Sole traders
Tradies, consultants and small operators earning through their own ABN.
FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
Self-employed home loans.
Your income doesn’t fit a payslip.
Your loan doesn’t have to.
Lenders built around PAYG income can struggle with irregular earnings, add-backs and company or trust structures. We know which lenders look at business owners differently, and how to present your financials, with full-doc and alt-doc options compared across our panel. Personal guidance from Ausfirst Lending Group in Caloundra, Brisbane and across Queensland.
Excellent · 35 Google reviews
Built for business owners.Not a standard bank box.
ABNholders
welcome.
welcome.
40+Lenders on our panel
30+ yearsRichard’s broking experience
$0Broker fee for home loans
Local careQueensland-wide
WHO WE HELP
Every kind of
business owner.
Being self-employed means your finances rarely look the same two years running. We help lenders see a viable business and a reliable income, whatever your structure.
Companies and trusts
Directors and beneficiaries with income flowing through business structures.
Contractors and freelancers
Variable or project-based income that doesn’t fit a standard assessment.
Been told no by your bank? One lender’s policy isn’t the whole market. Different lenders assess business income very differently.
Start with a free chatPROVING YOUR INCOME
More than one way
to show what you earn.
The right lender and documentation path depend on how long you’ve traded and how up to date your tax returns are.
Full-doc
Tax returns and ATO notices of assessment, usually for the last two years. Often the sharpest rates.
Alt-doc (low doc)
BAS, business bank statements or an accountant’s letter when returns aren’t current.
Add-backs
Depreciation, extra super and one-off costs can often be added back to your income.
Newer ABNs
Some lenders consider one year of trading, especially in the same industry.
A QUICK COMPARISON
Self-employed vs PAYG?
| What lenders look at | PAYG | Self-employed |
|---|---|---|
| Income proof | Payslips | Tax returns, financials, BAS |
| History | Current job | Often 2 years, sometimes 1 |
| Rates | Standard | Similar full-doc; higher alt-doc |
| Approval | Usually quicker | Often more checks |
LMI depends on your LVR, not how you’re paid. Lender policies vary.
Compare my optionsKNOW YOUR NUMBERS
What income could
a lender use?
Many lenders average your last two years. If income has risen, some use the more recent year. If it has fallen, most use the lower figure.
Add-backs can lift the figure, so we work through your financials with you and your accountant.
- Net profit for the last two years
- Eligible add-backs
- How long you’ve traded
- The lender’s averaging policy
YOUR INCOME, AT A GLANCE
How might lenders view it?
$0$500k
Conservative income figure$125,000
If latest year used$135,000
Likely pathFull-doc lenders
Illustration only, not a borrowing assessment. Add-backs accepted and averaging rules vary by lender. Company and trust income is assessed differently. Confirm figures with your accountant.
Check my actual optionsPLAN AHEAD
Your tax return is
your loan application.
Minimising taxable income lowers your tax, but it also lowers what lenders see. If you’re planning to buy, talk to us and your accountant before you lodge.
BUSINESS FINANCIALS
Show a viable business.
Lenders want to see consistent income, manageable business debts and a business that’s still trading strongly. Up-to-date BAS and financials make that easier.
Personal and business debts are both assessed, including partnerships, equipment finance and ATO payment plans.
Income through structures
Lenders may use your wage, director’s fees, trust distributions and retained company profits. We present the full picture.
When returns aren’t current
Alt-doc loans rely on BAS or an accountant’s letter. They often carry higher rates and lower maximum LVRs, and may need LMI.
Lender policies on add-backs, trading history and alt-doc lending vary and can change.
Let’s check what lenders will see. We’ll review your financials and match lenders to how your business earns.
Check my next stepsDOCUMENTS TO PREPARE
What lenders usually
ask business owners for.
Exact requirements depend on the lender and documentation path.
Returns and ATO notices
Personal and business tax returns and notices of assessment, often two years.
Business financials
Profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
BAS and statements
Recent BAS and business bank statements, especially for alt-doc.
ABN and GST
Proof of how long you’ve traded and been GST-registered.
YOUR LOAN OPTIONS
Loans that work
with business cash flow.
The right features can smooth out lumpy income and keep your money working.
Full-doc loans
Standard rates when your returns are current.
Alt-doc loans
Options when returns are behind or income has grown.
Offset accounts
Park tax provisions and income to reduce interest.
Fixed, variable or split
Balance steady repayments with flexibility.
A self-employed tradie? See loan options built around contractor income.
Explore tradie home loansFROM FIRST CHAT TO SETTLEMENT
Six steps.
One broker beside you.
Richard personally oversees self-employed applications, so you’re not passed between departments.
UNDERSTAND
Talk through your business
By phone, Zoom or in person. Your structure, income and goals.
GATHER
Review your financials
Tax returns, financials and BAS, with your accountant if needed.
ANALYSE & PLAN
Choose the right path
Full-doc or alt-doc, and the lenders whose policies fit your income.
APPLY
Present your application
We present your business clearly so the lender sees the full picture.
FINALISE
Approve and settle
We manage settlement and keep you informed.
SUPPORT
Review as you grow
As your financials improve, we review your rate and options.
Richard LukeFounder · Ausfirst Lending Group
WHAT MAKES AUSFIRST DIFFERENT
You’re not a file number.
You’re a business owner.
You’re looked after by someone who treats your financial success as his own.
When you choose Ausfirst, you deal directly with Richard, the founder, who brings over 30 years of hands-on lending experience across Queensland.
He understands that being self-employed means your finances don’t always fit a standard bank box. Whether you need an alt-doc loan, have complex tax structures or want to maximise your borrowing power, you get tailored advice and a smooth application.
Direct access to RichardComplex structures welcome2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards finalist
HTalk to a broker
More about RichardWHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
Good people.
Great support.
ExcellentBased on 35 Google reviews
Google review
“I would describe Richard and Ausfirst Lending as friendly, insightful, prompt and diligent. A pleasure to deal with.”
Google review
“Thanks to Richard and Debbie and the team at Ausfirst Lending… They are the gurus of self employed loans. I highly recommend their services.”
Google review
“I received very prompt responses to all of my questions and the team ensured that my application was processed in a timely manner. The service was brilliant!”
Excerpts from client reviews displayed on Ausfirst’s website. These reflect individual experiences.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
Self-employed loans.
Real questions.
The questions business owners ask most. Every business is different, so we’re happy to talk through the detail.
Ask about my situationHow long do I need to be self-employed?
Most lenders want two years of trading, but some consider one year, particularly if you worked in the same industry before.
Can I get a loan with only one year’s tax return?
Possibly. Some lenders accept one year of financials, sometimes with extra documents like BAS or an accountant’s letter.
What is an alt-doc or low doc loan?
A loan that verifies income with BAS, bank statements or an accountant’s declaration instead of full tax returns. Rates are usually higher and LVRs lower.
Will I pay a higher interest rate?
Not necessarily. With full documentation, self-employed borrowers can access the same rates as PAYG borrowers. Alt-doc loans usually cost more.
What are add-backs?
Non-cash or one-off expenses, like depreciation, extra super contributions or interest on loans being refinanced, that lenders may add back to your income.
Should my accountant be involved?
Yes, ideally. Your accountant can confirm add-backs and help time lodgements, and some lenders need an accountant’s letter.
GET STARTED TODAY
Your business works hard.
Your loan should too.
Tell us about your business and what you’d like to buy. We’ll look at your financials and the lenders that suit how you earn.
Full-doc and alt-doc options compared
Add-backs and structures worked through
Direct access to Richard
Visit us in Caloundra
Suite 3/74 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551
Monday–Friday, 9 am–5 pm
YOUR FREE CHAT
Tell us about your business.
Send our team a little about your plans.
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