Self Employed Home Loans Australia: Low Doc, Full Doc & Alt Doc Options
Last Updated: 6 March 2026
As a self-employed professional, contractor, or business owner in Australia, you can access tailored home loans with flexible proof options – low doc, full doc, or alt doc. Professional Home Loans helps secure approvals with up to 95% LVR, minimal paperwork, and no genuine savings required, saving you time and fees.
2026 Update: Lenders like NAB and Pepper Money have streamlined low/alt doc rules, allowing approvals with just 6 months ABN and BAS for 80-90% LVR. Perfect for variable income amid stable markets.
What Are Self Employed Home Loans?
Self employed home loans cater to business owners, freelancers, and contractors whose income doesn’t fit traditional PAYG models. Lenders assess via business docs, allowing approvals where standard banks fail.
Who Qualifies?
- Sole traders & freelancers
- Company directors & partners
- Contractors (IT, trades, consulting)
- Commission earners (real estate, sales)
- Practice owners (dentists, accountants)
Full Doc vs Low Doc vs Alt Doc – Complete Comparison
Choose based on your docs and needs:
- Full Doc Loans: Use 1-2 years tax returns/P&L (some lenders like CBA, ANZ, AFG Retro accept one year) for up to 95% LVR and lowest rates; suits established businesses.
- Low Doc Loans: Minimal proof (BAS, accountant letter) for 80-90% LVR; faster for new ventures.
- Alt Doc Loans: Bank statements/invoices for variable income; up to 85% LVR, no tax returns.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Full Doc | Low Doc | Alt Doc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max LVR | 95% | 90% | 85% |
| Docs Needed | 1-2 yrs tax returns, P&L | BAS, accountant letter | Bank statements, invoices |
| Approval Time | 10-14 days | 5-7 days | 7-10 days |
| Rates | Lowest (5.99%) | Slightly higher (6.25%) | Moderate (6.40%) |
| Best For | Established businesses | New self-employed | Variable/freelance income |
How Much Can Self Employed Borrow?
Lenders use 5-7x net income minus debts. Add-backs (depreciation, interest) boost capacity.
Borrowing Examples:
- $80k net income: $400k–$560k
- $120k net income: $600k–$840k
Factors Boosting Power: Larger deposit, low debts, 2+ years trading.
H2: Requirements Checklist
- ABN 6-24 months
- Income proof (tax/BAS/letter/statements)
- Bank statements 3-6 months
- ID & address proof
- Clean credit
- Optional: Accountant verification
Step-by-Step Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Consultation: Discuss income/docs.
- Application: Submit basics.
- Assessment: Lender reviews (5-14 days).
- Pre-Approval: Conditional OK.
- Valuation: Property check.
- Full Approval: Unconditional.
- Settlement: Funds transfer.
Timeline: 2-6 weeks.
Why Choose Professional Home Loans for Self Employed
- Self-employed experts: Access low/alt doc panels others can’t.
- 95% approval rate; $20k avg saved
- Australia-wide virtual service
- No fees
Free 30-Minute Finance Strategy Session For Professionals
Let us help guide you through the Home loan process.
About the Author: Tom Luu
Tom Luu is a specialist mortgage broker and the founder of Professional Home Loans. With over 9 years of experience in the Australian mortgage industry, Tom specializes in complex lending scenarios, particularly for medical professionals, expats, and temporary visa holders. He is dedicated to helping clients navigate the nuances of Australian credit policies to secure the best possible financial outcomes.
Experience: 9+ Years in Mortgage Broking
Credentials: Credit Representative Number 486574
Expertise: Visa Home Loans, Professional LMI Waivers, and Expat Finance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Self Employed Home Loans
Can self employed get home loans without tax returns?
Yes – low doc or alt doc options use BAS, accountant letters, or bank statements instead.
What is low doc vs alt doc?
Low doc: BAS/letter for 90% LVR. Alt doc: Statements/invoices for flexible proof.
How long for self employed approval?
5-14 days depending on doc type; pre-approval in 24 hours.
Minimum trading time for self employed loans?
6 months ABN for low/alt doc; 2 years for full doc best rates.
Can self employed get investment loans?
Yes – up to 90% LVR; bundle with business finance.
What rates for self employed mortgages?
From 5.99% (full doc); 6.25% (low doc) due to risk.
How do lenders assess self employed income?
Net profit with add-backs; 5-7x multiplier minus debts.
Can visa holder self employed qualify?
Yes – with 20% deposits and stable business.
Do self employed need genuine savings?
No – gifts or equity accepted.
Getting a home loan was really simple with Professional Home Loans.
“We went overseas during settlement and it was not a problem for them, everything went smoothly and I’m writing this from my new home! “
Jack Clancy
– Physio
Michael succeeded where other brokers couldn’t due to my subclass 461 visa. Clear and prompt comms from start to finish and fantastic service.
Thanks Michael 🥳
Alex S
Being In the Navy and away from home a lot I found it hard to find time to sought my loan out with the bank but working with Tom I found the process really easy and in the future when it’s time to go for another loan I will being looking up Tom again to use his expertise.
Anthony
Working with Michael as our mortgage broker was an absolute pleasure. He was extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we received the best mortgage for our needs. Michael’s communication was exceptional, keeping us informed and updated throughout the entire process. He made what can be a stressful time, a breeze.
With me being on a visa, I was told it was impossible for my partner and I to get a loan. Michael came in and told us he would be able to get our loan approved despite my visa status and safe to say he did not disappoint!
We highly recommend Michael for anyone in need of a mortgage broker. Thank you, Michael!
Komal
After having two other brokers tell us that we had to be in Australia with proof of payslips to buy a house, we had lost hope of buying from NZ before moving over. Thankfully we found Professional Home Loans online! Michael has been amazing from start to finish. His replies to my emails were always prompt and he managed to sort an issue with our paperwork before settlement. We are very grateful for Michael’s hard work. Without it we likely would have given up on our dream of moving to WA as it would have been tricky getting a rental with pets, especially during a rental crisis.
Melanie Downers
Tom has been absolutely amazing. From day 1 Tom was so clear and honest about everything. We got a land loan and then a construction loan. Tom assisted us all the way through and answered every question we had fast. Tom made the entire process painless and easier than I expected. I was also surprised to get a better interest rate than I expected. Absolutely 10/10. Highly recommend
Michael Harris
Michael is the best broker out there. Besides his credit knowledge, he was also very attentive to his clients. He makes sure that all our questions are answered and is always looking after you. Responses within minutes too if you ever reach out. People always talk about how stressful it is to apply for a home loan. As a temporary resident in Australia, Michael made the application process the easiest thing we have ever done. Fun fact! I was so amused when Michael was guiding our solicitor during the process, that’s how skilled and knowledgeable he is about his clients’ background and what they’re entitled to when it comes to purchasing a property. Thank you Michael and Professional Home Loans for the best experience!
Nicoleen Pitargue
We had a very complex mortgage transaction to negotiate as we live overseas and did not have the 20% deposit. However, Michael Nguyen from MAP was instrumental in helping us purchase our first home. We would genuinely recommend Michael to anyone looking to purchase a house. Thanks Michael.
Robert Smith