Self-employed investors often have more complexity in their financials than PAYG employees. Not all lenders know how to read business financials well. The right lender for your situation is the one who understands your income structure.
What you need to know.
Two years of tax returns isn't always the full picture
Banks typically use your last two years of tax returns. If your income is growing or variable, I know which lenders use more nuanced assessment approaches.
Addbacks and assessable income
Some legitimate business expenses can be 'added back' to your assessable income for serviceability. Your accountant determines what qualifies; my job is matching that picture to lenders who recognise it.
Low doc options where appropriate
Some lenders offer low documentation loans for self-employed borrowers who can demonstrate income without standard documentation. I'll explain how these are assessed.
Business and personal finance together
Self-employed investors often have both personal and business finance needs. I'll look at the full lending picture and coordinate with your accountant so the loan structures don't work against each other.
Know Your Numbers
What could you actually borrow?
Run your real numbers before we speak. Live as you type, no commitment, no credit check.
RBA rate update · 6 May 2026 applied
1 · What are you looking to do?
2 · Your details
3 · Properties you already own
4 · Core debts
Banks assess your limit, not your balance, at 3.8% of the limit per month, even if you pay it off each cycle.
Combined monthly repayments on personal and vehicle loans.
5 · Living expenses
I'll use average household living costs unless you enter your own.
Estimate only. Not a credit offer or pre-qualification. Subject to lender criteria, credit assessment, and a full needs analysis. Rental income and existing lending may be assessed differently by different lenders. Get in touch for advice tailored to your situation.
Being self-employed shouldn't make investment lending harder than it needs to be. The right broker knows which lenders read business financials well... and works alongside your accountant rather than around them.
Written & reviewed by
Rebecca Tickner
Finance Broker, Maxfin · Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking Management (FNS50322) · ASIC Credit Rep 571611 · MFAA Member
I built a seven-property portfolio with my partner. I structure clients' finance the same way I run mine.
More about RebeccaInvestor Playbooks
Other investment loan situations.
Different investor, different structure. Pick whichever sounds most like you for the deeper read.