The process of applying for a mortgage can often be more difficult for self-employed people in Australia than for employees. This is because their income situation is not as stable and predictable as that of a salaried employee. Self-employed mortgage borrowers often face higher interest rates and stricter requirements.
But don’t be discouraged – it’s not impossible to get a mortgage as an independent contractor in Australia. In this article, we will give you the top 9 tips that will help you increase your chances of a successful mortgage application.
Whether you’re planning to buy a new home or refinance, these tips will help you get a handle on your finances and maximize your chances of successfully applying for a mortgage.
1. Have your finances in order
Before you begin your mortgage application, make sure your finances are in order. Careful planning and preparation of your household and business expenses is key to a successful mortgage application.
2. Be prepared for the documentation
As an independent contractor, you will be required to provide more documentation than an employee. You must be able to demonstrate your ability to repay the mortgage. Be prepared to provide your tax returns, business financial statements and other financial documents.

3. Increase your deposit
As a self-employed mortgage borrower, you may be affected by higher interest rates. A higher deposit can help keep interest rates lower. The more you deposit, the lower your monthly payments will be and the less risk you will be to the lender.
4. Compare mortgage offers
It is important to compare different mortgage offers and find the best option for your needs. Different lenders have different requirements and offers.
5. Work with an experienced mortgage broker
Working with an experienced mortgage broker can increase your chances of a successful mortgage application. A mortgage broker can help you find the best deals and prepare your financial documents accordingly.
6. Avoid unnecessary loans
Unnecessary credit can cause your credit score to drop and lenders to view you as riskier. Avoid unnecessary loans to increase your chances of a successful mortgage application.
7. Make sure your credit score is in order
The better your credit rating, the better your chances of a successful mortgage application. Check your credit rating to make sure it’s in good shape. If possible, try to improve your credit score before submitting a mortgage application.
8. Consider using a co-signer
Using a co-signer can help increase your chances of a successful mortgage application. A co-signer with good credit can provide additional security and reduce risk for the lender.
9. Prepare for a longer processing time
The processing time for a mortgage application can be longer for self-employed individuals than for employees. Be prepared for the processing time to be longer and plan accordingly.
Tips for the self-employed when taking out mortgages
It is known that it can be more difficult for the self-employed to obtain a mortgage in Australia compared to employees. There are many reasons why this may be the case, including unstable income and unpredictable expenses. Despite these difficulties, however, there are options that allow the self-employed to obtain a mortgage.
1. Build a strong credit history: a positive credit history is an important tool when applying for a mortgage. Self-employed people should make sure their bills are paid on time and they don’t have any debt.
2. Increasing equity: Self-employed people should try to increase their equity. A higher equity ratio can result in lower monthly payments and make it easier to obtain a mortgage.
3. Limiting expenses: Self-employed individuals should limit their spending. Buying smaller homes can minimize costs and reduce the risk of being turned down for a mortgage application.
4. Seek alternative lenders: self-employed individuals should consider obtaining loans from alternative lenders. These lenders may be willing to lend to the self-employed who are turned down by traditional banks.
5. Choose variable interest rate loans: An adjustable rate loan may be an option for the self-employed to consider. This type of loan can allow borrowers to lower their monthly payments and better control their finances.
- 6. Documenting income and expenses: It is important for self-employed individuals to document their income and expenses. This can help build a more accurate picture of the borrower’s finances and increase the chances of mortgage approval.
- 7. Avoid frequent job changes: self-employed people should try to keep their job stable for a longer period of time. If lenders see that a borrower has a stable job, they may be more willing to give them a mortgage.
- 8. Increase income through additional work: self-employed individuals should try to increase their income by taking on additional work. More income can improve a borrower’s chances of mortgage approval.
- 9. Seek mortgage counseling: mortgage counseling can help self-employed individuals understand the process of obtaining a mortgage and increase their chances of approval.
9 Tips for more successful applications as a self-employed person(s) for a mortgage in Australia
As a self-employed person(s), it can be difficult to obtain a mortgage. But it’s not impossible. You can increase your chances of a successful application with a few key tips.
- Prepare well. Before applying for a mortgage, it’s important to thoroughly review your finances. Gather all the required documents and make sure you meet all the requirements.
- Present your income in a clear and consistent manner. As a self-employed person(s), you may have a fluctuating monthly income. It’s important to present your average income in a clear and consistent way to increase your credit score.
- Improve your credit rating. A good credit score is essential to obtain a mortgage. Make sure you pay your credit card bills and other debts on time and improve your credit report before applying for a mortgage.
- Increase your equity in your home. The more equity you have as a self-employed person(s), the better your chances of successfully applying for a mortgage. Try to reduce your debt and save more money to increase your equity.
- Work closely with your mortgage broker. A mortgage broker can help you find the best lender and loan program for your needs. Work closely with your mortgage broker to increase your chances of a successful application.
- Choose the right lender. Choose a lender who is experienced in providing mortgages to the self-employed. Such a lender will better understand your particular needs as a self-employed person(s) and will offer you better conditions.
- Provide evidence of your work experience and income. As a self-employed person(s), you need to prove your work experience and income. Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready and present your experience and achievements in a clear and consistent manner.
- Reduce your debt. Reduce your debt to increase your credit score and improve your chances of successfully applying for a mortgage. If possible, pay off all debt before applying for a mortgage.
- Keep your finances in check after you get the mortgage. After receiving your mortgage, it’s important to stay on top of your finances. Plan your monthly income and expenses carefully and repay your mortgage on time and correctly.
Follow these tips to increase your chances of successfully applying for a mortgage as a self-employed person(s) in Australia.
Other considerations for self-employed borrowers
As a self-employed borrower, you need a thorough knowledge of the requirements for mortgage approval, as well as several additional considerations.
First, you need to make sure you file your tax returns completely and in a timely manner. A lender will use these documents to evaluate your self-employment income and determine creditworthiness.
Next, consider how changes in your business may affect your ability to repay your mortgage loan. e.g. a change in your business’s market position can affect your ability to repay a loan.

Other factors to consider in mortgage approval for self-employed borrowers include the need for a larger down payment, higher interest rates, and dependence on the type of business and industry in which it operates.
- Consider setting up an emergency reserve fund in case your income as a self-employed person is unpredictable.
- Prepare all financial documents carefully, including tax returns, and keep them up to date.
- Make sure your business is in a stable position before you submit a mortgage application.
- Check with different lenders for the best rates for self-employed borrowers.
Some lenders offer special mortgage products for the self-employed. It’s worth reviewing these options to find the best possible financing solution for your business.
Preparing for the mortgage process: top 9 tips for self-employed borrowers in Australia
Obtaining a mortgage can be a difficult task, especially for self-employed borrowers in Australia. Applying for a mortgage requires thorough preparation to ensure you are able to meet the loan amount and repayment requirements. These top 9 tips can help you prepare for the mortgage process:
- Prepare your tax returns – lenders want to see your tax returns and make sure you have sufficient income to make mortgage payments.
- Check your credit – Check your credit report to make sure you have a good credit score. This can help you get lower interest rates.
- Organize your financial documents – Gather all the necessary financial documents, such as bank statements, credit card bills, and business balance sheets to facilitate the loan application process.
- Compare mortgage offers – Compare different mortgage offers and choose the best deal. Consider not only the interest rate, but also the repayment terms to make sure you can meet them.
- Increase your deposits – If you can make a large down payment, you can get a lower interest rate and reduce your monthly loan payments.
- Find a mortgage specialist – Look for a mortgage specialist to help you prepare for the mortgage process and ensure you get the best deal.
- Answer all questions honestly – Answer all of the lender’s questions honestly and completely. An incomplete or incorrect answer may result in your mortgage application being denied.
- Avoid additional debt – Avoid taking on additional debt during the mortgage process as this can affect your income.
- Prepare for an inspection – If you’re looking to buy a home, prepare for an inspection and make sure you have all the necessary documents on hand.
Preparing for the mortgage process can be challenging, but with these top 9 tips, self-employed borrowers in Australia can ensure they get the best deals and make their loan payments with ease.