Income structure
Salary, drawings, distributions and retained business profit may be treated differently between lenders.
Home Loans for Business Owners
Your business income has a story. Your lender should know how to read it.
Practical home-loan guidance for self-employed borrowers whose income may be structured through a sole trade, company, trust or partnership.
Access to 50+ lendersBusiness financials reviewedPolicy-aligned lender comparison
Why assessment can be different
Self-employed does not mean one-size-fits-all.
A self-employed home loan is not a separate type of mortgage. The difference is often how a lender assesses income, business performance and supporting evidence.
Trading history
The length of time you have been self-employed and the consistency of income can affect lender options.
Business performance
Revenue, profitability, trends and existing business liabilities may form part of the assessment.
Lender policy
Each lender can interpret financial documents and acceptable income evidence differently.
Documents and evidence
Prepare the information that helps explain your position.
The exact documents depend on your structure, lender and application. Reviewing them early can help identify gaps before an application is submitted.
Not every borrower will need every document shown. Requirements, acceptable verification methods and assessment outcomes depend on lender policy and individual circumstances.
✓Tax returnsPersonal and business returns relevant to the applicant and entity structure.
✓Financial statementsProfit and loss, balance sheet and supporting accounting information.
✓BAS or bank statementsRecent trading evidence where it is relevant to the lender’s process.
✓Business liabilitiesLoans, leases, credit facilities and other commitments connected to the business.
✓Deposit and savingsAvailable funds, savings history and the intended property purchase costs.
✓Entity detailsABN, company, trust or partnership details and length of trading history.
How LNO Mortgages helps
Turn complex financials into a clearer lending pathway.
The process begins with understanding how your income is generated and which lender policies may align with that structure.
Understand the structure
Discuss your business, ownership, income flow, property goals and proposed borrowing.
Review the financials
Assess relevant income evidence, liabilities, deposit position and financial trends.
Compare policies
Consider suitable lenders whose assessment approach may fit the circumstances.
Prepare the application
Explain the documents and progress the agreed lending strategy through assessment.
Who we can assist
Different businesses. Different income stories.
Self-employed borrowers may operate and pay themselves in many ways. The assessment should reflect the actual structure.
Sole traders
Borrowers whose business and personal income are closely connected.
Company directors
Business owners receiving salary, dividends or other company-related income.
Trusts and partnerships
Applicants whose income is distributed through more complex entity structures.
Changing or growing businesses
Borrowers whose recent performance, structure or income differs from earlier periods.
Start the conversation
Tell us how your income is structured.
Share a few details about your business and property goals. The LNO Mortgages team will contact you to discuss what information may be useful for an initial review.
Phone0413 219 624
Service areaCastle Hill, the Hills District, Greater Sydney and Australia-wide
Self-employed loan FAQs
Useful answers before you apply.
Every application is assessed on its own circumstances and the chosen lender’s policy.
How do lenders assess self-employed income?
Lenders may review tax returns, financial statements, business income, profitability, existing liabilities and the way income is paid or distributed. The documents and calculation method vary between lenders and entity structures.
How much trading history do I need?
Requirements vary. Some lenders prefer a longer established history, while others may consider a shorter period where their criteria and the supporting evidence are satisfied. We can review your circumstances against available lender policies.
Can lenders consider business add-backs?
Some lenders may consider eligible expenses or adjustments when assessing business income. What is accepted, and how it is calculated, depends on lender policy and the supporting financial information.
Are low-documentation options available?
Alternative income-verification options may be available for eligible borrowers with appropriate supporting evidence. These loans can have different criteria, pricing and risks, so the structure should be considered carefully.
Can I apply if my income comes through a company or trust?
Yes. The assessment will depend on your ownership, the entity’s financial position, how income is distributed and the lender’s policy. Additional documents may be required to establish income and liabilities.
Can you also help self-employed borrowers refinance?
Yes. We can review the current loan, business income, liabilities, goals and available documentation before comparing suitable refinancing options, subject to lender assessment.
Your business is not standard. Your lending review should not be either.
Book a confidential, no-obligation conversation with Mohit Gupta about your home-loan goals and income structure.
