From the big four banks to the specialist lenders who understand self-employed income
Being turned down by your bank doesn’t mean you can’t borrow
Banks often assess self-employed applicants with a one-size-fits-all checklist. Lender policies vary widely, and the right lender can look at your situation very differently.
“Your taxable income is too low”
Your accountant minimises tax, so the bank sees a small number. Some lenders add back depreciation, interest, super contributions and one-off expenses to show your true earning power.
“You need two years of tax returns”
Not with every lender. Some will assess one year of financials, and others will consider your ABN history together with your experience in the same industry.
“Your latest tax return isn’t lodged yet”
Low-doc loans can use BAS statements, business bank statements or an accountant’s declaration instead, so you don’t have to wait.
“Your income varies too much”
Contractors and seasonal businesses have uneven months. We’ll find a lender that looks at your income over the right period, not just your worst quarter.
We regularly help
Sole traders, company directors, contractors, tradies, health and professional practices, and business owners trading through partnerships and trusts. However you earn your income, we know the lenders who understand it.
Not sure which fits?
In a free 15-minute call, we’ll tell you which lenders and loan types suit your business.
How we get self-employed loans approved
Five steps from your first call to settlement, and support for as long as you have the loan.
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Step 1
Free first chat
A free 15-minute call to learn about your business, how you’re paid and what you want to achieve. We’ll tell you honestly where you stand and what’s possible.
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Step 2
Financials review
We go through your tax returns, financials or BAS, working with your accountant if needed, and work out your assessable income, including the add-backs lenders will accept.
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Step 3
Lender match
We compare lender policies for your business type, trading history and income, then show you the options that suit you best, with the trade-offs explained in plain English.
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Step 4
Application
We put together an application that tells your story clearly, lodge it, and handle the lender’s questions for you all the way to approval.
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Step 5
Settlement and after
We coordinate settlement with your conveyancer or solicitor, then review your loan as your business grows so you’re never stuck on the wrong rate.
- Get started
Ways self-employed borrowers can qualify
The right option depends on how long you’ve been trading, how your business is structured and which documents you have ready.
Full-doc loans with add-backs
Standard rates using your tax returns, with legitimate add-backs to increase your assessable income.
Self-employed home loans →Low-doc loans
Use BAS, business bank statements or an accountant’s letter instead of tax returns.
Low-doc loans →Refinancing and ATO debt
Consolidate business or tax debts into your home loan, or move to a lower rate now your business is established.
Self-employed refinancing →Commercial and SMSF loans
Buy your business premises, or invest in property through your self-managed super fund.
Commercial & SMSF loans →What documents will I need?
Every lender is different, but this is what most will ask a self-employed borrower for. We’ll give you an exact list once we know which lender suits you.
Full-doc loan
Low-doc loan
The self-employed home loan checklist
Every document, add-back and lender question in one page, so your application is ready the first time.
About Clio Financial
Clio Financial is a Sydney-based mortgage brokerage helping individuals, property investors and business owners achieve their property goals. Specialising in self-employed lending, we take a strategic approach to understanding your financial position and navigating the complexities of business income and lending criteria.
Recognised among Australia’s fastest-growing mortgage brokerages in 2025 and 2026, we’re committed to delivering personalised advice and lending solutions that support your long-term financial success.
Our vision
Helping everyday Australians build wealth through property, with a personalised client experience.
Our mission
Exceptional care through every step of buying a home, and regular check-ins after settlement to make sure your loan still suits your changing needs.
Our Values
Trustworthy
Transparent, honest and accountable in everything we recommend.
Client-focused
We learn your business and goals before we look for a loan.
Clear communication
You’ll know where your loan stands, before and after settlement.
Compliant
Up to date with credit policy, compliance standards and the economy.
Meet your broker
Sam Giardina
Founder and mortgage broker
Pairing a passion for the property industry and helping people achieve their goals – Sam is someone who strives to go over and above for his clients.
Sam understands that the world of lending can be a complex and confusing environment, full of industry jargon and complicating terms that can often deter a lot of people away. It is important to have someone in your corner that can cut through the complexities, and ensure you are getting the right message and correct advice.
What our clients say
5.0from 43 Google reviews
Sam is a professional and easy-going broker who clearly communicates throughout the loan process and patiently answers all questions. I brought him a fairly specific set of requirements involving a bridging loan plus offset, and he was able to find a solution. I feel he is also someone with integrity who is invested in achieving a sensible, sustainable loan outcome for his clients instead of just maximising his personal gain from the transaction, I would definitely go back to him with any future loan enquiries.
Sam has been more than helpful guiding me and my wife through the journeys of re financing. He’s very clear when he comes to explains things we need to do and gives us advice to benefit us. Highly recommend Sam and his team.
As first home buyers, Sam was extremely patient and non-judgemental with all our questions, and made sure we understood absolutely everything. Sam was always available whenever we needed anything, kept us in the loop more than our solicitor did, and went above and beyond for us throughout the whole process. I honestly cannot recommend Clio Financial enough!!
Not self-employed? We can still help
Can I get a home loan if I’m self-employed?
Yes. Being self-employed doesn’t stop you getting a home loan, but lenders need different evidence of your income. Most borrowers use a standard full-doc loan backed by tax returns, and those who can’t yet use a low-doc loan instead. The right lender depends on how long you’ve traded, how your business is set up and which documents you have ready.
How do lenders assess self-employed income?
Lenders start with the taxable income on your tax returns and Notices of Assessment, usually for the last one or two years. Many then add back expenses that don’t affect your ability to repay, such as depreciation, interest on debts being paid out and extra super contributions. These are called add-backs, and each lender treats them differently. Read our full guide to how lenders assess self-employed income →
How long do I need to be self-employed to get a home loan?
Two years of tax returns is the standard, but it isn’t the only option. Several lenders will consider one year of returns, and specialist lenders may consider less if you’ve worked in the same industry before. See your options if you’ve been self-employed less than two years →
What is a low-doc home loan, and who is it for?
A low-doc loan verifies your income with BAS, business bank statements or an accountant’s declaration instead of recent tax returns. It suits established business owners whose returns aren’t lodged yet, or whose taxable income understates what they earn. Expect a larger deposit and a higher rate than a standard loan. Read our low-doc home loans guide →
Are interest rates higher for self-employed borrowers?
Not necessarily. If you can provide tax returns and qualify for a standard full-doc loan, you can generally access the same rates as an employee. Rates are usually higher for low-doc and specialist loans, where the lender relies on less formal evidence of income. Once your returns are lodged, refinancing to a full-doc loan may lower your rate.
Can I use my company’s profits to borrow more?
Sometimes. If you’re a company director, lenders always count the wages the company pays you. Some lenders will also consider your share of the company’s profit, as long as you own and control the business and the full company financials support it. Policies vary a lot, so this is one of the areas where choosing the right lender makes the biggest difference.
Do lenders accept trust distributions as income?
Yes, distributions you actually receive from a family or business trust can usually be counted, and they should appear on your personal tax return. Some lenders also want a history of distributions, may reduce the figure they use, or will look at profit left in the trust if you control it. Income distributed to other family members generally can’t be counted as yours.
Can I get a home loan if I have an ATO debt or payment plan?
It depends on the size of the debt and how you’re managing it. A debt on an ATO payment plan that you’re keeping up with is viewed far more favourably than an overdue one. Some lenders will also let you roll tax debt into your home loan. We’ll look at your ATO statement and tell you where you stand in your first call.
Can self-employed professionals avoid lenders mortgage insurance?
Possibly. Some lenders waive lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) for eligible professionals, including many doctors, dentists and allied health practitioners, and sometimes accountants and lawyers, even with a deposit below 20%. Eligibility depends on your profession, registration and income, and the rules differ between lenders.
What does it cost to use Clio Financial?
Our service is free for most home loans. Lenders pay us a commission when your loan settles, and we disclose it in full in our Credit Guide and Credit Proposal before you proceed.
Guides for self-employed borrowers
Turned down by the bank? Let’s talk.
Book a free 15-minute self-employed loan review with Sam. No cost, no obligation.