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 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.

“Dylan and his staff have been fantastic, they have made the process very easy and stress free. They walk through everything with you from start to finish and guide you to the best options. Thank you guys much appreciated”

Paul Coleiro

Google review, 22 Sept 2026

“Dylan and the Stryve Team have been so amazing during our search for a first home. Dylan was so communicative, patient and knowledgable and kept us updated throughout the whole process. I can’t recommend them enough!”

Michael O'Malley

Google review, 30 Aug 2026

“My partner & I have had a fantastic experience with Stryve Finance. Dylan and Douglas were incredibly helpful, responsive and supportive throughout the entire process. We’re very grateful for their help and would highly recommend Stryve to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable mortgage broker.”

Tanvi Mara

Google review, 19 Aug 2026

“Dylan and the team at Stryve are exceptional. He made the process so easy to understand and helped secure the loan I was after. A special mention to how efficient the team are and can move things really quickly when needed. Can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done. Strongly recommend if you’re looking for a first class mortgage broker!”

JAMES HARVEY

Google review, 18 Aug 2026

“Dylan and the team at Stryve made the pre approval process feel exciting and easy as it should! Cannot recommend them enough”

Alexia

Google review, 18 Aug 2026

“Dylan and the team from Stryve are absolutely incredible. So grateful we have Dylan as our broker, he explains things very clearly, and has always been very reliable and dependable if we have ever had any questions - incredible customer service where you feel really taken care of, heard and supported. Stryve have their finger on the pulse when it comes to their knowledge of the current market and the lenders to go with. I highly recommend going with these guys as your brokers, especially with navigating the current climate!”

Hollie

Google review, 12 Aug 2026

“Dylan has done a sensational job in helping me achieve my dream of purchasing a property. He has always been prompt in responding to my numerous enquiries, supporting me and guiding me through the whole process. Dylan and the stryve team have conducted themselves very professionally with brilliant results, I would recommend them to anyone in need of a broker. Dylan has been a pleasure to deal with, Thank you for everything.”

Deborah Chouart

Google review, 12 Aug 2026

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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.

Book a strategy call

Refinance Your Self-Employed Home Loan