The self-employed guide to home loans

More and more Australians are turning to self-employment for the flexibility and freedom it can offer. Whether you run a small business, freelance or just work for yourself – earning your own income and working your own hours can be hugely rewarding.

While self-employment has many benefits – it can sometimes create challenges when it comes to applying for a loan and proving your income.

While many big banks shy away from self-employed borrowers, specialty lenders work to understand the whole picture and find flexible finance tailored to you.

What is a self-employed home loan?

If you’re a small business owner, contractor, seasonal worker or freelancer – your situation might look a little different to that of a standard borrower. So, if you need finance – you might need a loan tailored just to you.

Many lenders won’t consider these types of borrowers, either because their business is new or they don’t have traditional types of income documentation. Traditional lenders might require the last two years’ audited personal and business tax returns to confirm income, but for a self-employed borrower – this might not be readily accessible.

Specialty lenders, on the other hand, are flexible and find ways to verify unique financial situations. They will work with you to find alternative documentation in order to assess your ability to repay the loan.

So, whether you have unconventional income, a small deposit or just need flexible ways to expand your business – there may still be finance solutions available to you.

Step 5: Find your home

This is the fun part! Work with a real estate agent to find your home or investment property that fits your budget, preferences, and long-term goals.

Step 6: Wait for final approval

Once you’ve found the house, your broker or adviser will submit your loan application for formal approval. Then, your lender will arrange to conduct a valuation on the property to ensure it is acceptable security for the loan.

Step 7: Signed, sealed, delivered

You’re almost there! You’ll need to sign your final loan documents to accept the offer and provide any further documentation the lender has asked for. You may also need to get other loan holders, guarantors, or trustees to sign these too. Once the lender is happy with all the documents, they will make the loan proceeds available for you to buy your home.

What are normal loan requirements for self-employed people?

Each lender has different requirements and policies when it comes to lending to self-employed borrowers. Big banks or traditional lenders typically want to see:

• Proof of self-employment across the last two years

• At least two years of tax returns, including the most recent year

• Accompanying financial statements, including profit and loss and balance sheets

• All your documentation lodged with the ATO

Specialty lenders or non-banks understand that self-employed borrowers can’t always meet these rigid requirements. They are generally much more flexible when it comes to the documents they accept from self-employed home loan applicants.

For example, if you’ve only been self-employed for a year (or in some cases, less), you may still be able to get approval if your business bank account or activity statements show strong turnover. The same can apply if your personal bank statements show sufficiently high cash deposits.

This is especially true if you are now self-employed but can show steady income over a longer period at a previous employer in the same industry. And, if you don’t have current tax returns, some lenders may accept a letter from your accountant confirming your current income levels.

What are the best loans if I'm self-employed?

If you’re self-employed, the most suitable home loans are likely to come from a specialty lender who can better understand your individual circumstances. They can offer a broader range of finance solutions, combined with a competitive interest rate and flexible loan features.

Many traditional banks will require extensive documentation going back at least two years. No matter which lender you decide to go with, it’s important to be upfront and honest about your financial situation and choose a lender who is willing to work with you.

It’s always best to be selective about the lender you decide to apply with and understand how likely they are to approve you beforehand. Every home loan application you submit has the potential to impact your overall credit score, so it’s important to get it right the first time. Also, some lenders will more readily provide ongoing financing support compared to traditional banks.

Do I need a broker to get a home loan if I’m self-employed?

For self-employed borrowers, the first thing to do is to talk with your financial advisor or accountant. They can help to ensure that a loan will fit into your budget and into your long-term financial strategy.

When it comes to finding the right loan, a broker or loan adviser is best equipped to help you navigate the application process. With expert knowledge about lenders, products, grants and schemes – a Liberty Adviser can take the hard work out of looking at your options and get you to yes sooner.