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Competitive Home Loan Options Tailored to the Self Employed

Discover tailored self employed home loan options. Compare low doc loans, refinance mortgages, and more with ease and speed.

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Comprehensive Guide to Competitive and Tailored Home Loan Options for Self Employed Applicants in Australia The home loan process has long been easier for PAYG applicants, while self employed borrowers face more hurdles. Unlike PAYG applicants who can get approval in minutes, self employed home loan seekers often deal with delays, extra paperwork, and pushy sales calls from lenders. Craggle is revolutionising this process by offering fast, simple, and tailored home loan options for self employed borrowers. With advanced AI technology, Craggle lets you explore personalised mortgage options anytime, without waiting for a lender's call. Whether you’re a sole trader, small business owner, or contractor, Craggle helps you compare over 7,500 loan products from 30+ lenders. This guide highlights the challenges of being a self employed mortgage applicant, how lender policies differ, and how Craggle makes it all faster and easier.

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Understanding Bank Lending Policy for Self Employed Borrowers

What is Bank Lending Policy?

Bank lending policy refers to the specific criteria lenders use to assess the creditworthiness of applicants. For PAYG employees, lenders evaluate a steady income stream through payslips and employment history. However, for self employed mortgage applicants, the process is far more complicated. Unlike PAYG applicants, self employed borrowers must prove the stability of their business income. This is where bank lending policies vary significantly. Some lenders require two years of financials, while others accept just one year. Additional documentation, such as Business Activity Statements (BAS), profit and loss statements, and tax returns, may also be required.

Why Bank Policies Differ From Lender to Lender

Every lender has its own risk tolerance, assessment criteria, and view on acceptable documentation. For example:

  • Lender A may require a two-year history of business financials.
  • Lender B might accept a 1-year tax return mortgage self employed option.
  • Lender C may offer low doc loans for self employed with minimal documentation.

This inconsistency creates confusion and delay for self employed borrowers trying to find the right mortgage option. Without a clear understanding of each lender’s policy, applicants may submit multiple applications, risking rejections that could harm their credit score.

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The Impact of Varying Lending Policies on Borrowers

For borrowers, navigating different bank policies is time-consuming and stressful. Self employed applicants face uncertainty about which lender will accept their documentation, leading to:

  • Delays in loan approvals (up to 2 weeks or more)
  • Potential credit score impacts from multiple loan applications
  • High-pressure sales tactics from retail lenders

This is where Craggle steps in to simplify the process.

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How Craggle Makes Home Loans Simple for Self Employed Borrowers

AI-Powered Loan Discovery Process

Craggle offers self employed borrowers a smarter, faster, and simpler way to explore mortgage options. Instead of chasing lenders or sitting through long phone calls, applicants can access tailored home loan options in minutes. Here’s how Craggle's AI-powered platform works:

  1. Input Your Details: Provide basic information about your business, financials, and goals.
  2. AI Guidance: The system reviews more than 7,500 loan products from 30+ lenders to find the most suitable options.
  3. Tailored Matches: You receive a list of mortgage options that align with your business’s financial situation and lending criteria.

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With Craggle, borrowers get access to tailored mortgage options instantly — no waiting, no guesswork.

Benefits of Using Craggle’s Self Employed Home Loan Solution

  • Speed: Avoid waiting for lender callbacks. Get tailored results instantly.
  • Convenience: Explore loan options 24/7 at a time that suits you.
  • Customisation: Match bank policies with your financial situation.
  • Transparency: See available loans from 30+ lenders in one place.

Craggle's system allows for loans like low doc home loans for self employed or 1-year tax return mortgages self employed, giving flexibility to borrowers with diverse financial needs.

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Types of Home Loans for Self Employed Borrowers

1. Full Doc Home Loans

For borrowers with established financials, a full doc home loan may be the best option. This type of loan requires comprehensive documentation, including two years of tax returns, profit and loss statements, and other financial data. Full doc loans often come with lower interest rates compared to low doc loans.

2. Low Doc Home Loans

A low doc home loan requires less documentation than traditional full-documentation loans. Instead of two years' worth of financials, borrowers may need to provide one year of tax returns, BAS, and a signed income declaration. These loans are ideal for:

  • Business owners with irregular cash flow
  • Sole traders and freelancers
  • Borrowers with minimal financial documentation

3. No Doc Loans for Self Employed

A "no doc loan" requires even less paperwork than a low doc loan. They are extremely rare but can still be found through specialist lenders. These loans are typically higher-risk products and come with higher interest rates.

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Self Employed Refinance Mortgages

If you already have a mortgage but want a better deal, refinancing is an option. Craggle's AI technology makes it easy to find competitive rates. This process can help you:

  • Lower your interest rate
  • Reduce monthly repayments
  • Access home equity to fund renovations or business growth

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Why Borrowers Should Avoid Multiple Loan Applications

Many self employed borrowers are tempted to submit applications to multiple lenders, hoping one will approve them. However, every credit inquiry is recorded on your credit file, potentially lowering your credit score. Here’s why Craggle’s approach works better:

  • One application, multiple results: With one application, Craggle shows you mortgage options from over 30 lenders.
  • Avoid credit score hits: No need to submit multiple inquiries.
  • Get instant feedback: See which loans you qualify for without waiting for lender responses.

This approach can save up to two weeks compared to traditional methods.

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How Craggle Supports All Types of Self Employed Borrowers

Craggle’s technology caters to a variety of self employed borrowers, including:

  • Sole traders: Quick access to sole trader mortgage options.
  • Small business owners: Compare home loans for self employed borrowers in minutes.
  • Start-ups: Even if you’ve been in business for less than two years, Craggle can match you with lenders offering a home loan self employed 1 year option.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or refinancing, Craggle makes it possible to access the best mortgage for self employed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a home loan if I’ve only been self employed for 1 year?

Yes! Some lenders offer a 1-year self employed mortgage option. Craggle helps you identify which lenders provide these loans.

What is the difference between a low doc and a no doc loan?

A low doc loan requires some financial documentation, like tax returns and BAS, while a no doc loan requires none at all. However, no doc loans have stricter conditions and higher interest rates.

Can I refinance my existing mortgage as a self employed borrower?

Yes, refinancing as a self employed borrower is possible. Craggle can help you find self employed refinance mortgage options with better rates.

Do I need 2 years of business financials to apply for a mortgage?

Not always. Some lenders accept only one year of financials, and others offer low doc home loans for self employed. Craggle matches you with the best lenders.

What happens if I’m rejected for a loan?

If a lender rejects your application, Craggle's AI system can identify other suitable loan options, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary credit inquiries.

Can I apply for a mortgage as a sole trader?

Yes, sole traders are eligible for sole trader home loan options. Craggle matches sole traders with lenders that accept their unique financial circumstances.

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Average Home Loan Rates Over Time

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are strictly for general informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice or recommendations.

Written By

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The Craggle Team