Can I refinance if I've only been self-employed for one year?

Most full doc lenders want a minimum of two years of tax returns. However, some lenders will consider one year of financials if the numbers are strong and your industry is stable.

What if I changed from sole trader to a company structure recently?

Changing structures can complicate a refinance because lenders want continuity in financials. But it doesn't disqualify you. Some lenders accept a combination of financials across structures, provided the income trail is clear.

Do I need to get my financials re-done by my accountant?

No. Lenders want your existing tax returns and BAS as lodged with the ATO. You don't need special broker-ready documents. If your returns are up to date and lodged, you have what's needed.

Can I refinance if I have other debts like a business loan?

Yes. In some cases, refinancing can consolidate debts into your home loan at a lower rate. Additional debts affect borrowing capacity, so it's worth getting a broker assessment.

What if my property value hasn't increased much?

Property growth is a bonus, not a requirement. Even without significant value increases, improved business financials and a strong repayment history can still qualify you for better rates.

How does the RBA cash rate affect my refinancing decision?

The RBA sets the cash rate eight times per year, which flows through to home loan rates. But for self-employed borrowers, the bigger opportunity is often the gap between your current product and what's available now.

I'm a sole trader. Can add-backs help me refinance to a better rate?

Yes. If your taxable income is lower than your actual earnings because of legitimate deductions, add-backs can increase your assessed income and improve the rates you're offered.

Refinance Self-Employed Home Loan

Refinance Your Self-Employed Home Loan

If you got your home loan on a low doc product or a higher rate because of your self-employment, you could be overpaying by hundreds every month. On a $750K loan, the rate gap between low doc and full doc can add up to tens of thousands over the life of the loan. Your business has matured since you first applied. That changes what lenders will offer. Time to find out what those extra years are worth.

Stryve Finance helping self-employed borrowers refinance their home loan

Self-employed borrower reviewing refinance savings

What's changed since your first loan

When you first took out your home loan, you may not have had two full years of tax returns. That meant a low doc loan with a rate premium baked in. Lenders charged more because they had less evidence.

Now you have years of financials, lodged BAS, and a repayment track record. That paper trail is the difference between a low doc rate at 7.2% and a full doc rate closer to 6.1%. On a $750K loan with 20 years remaining, that gap saves roughly $550 per month.

If you're still exploring your options, start with our self-employed home loan overview. If you're still in your first two years of trading, see what's available now.

Business maturity

Every year of lodged tax returns and BAS adds weight to your application. Lenders want to see consistency, not a flat line, just a pattern they can assess.

Property equity growth

If your property has increased in value, your LVR has improved. A lower LVR means better rates and potentially no lenders mortgage insurance.

Repayment history

Years of on-time mortgage repayments prove reliability in the language lenders care about most: behaviour over time.

Lender policy shifts

Lender criteria for self-employed borrowers change constantly. Products available today may be significantly better than what was on offer when you first applied.

Which self-employed refinance scenario fits you?

Self-employed income comes in many shapes. Finding the best refinance for self-employed borrowers depends on matching your specific income pattern to the right lender. Access to 40+ lenders makes that match possible.

Contractor with consistent work

You've been contracting for 2+ years with steady engagements. Your original lender treated you as a risk. With a track record of consistent earnings, full doc rates are within reach.

Business owner with variable income

Revenue fluctuates with seasons or project cycles, but your average over two years is strong. Some lenders average income across the full period rather than penalising your quietest quarter.

Professional services operator

Accountant, physio, consultant, architect. Your business is established and profitable, but you got a low doc loan because you were newly self-employed. With full financials now available, you're the ideal candidate for a low doc to full doc transition.

Will the savings outweigh the costs?

Refinancing has real costs, and it doesn't always make sense. You'll see exactly what it costs, what it saves, and whether the numbers work in your favour.

No hidden fees and full lender commission transparency.

Know your current rate

Check your most recent loan statement for your interest rate, remaining balance, and years left. Many borrowers haven't looked in years and don't realise how far their rate has drifted from what's available today.

Factor in exit costs

Discharge fees, break costs on fixed rates, and any early repayment penalties. Break costs on fixed loans can be significant, but on variable loans they're minimal or zero. A broker calculates these before you commit.

Calculate the break-even point

If refinancing saves $400/month but costs $2,000 upfront, you break even in five months. Everything after that is pure savings. This is the single most useful number in the decision.

Look beyond the rate

Refinancing can consolidate other debts, remove LMI requirements, or free up equity for business investment. These benefits don't always show in a simple rate comparison but affect your bottom line.

Get real numbers from a broker

Advertised rates and actual rates are different things. A broker accesses real offers from 40+ lenders based on your specific financials, LVR, and business structure. That's the difference between guessing and knowing.

It's Not the Same Process as Your First Loan

You already own the property and have a repayment history that proves you can service the loan. Most documentation is an update to what you've already provided, not a case built from scratch. You'll need your most recent financials, recent BAS, six months of business bank statements, and your current loan statement. From application to settlement, a self-employed refinance takes around two to four weeks.

Stryve Finance broker helping with self-employed refinancing process

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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Frequently asked questions

Find out what your self-employed refinance could save you

Get a personalised assessment based on your business financials, property equity, and current rate. No obligation, no pressure, and full transparency on lender commissions. Most borrowers get a clear answer in one call.

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Refinance Your Self-Employed Home Loan