What is Obtain Finance?

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Can self-employed borrowers get a home loan?

Yes. Self-employed borrowers can obtain home loans in Australia. Lenders may assess income using tax returns, business financials, BAS, accountant information or bank statements, depending on the lender and application type. The way income is assessed can differ from a standard PAYG application.

Do I need two years of tax returns?

Not always. Some lenders prefer two years of trading history and tax returns, but others may consider shorter trading periods or alternative income verification. Lender policy varies. We help check which lenders may suit your trading history and available documents.

What if my taxable income is low?

A lower taxable income does not automatically disqualify you. Some lenders may add back legitimate business expenses or use alternative income assessment methods. However, borrowing capacity is still subject to lender serviceability calculations and responsible lending obligations.

What if my bank already said no?

A decline from one lender does not always mean you cannot borrow. Different lenders have different policies around self-employed income, trading history and acceptable documentation. We can review what may have caused the decline and whether another lender could assess it differently.

Can I refinance while self-employed?

Yes, self-employed borrowers can refinance. Refinancing depends on your current financial position, income verification, property valuation and lender serviceability calculations. Borrowing capacity may have changed since your original loan, so it is worth checking what is realistic before applying.

Self-employed home loans

Self-employed and trying to get a home loan?

Banks do not always assess business income the way borrowers expect. Obtain Finance helps sole traders, contractors and business owners understand what income and lender-policy questions may need review before applying.

Talk to a broker first →

Check My Borrowing Position

Tell us about your situation and we'll help identify what may matter to lenders.

General information only — not personal financial advice. Subject to lender criteria. Disclaimer.

Self-employed borrowers can get home loans in Australia, but lenders may assess income using tax returns, business financials, BAS, accountant information, bank statements or other documents depending on the lender and application type.

Who this helps

Sole traders and contractors

Company directors and small business owners

Tradies with ABN income

Borrowers with lower taxable income

Borrowers with recent business changes

Borrowers who have already spoken to a bank and feel stuck

Why lenders assess self-employed income differently

Taxable income, add-backs, business structure, trading history, debts, consistency of income and available documents can all affect how a lender assesses a self-employed application. Different lenders may apply different policies to the same set of financials.

This means that what one lender sees as a decline, another may assess differently — but it also means preparation and documentation matter.

What we may review

Personal tax returns

Business tax returns

Notices of assessment

Business financials

BAS statements

Business bank statements

Accountant information

Existing debts

Deposit or equity position

Loan purpose

How Obtain Finance helps

We look at the whole situation, not just a rate quote.
We help identify what information may matter to lenders.
We help check lender policy fit before you apply.
We help avoid wasting time with lenders that may not suit your scenario.
We explain the next practical step — whether that is gathering documents, checking capacity, or speaking to a specific lender.

Frequently asked questions

Not sure what lenders will use as your income?

Request a borrowing position check — we'll help you understand what may matter before you apply.

General information only. This page does not provide legal, tax, financial or credit advice. It is not a loan approval, pre-approval, quote, recommendation or offer of credit. Borrowing capacity, loan suitability and approval are subject to full assessment, lender credit criteria, verification of your information, responsible lending obligations, property valuation and product availability. Obtain Finance does not compare every lender or product in the market. Eligibility for government grants, concessions and schemes depends on current government rules and your circumstances — always confirm eligibility with Revenue NSW or an appropriate professional.

Michael Short is a Credit Representative (468493) of an Australian Credit Licence holder (ACL 389328).