Self Employed Loans
Your business is a strength, not a red flag.
Banks can make self-employed borrowers feel like a problem. You're not. With the right lender and the right presentation of your financials, running your own business is an asset. Ryan speaks both languages — yours and the bank's.
Sound like you?
- You're a sole trader, contractor, or company director
- Your income looks 'messy' on paper but the business is solid
- A bank has already knocked you back
- You minimise taxable income and worry it hurts your borrowing power
The mistakes Ryan sees every week
Walking into your own bank first
One lender's 'no' means nothing. Self-employed policy varies more than any other lending type — some lenders genuinely get business owners, some don't.
Applying at the wrong time of year
Fresh financials can transform your application. Sometimes waiting six weeks for your accountant to finalise returns doubles your options.
Not knowing about low-doc and alt-doc options
If full financials don't tell your real story, some lenders accept BAS statements or accountant declarations instead.
Get your broker and accountant talking before you apply. How your last two years of financials are presented — add-backs, one-off expenses, company profits — can be the difference between a decline and a comfortable approval. Don't let one bank's computer say no to a good business.
Quick answers
Many lenders want two years of financials, but some work with one year — or less in the right circumstances. It's about finding the right fit for your situation.
Not necessarily. Lenders can add back depreciation, one-off costs, and extra super contributions. Your real capacity is often higher than your tax return suggests.
Typically two years of tax returns and financials — but Ryan tells you exactly what's needed up front, so there's no document scavenger hunt.
Let's talk about self employed.
Fifteen minutes, plain English, zero obligation. Worst case, you leave with clarity. Best case, you leave with a plan.
Typical response time: same business day.