividends, and retained earnings.

Family Business Owners

Husband-and-wife teams or multi-generational family businesses including retail, hospitality, and services.

Transport & Trucking Operators

Owner-drivers, fleet operators, and logistics businesses with equipment finance and variable income.

IT, Medical & Professional Contractors

Skilled professionals contracting through their own entity, often with strong earnings but complex documentation.

Other SME Owners

Retailers, cafe owners, tradespeople, cleaning businesses, and any other small to medium enterprise owner.

Our Approach

How We Help

Four key ways we turn complex business finances into a successful home loan application

Unpack Your True Income

We go beyond the bottom line of your tax return. By analysing add-backs such as depreciation and one-off expenses, reviewing your BAS patterns, and examining bank statements, we build a complete picture of what you actually earn — not just what you report.

Choose Between Full-Doc and Low-Doc

Full-doc loans use your tax returns and financials for the best rates. Low-doc options rely on BAS, bank statements, or an accountant's letter when your returns do not tell the full story. We help you pick the right path based on your documentation and goals.

Respect Your Limited Time

Running a business leaves little free time. We work around your schedule with phone and Zoom meetings, secure document uploads, and clear checklists so you know exactly what is needed without back-and-forth delays.

Ongoing Reviews and Future Purchases

Your business evolves, and so should your lending. We check in after settlement to review your rate, structure, and goals — whether that means refinancing for a better deal, accessing equity, or financing your next property purchase.

Real Situations

Common Scenarios We Handle

Every self-employed borrower is different. Here are some situations we see regularly.

Buying a First Home After Starting a Business

You left employment two or three years ago to run your own business. Income is growing, but your first tax return was modest. Mainstream banks may decline, but specialist lenders can assess your BAS turnover and recent bank deposits to approve a competitive loan.

Result: First home secured with a lender who understands business growth

Transport or Trade Business Owner Wanting a Family Home

You own trucks or run a trade business with equipment finance and variable monthly revenue. Your accountant has depreciated assets heavily, reducing your taxable income. We use add-backs and BAS analysis to demonstrate your real cashflow and find a lender who gets it.

Result: Family home approved despite heavy depreciation on tax return

Refinancing to Improve Cashflow

Your current home loan rate is high and you are paying expensive business finance separately. We consolidate where possible, renegotiate your home loan rate, and restructure repayments to free up working capital for your business operations.

Result: Lower repayments and better cashflow for business and family

Using Equity for Business Growth or Investment

Your home has grown in value and you want to access equity to buy an investment property or inject capital into your business. We structure the borrowing correctly to keep personal and investment debts separate for tax efficiency and risk management.

Result: Equity released with smart structure for tax and asset protection

Step by Step

Our Process

Six clear steps from first conversation to settled loan and beyond

Initial Chat

We discuss your goals, business background, income structure, and timeline. No paperwork needed at this stage — just a conversation to understand your situation.

Document Review & Pre-Assessment

You provide tax returns, BAS, bank statements, and business financials. We review everything, calculate add-backs, and assess your borrowing capacity with different lenders.

Lender and Policy Matching

We match your profile to lenders whose policies suit your structure — whether that is a major bank with add-back-friendly policies or a specialist lender for low-doc applications.

Recommendation in Plain English

We present our recommendation clearly — the lender, the rate, the structure, and the reasoning. No jargon. You understand exactly what you are getting and why it is the best option.

Application, Approval & Settlement

We prepare your full application, handle all lender communication, manage valuations and conditions, and guide you through to unconditional approval and settlement day.

After-Settlement Check-Ins

We stay in touch after settlement. As your business grows or market rates shift, we proactively review your loan to make sure it still works for you.

Common Questions

Self-Employed Home Loan FAQs

Why Choose Jain Home Loans for Your Business

We speak your language — both in business and in conversation.

Understand business cashflow and seasonal income patterns

Comfortable working with companies, trusts, and partnerships

Used to working with tradies, transport operators, retailers, and professionals

Efficient process designed for busy business owners

Communicate in English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Urdu

Self-Employed? Let's Talk About Your Home Loan Options

Speak with a mortgage specialist who understands business income and can find the right lender for your situation.

Call 0469 618 750 Book a Call or Zoom

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