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Why self employed lending feels harder (and how we fix it)
If you've ever been knocked back or told your income "doesn't qualify," you're not alone. Lenders assess self employed borrowers differently because your income structure is more complex than a standard pay slip. They dig into profit and loss statements, tax returns, and business activity statements to understand your true earning capacity.
The good news? With the right documentation and lender match, you can unlock borrowing power you didn't know you had. We've helped hundreds of business owners, contractors, and company directors do exactly that.
Lenders look beyond your headline income
Your taxable income is just the starting point. Lenders assess profit trends, business expenses, and how you structure your pay (salary, dividends, distributions). We know what they're looking for.
Certain expenses can help your application
Non cash deductions like depreciation or one off costs don't reflect your real cashflow. Many lenders allow these to be added back, increasing what you can borrow.
Not all lender policies are created equal
Some lenders need two years of tax returns. Others accept business bank statements or BAS. We match you to the lender whose policies fit your situation, not the other way around.
Why self employed borrowers choose Stryve
We've built our entire process around the unique challenges of self employed lending. Here's what makes us different.
Self employed applications aren't straightforward, and most brokers treat them like standard PAYG loans. We understand company structures, trust distributions, dividend income, and how to present your financials in the best possible light. We've helped hundreds of business owners, contractors, and directors navigate lender policies that others miss.
When your income structure is complex, you need a broker who actually gets it.
Expert Knowledge
We specialise in complex income structures
Not all lenders treat self employed income the same way. Some need two years of tax returns, others accept BAS or bank statements. Some are strict on trading history, others are more flexible. We compare policies across mainstream banks and specialist lenders to find the one that genuinely fits your situation, not just the easiest option.
The right lender match can mean the difference between approval and rejection.
50+ Lenders
We compare policies across the entire market
Every loan application leaves a mark on your credit file. We pre assess your scenario before lodging anywhere, which means we only apply to lenders whose policies align with your documentation, entity structure, and time in business. This protects your credit score and increases your chances of first time approval.
One strategic application beats five desperate ones.
No Wasted Applications
We only lodge where you actually fit
Most brokers disappear after your loan settles. We proactively review your loan every six months to make sure you're still on a competitive rate. As your business grows or your structure changes, we're here to help you refinance or restructure when it makes sense. You're not just a transaction to us.
Your business evolves, and your loan strategy should too.
Ongoing Support
Your broker relationship doesn't end at settlement
What documents you'll need (and why)
Most lenders ask for similar documents, but what matters is how you present them. Here's what we typically need to build a strong application.
| Last 2 years of tax returns and NOAs | Shows your income history and profit trends over time. | |
| Recent BAS or business bank statements | Demonstrates current trading activity and cashflow. | |
| Financials (P&L and balance sheet) | Required if you operate through a company or trust structure. | |
| ID and ABN/GST details | Standard verification for all self-employed applications. | |
| Accountant notes on unusual expenses | Helps explain one-off costs or seasonal variations that could affect your income assessment. |
What lenders look at.
Understanding what lenders need makes the process less stressful.
Here's what matters most.
Every lender assesses self employed income differently, but they all want to see proof of consistent earnings and that your business can support loan repayments.
Tax Returns
Most lenders want your last two years of tax returns and Notices of Assessment to verify income history and track profit trends over time.
Business Activity
Recent BAS statements or business bank statements show current cashflow and how actively your business is trading.
Financial Statements
If you operate via a company or trust, lenders review profit & loss and balance sheets to understand structure and retained earnings.
Entity Structure
Whether you’re a sole trader, company director, or trust beneficiary affects how lenders calculate income and what documents they need.
Time Trading
Two years in business is standard, but some lenders have options for newer businesses using alt-doc or stronger deposits.
Expense Treatment
Lenders can add back non-cash expenses like depreciation or one-off costs, which can increase borrowing capacity.
ABN Details
Your ABN registration, GST status, and industry help lenders assess risk and determine the right income verification method.
How we help self employed borrowers get approved
Getting a home loan when you're self employed doesn't have to be complicated. We've built a clear process that takes you from first conversation to settlement, with expert support at every step. Here's exactly how it works.
Five simple steps. No confusion. No wasted applications.
What our customers
say about us
Don't just take our word for it. See what hundreds of satisfied clients across Sydney say about their experience with Stryve Finance.
“Nate and Dylan were extremely helpful in helping us secure our new home. They were easy to contact from day one, and answered any questions we had. We felt reassured at all times and are very grateful for their patience with us. I have recommended Stryve to 3 friends now who have all been successful in achieving their goals of purchasing their homes. We are so happy with the service and will definitely keep on recommending Stryve to our family and friends.”
Whitney Tran
Homeowner
“I never had a problem with Dylan. From the start of our journey on mortgage til the very end and even with refinancing, he/they were very helpful, transparent, honest and really keen to help their clients! Highly recommended.”
Cristianne Del Valle
Homeowner
“On behalf of my husband and I, we would like to truly thank Dylan Bertovic for all his assistance in helping us with our new loan - approved in time before our settlement. Dylan worked above and beyond expected. He took the time to explain every step and process with us. Any questions we had, Dylan would go out of his way to ensure they were answered. He made the process stress free and ensured we got the best possible deal. We highly recommend Dylan to all our family and friends.”
Merna Yalda
Homeowner
“Nate is great to work with, very knowledgeable, responsive and genuinely invested in helping me find the right solution. Highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable, competitive and professional brokerage services.”
Julia
Homeowner
“Dylan has not only been a longtime friend, but also the trusted mortgage broker of choice for my family. He answers the phone at all hours, communicates extensively through all steps of a sometimes-complicated process and manages my risk. He has a straight to the point approach which I appreciate. Simply gets the job done, and gets it done very quickly. Thanks for everything Dylan, you're a champion broker and a good mate.”
Christian Barać
Homeowner
“Nate and Dylan were the ultimate professionals in securing a home loan to help us purchase our first home! Following the purchase of our home, they have continued to provide their exceptional service and have been able to secure two rate reductions in six months! Being self-employed wasn't an issue for me as Nate knew the process back-to-front and was able to provide sound advice throughout the application process.”
Justin Tomas
Homeowner
“It was an absolute brilliant experience with Stryve. Our first purchase was with Dylan he was always clear re: the next steps, quick to respond, never tired of questions and went over and above with communication. We went back and used him again for our next investment and the experience was just as wonderful as the first. Stryve also reviews our loans every 6 months to make sure we are getting the best rates on offer. We couldn't ask for more!”
Amber Motii
Homeowner
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