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Lodestar Finance

Self Employed Home Loans

Self Employed Home Loans Australia: Compare 60+ Lenders Built for Business Owners

We’ll help you get a fair read on your income, because standard payslip based lending was never built for how you actually get paid.

Lodestar Finance compares self employed home loans Australia wide from 60+ lenders, including full doc, low doc, and alt doc options for sole traders, contractors, and business owners.

60+

Lenders

Lodestar Finance Pty Ltd  ·  Credit Representative (CRN 571879) of Purple Circle FS  ·  Australian Credit Licence 486112  ·  60+ Lenders Compared

Lenders
5 +
Transparency
9 %
Clients Served
10 +

How Self Employed Home Loans Work in Australia

Self employed lending is common, but every lender assesses it a little differently. Here is what typically matters:

Your Business Structure

Whether you're a sole trader, a company director, or trade through a trust changes which documents lenders want and how they assess your income.

Your Trading History

Most lenders prefer two years of trading history, though some will consider your application after one year if you have prior experience in the same industry.

Documentation You Provide

Full doc, low doc, or alt doc, the paperwork you can supply shapes which lenders will consider you and at what rate.

Your True Income vs Your Taxable Income

Legitimate business deductions can reduce your taxable income below what your business actually earns. We identify add backs that some lenders will factor back into your assessed income.

Our Lenders

Why a Broker, Not Just a Bank

Since 2021, brokers in Australia are legally required to act in your best interests when recommending credit, a legal obligation known as the Best Interests Duty. Banks have no equivalent obligation, they only have to offer you their own products, and many take a conservative view of self employed income.

 

With access to 60+ lenders, including specialist non bank lenders with more flexible self employed policies, we can find a lender who reads your income the way your business actually earns it.

Who's Eligible for a Self Employed Home Loan?

  • Hold an active ABN as a sole trader, contractor, or business owner
  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Show proof of income through tax returns, BAS statements, or an accountant’s declaration
  • Have at least one to two years of trading history, depending on the lender
  • Have a reasonable credit history with no unresolved defaults
  • Meet the lender’s deposit requirements for your chosen documentation type

What Can You Use a Self Employed Home Loan For?

Self employed home loans can be used to purchase an owner occupied home, an investment property, or to refinance an existing loan onto terms that better reflect your current income. Lodestar Finance will confirm which documentation path fits your situation before recommending a lender.

CALCULATORS

Get a Real Number in Under a Minute

Curious what you could borrow, or what your repayments might look like? Try one of our free calculators, no signup required.

With Lodestar Finance

You don’t have to figure it out alone! We'll help you with:

Assess Your True Income

We review your tax returns, BAS statements, and business bank statements to build the strongest possible picture of your serviceability.

Compare the Market

Not every lender treats self employed income the same way. We compare across our panel and connect you with the ones that actually suit your situation.

Handle the Paperwork

Applications, accountant declarations, business financials, we manage the details so you can stay focused on running your business.

Guide You to Settlement

From the first chat to the day your loan settles, you will have real experts explaining your options in plain language.

Testimonials

Amazing Reviews From Our Clients

Jake Wilson

Went through Lodestar Finance for my home loan and it was honestly a really good experience. No pressure, no confusion. They just explained things properly and got it done. Would use them again.

Lauren McKay

I was expecting the whole loan process to be a headache, but it wasn’t. Lovepreet handled most of it and kept checking in so I knew where things were at. Made life a lot easier.

Tom Reynolds

Everything was pretty straightforward and communication was solid the whole way through. Saved me money too, so no complaints.

Gurpreet Singh

As a first home buyer I had no idea what I was doing. The team at Lodestar were patient and answered all my questions without making me feel silly. Really appreciate that.

Chloe Bennett

Really easy to deal with and super responsive. If I had a question, they got back to me quickly. Didn’t feel stressed at any point, which says a lot.

Rohan Patel

The process was smooth from start to finish. Nothing dragged on and everything was explained clearly. Overall just a solid, reliable experience.

Self Employed Loan Types You Can Choose From

Full Doc Home Loan

Uses your tax returns and financial statements as standard proof of income.

Low Doc Home Loan

Accepts alternative evidence, such as BAS statements or an accountant's declaration.

Alt Doc Home Loan

Uses business bank statements to verify cash flow when full documentation isn't available.

Sole Trader Home Loan

Structured around ABN income and individual tax returns.

Company Director Home Loan

Assessed using company financials alongside your personal income.

Contractor Home Loan

Built for fluctuating or project based income without a fixed salary.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most major banks and specialist lenders offer self employed home loans, typically requiring two years of trading history, though some will consider newer businesses with relevant industry experience.

A full doc loan uses your tax returns and financial statements as standard proof of income. A low doc loan accepts alternative evidence, such as BAS statements, when full documentation isn't available. Alt doc sits between the two, often using business bank statements to verify cash flow.

Lenders assess your taxable income, which is often reduced by legitimate business deductions. We can identify add backs, such as depreciation, that some lenders will factor back into your assessed income.

Most lenders prefer two years of trading history. Some will still consider your application after one year if you have prior experience in the same industry.

Not always on full doc loans, where pricing is generally comparable to PAYG borrowers with a similar risk profile. Low doc and alt doc loans typically carry a modest rate premium reflecting the reduced documentation.

It can. Lenders assess income differently depending on your business structure, and some require additional documentation such as company financials or trust deeds. We'll confirm exactly what's needed based on how your business is structured.

Yes, many self employed borrowers refinance once they have stronger financials or additional years of tax returns to show, which can unlock better rates and a wider choice of lenders.

Banks only show their own products, and only have to offer what is in their own range. As a broker, we are legally required under the Best Interests Duty to prioritise your interests, we compare many lenders, explain the fine print, and manage the process end to end.

This page is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. Lodestar Finance Pty Ltd is a Credit Representative (CRN 571879) of Purple Circle Financial Services Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence 486112.

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