Self-Employed Borrowers

There is a common misconception that if you are self-employed obtaining a home or investment loan is difficult. It isn’t, when you get an experienced mortgage broker on your side.

In today’s workplace, more people than ever before are self-employed, whether business owners or sole traders, and many lenders now offer loans to suit demand. The thing is, not all lenders lend the same.

Loan conditions – such as the maximum amount of money you can borrow, the minimum deposit required, and the proof of income needed – will differ from lender to lender. The key to getting your loan approved (and fast), without paying more than you should, is knowing which lender’s policy will best cater to your situation. That’s where your Green Team finance broker can help.

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Get an expert negotiator on your side

We have access to hundreds of home and investment loans from over 60 banks and lenders but realistically there may only be a few of these lenders that really want your business, and we can tell you which ones, right now. We’ll be in the best position to compare loans, weigh up costs, and negotiate favourable terms on your behalf.


How much can I borrow?

The real difference between a self-employed borrower and a PAYG borrower is that theoretically the lender needs to establish your current income and also forecast ongoing income to ensure you can meet loan repayments.

Your Green Team finance broker will know what each lender is looking for, will guide you through the full list of documentation required and present a comprehensive application to the bank to minimise reworks or time delays.

General guidelines:

  • Borrow up to 95% of the property value for self-employed borrowers with one to two years’ tax returns
  • Borrow up to 80% of the property value if you’ve been self-employed for less than a year

Lo-Doc or Low Documentation loans are often promoted to self-employed borrowers and while this option may be right for you it’s not necessarily the only option. Things you’ll need to consider:

  • The maximum amount you can borrow on a Low Doc Home Loan is 80% of the property value.
  • If borrowing more than 60% of the property value Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) will be required.
  • Lo-Doc loans traditionally carry a higher interest rate/costs.

For a ‘traditional’ or full documentation loan the lender will typically need the following documentation to support your application:

  • Proof of ABN: that has been active for at least 12 months or Certificate of Incorporation
  • Tax Returns: up to two years of your full personal and/or company tax returns
  • Notice of Assessments (NOA): provided by the ATO and for up to two years (depending on lender) – full personal and/or company
  • Business Activity Statements (BAS): for the past 12 consecutive months, obtained from the ATO and inclusive of lodgement receipt number
  • Confirmation that your income has been registered for GST for a minimum of 12 months (If applicable)
  • Bank Statements: up to six months’ worth of statements for your primary business or personal transaction account including savings, credit cards or personal loan accounts
  • Personal ID: current drivers’ licence, passport, proof of age ID etc.
  • Proof of rental income (if applicable): you can prove this with real estate statements or copies of lease agreements.

Green team finance brokers work with small business owners, independent contractors and sole traders on a daily basis and are experienced in sourcing loans for self-employed borrowers. You might just be surprised by what is available to you. Contact your Green Team finance broker today.

Self-employed? Ask us about home loan offers for you:

Daniel Green

Director

Australia's leading hospitality, accommodation and childcare finance specialist and winner of Australian Broker of the Year 2022.

Beth Rachel

Finance Consultant

Whether you are purchasing a new home, investment property or small business or simply want to save on your existing loans, Beth Rachel is an experienced ex-banker who knows what it takes to get a better finance deal.

Carlo Ponturo

Finance Consultant

An accomplished finance professional offering clients a depth of knowledge gained from more than a decade in the banking and finance industry.

Dimitri Grespos

Finance Consultant

Dimitri Grespos’ award-winning career in banking and finance spans three decades specialising in private, corporate, and commercial sectors.

Hamish George

Finance Consultant

An accomplished finance professional who provides the individualised care and confidentiality of a private banking experience, without the added expense.

James Blackshaw

Private Banking Consultant

With almost 30 years’ banking and finance industry experience to his credit, James Blackshaw knows what it takes to negotiate a better outcome on your behalf.

James Kelder

Finance Consultant

One of Australia's most in-demand commercial finance brokers and awardee of Best Finance Broker 2024 (Better Business Awards), James specialises in commercial property investment and development finance.

Jesse Crofts

Finance Consultant

An ex-banker and established broker who can offer you the best of both worlds – insider’s knowledge, real choice and fast answers.

Karen Donato

Finance Consultant - CAIRNS

With access to over 60 lenders and hundreds of home loan products I can provide you with the choice you need to negotiate a better deal on your home, investment, or business loans. Currently assisting clients based in Edge Hill, Edmonton, Bayview, Earlville, Cairns City and surrounding suburbs.

Lance King

Finance Consultant

Lance King is an award-winning private banker turned finance broker, with a reputation for expertly managing complex financial portfolios for high-net-worth individuals, families and business owners.

Nathan Baumgart

Finance Consultant

Whether you are a first homebuyer, an experienced property investor, wishing to renovate or upgrade, or you simply want to save money on your existing mortgage, Nathan has the lending knowledge and experience to help you find savings with a better home, car or personal loan.

Paul Steele

Finance Consultant

Whether you need a home or investment loan, Paul is an award-winning finance broker with the experience and knowledge to help you save money off your home finance.

Will Dalton

Finance Consultant, BBus(Finance)

A home loan expert who knows what it takes to find you a better finance deal.

Richard Nicol

Finance Consultant

An ex-banker and lending specialist who is on your side and can provide the cost and time-saving advantages of established banking relationships, proven lending knowledge, a choice of funding solutions and fast answers.

Rodney Weir

Finance Consultant - CAIRNS

Rod Weir has dedicated his career to helping homebuyers and business owners to save money with a better finance deal.

Richard Smith

Finance Consultant - CAIRNS

A business finance professional with extensive experience in all aspects of commercial funding, equipment finance and home loan lending.

Terri Johnson

Mortgage Broker - ROCKHAMPTON

A home loan and investment loan specialist who offers experience and knowledge gained from a career spanning almost three decades in banking and finance.

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