5 Things You Need to Know If You're Self-Employed and Need a Loan

1st September 2025


Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction Legal & Contracts First Home Buyer Investor


Are you self-employed and planning to build a new home? Discover how to secure finance, qualify for low doc loans, and avoid common mistakes with expert insights from Toast Finance’s Scott Baker on the Home Building Hub Podcast.


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Five Things You Need to Know If You’re Self-Employed and Need a Home Loan

Getting finance as a self-employed home buyer used to be one of the toughest parts of building a new home in Australia. But as this episode of The Home Building Hub Podcast reveals, things have changed dramatically.

Colin and Darren sat down with finance expert Scott Baker, the founder of Toast Finance, to unpack how the lending landscape has shifted - and why being your own boss no longer has to hold you back from achieving your dream of home ownership or property investment.

Below, we break down the key insights from their discussion and what every self-employed Australian needs to know before applying for a home or construction loan.

1. It’s Easier Than Ever for the Self-Employed to Get a Loan

Scott says one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry is that banks "don’t like" self-employed borrowers. That might have been true years ago, but not anymore.

"If you’ve got income and borrowing capacity to service the loan, we’re on," Scott explains.

Many lenders now offer flexible ways to verify income - not just tax returns. You can often use:

These are known as low-doc (low documentation) loans, and they’re becoming more popular with business owners who may not have up-to-date tax returns but can demonstrate consistent income.

Key takeaway:

You no longer need to wait two years or provide endless paperwork. With the right broker, getting approved while self-employed is entirely possible.

2. Work With the Right Team - Accountant, Broker, and Builder

Scott stresses that success in obtaining finance is all about teamwork.

"It’s not just about the loan - that’s only ten percent of it," he says.

Your accountant, broker, and builder should work together to understand your goals and structure your finances properly.

Why it matters:

Finding professionals who communicate and share your goals will make the process smoother - and avoid costly mistakes.

3. You Don’t Need a Huge Deposit for Construction

Another myth busted: being self-employed doesn’t mean you need a massive deposit.

"There are lenders offering construction loans with just five percent deposits," Scott notes.

While that wasn’t the case a few years ago, lenders have loosened their policies. You can now build either an owner-occupied or investment property with a smaller deposit.

That’s a major shift that opens the door for more self-employed Aussies to enter the property market sooner.

4. Time in Business Matters - But You Still Have Options

Traditionally, lenders wanted you to have at least two years’ ABN history before they’d even look at your application. That’s changing too.

Here’s a guide Scott shared on what’s possible:

Rates for newer businesses might be around 1% higher, but Scott says that’s often worth it:

"If you can get your build started now rather than waiting a year, the value of the property increase will usually outweigh that short-term rate difference."

5. Understand the Power (and Limits) of Trust Structures

Buying property through a trust can have advantages, such as:

But trusts also come with higher accounting fees and complexity.

Scott’s advice? Always talk to your accountant and broker before setting one up.

"It’s not a one-size-fits-all strategy," he says. "Trusts can be great for some, but costly or restrictive for others."

Bonus: Low-Doc Loans - A Practical Option for Many

For business owners who might show lower profit on paper because of tax deductions, low-doc loans can be a lifeline.

They use:

These allow you to verify real-world income even if your tax return shows minimal profit.

While interest rates are slightly higher, these loans are often short-term solutions - just to get the build going. Once your next tax return is lodged, you can refinance into a lower-rate standard loan.

Common Misconceptions About Self-Employed Loans

Many home buyers still believe:

All false.

Scott makes it clear that lenders are now far more open to flexible solutions, as long as you have a strong broker who can present your case and explain your income structure properly.

Glossary of Terms

ABN (Australian Business Number): Unique identifier for businesses in Australia. Most lenders require an ABN for a set period before approving a loan.

Low-Doc Loan: A type of loan that requires minimal documentation - often used by self-employed borrowers.

BAS (Business Activity Statement): A form submitted to the ATO to report GST, PAYG and income details.

LVR (Loan to Value Ratio): The percentage of the loan amount compared to the property’s value. Lower LVRs often mean better rates.

Trust: A legal structure where a trustee holds assets for the benefit of others (beneficiaries).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I need to be self-employed before I can apply for a home loan? A: While 24 months is ideal, many lenders now accept as little as six months’ ABN history with the right documentation.

Q: Are low-doc loans risky? A: They’re more expensive in the short term, but not risky if used strategically. Many borrowers refinance into a standard loan once tax returns are ready.

Q: Can I build a home with only a 5% deposit if I’m self-employed? A: Yes. Several lenders now allow 5% deposits for construction loans - even for the self-employed.

Q: What’s the best way to improve my chances of loan approval? A: Work closely with your broker and accountant. Ensure your income, expenses, and business structure align with lending requirements.

Key Takeaways

🎧 Listen to the full episode: Five Things You Need to Know If You’re Self-Employed and Need a Home Loan

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process - completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips. Explore more episodes at homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

This article was generated by AI based on a transcript of our podcast episode and may contain inaccuracies or omissions. Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.