Self-Employed Home Loans

Prepare a clear picture of your business and personal finances for your home loan application.

Make your income easier to assess

Business owners, sole traders and contractors can have different income records from salaried employees. Bradley helps identify suitable lenders and the documents needed for your business structure and trading history.

Your business story: Explain what you do, how long you have traded and any changes in revenue or ownership.
Evidence that fits: Lenders may request tax returns, financial statements and business banking records. Alternative-documentation products have their own criteria and costs.
Personal commitments: We consider your household spending and existing debts alongside business income when discussing the application.

How we can help

Tell us about your business, income pattern and property plans.
Receive a tailored checklist and discuss any gaps with your accountant.
Compare suitable options and documentation requirements before choosing whether to apply.

Your business structure changes the checklist

A sole trader’s records differ from a company, partnership or trust. Tell us which entities earn the income you want assessed, your ownership share, and how you receive wages or distributions. We may need the relevant entity returns and financial statements as well as your personal records. Have supporting information for business loans, leases and other liabilities ready. Westpac outlines the records used for different business structures.

Full documentation and alternative documentation

Self-employment does not automatically mean a low-documentation loan. Standard assessment may use tax returns and financial statements; some lenders have shorter assessment options for eligible applicants. Westpac’s self-employed assessment pathways illustrate why there is no single document rule for every borrower.

Alternative-documentation loans still require evidence of income and an affordability assessment. Depending on the product, evidence may include business banking records, lodged BAS or an accountant’s letter. Pepper Money explains its Full Doc and Alt Doc options. We compare the rate, fees, deposit requirement and features before recommending a path; the lenders named here are information sources, not a guarantee of Axon’s access.

If income has changed

Bring a short explanation of seasonal trading, a major contract ending or unusually high or low results. A lender may average income or use a lower recent figure, and may request more evidence. NAB explains how fluctuating income can affect assessment. For the discussion, separate business turnover from the amount available to support your household, and allow for upcoming business commitments.

Common questions

Do I have to use a low-documentation loan?

No. Self-employed borrowers may qualify for standard home loans. We first review the records available and the relevant lender requirements.

Can I apply with a new business?

Tell us when you started trading and what records you have. Required trading history and evidence vary; a new business does not automatically qualify for a loan. We can identify what is missing before you spend time on an application.

What if my latest tax return is not lodged yet?

Tell us which financial years are complete and what your accountant can provide. Some lenders may accept other evidence under a specific policy. We will check what is acceptable rather than assume that a draft return or accountant’s letter is enough.

Can I use my business turnover as income in the calculator?

The borrowing calculator is a simplified household estimate and does not assess business accounts. Ask us to review the income figure appropriate to your circumstances before relying on a result. Business expenses and commitments need to be considered separately.

Read common home loan questions · Explore calculator estimates

Discuss your next step

Tell Bradley about your plans and the questions you would like to cover. We will respond to arrange a conversation.

Request a free consultation