Low doc loans
Loans for self-employed borrowers whose tax returns don't show the full picture yet. Lenders verify your income with BAS, business bank statements or a letter from your accountant instead. We arrange low doc home, investment and commercial loans.
Common uses
Buying a home or investment
Purchase using recent income evidence instead of your last two tax returns.
Refinancing
Move an existing loan when your latest tax returns aren't lodged yet.
Commercial property
Buy or refinance commercial property using alternative income evidence. Commercial property loans →
A growing business
Borrow on what your business earns now, not what your last tax return shows.
How a credit team reads a low doc loan
Low doc doesn't mean no checks. Lenders still verify your income. They just use different evidence so they look closely at that evidence and at the deal as a whole.
ABN and GST history
Most lenders want your ABN held for a set period, often at least a year. Many also want GST registration.
Income evidence
BAS, business bank statements or an accountant's letter are used to verify income. Each lender accepts different combinations so matching your evidence to the right lender matters.
Deposit and LVR
Maximum LVRs are usually lower than for a full doc loan. A bigger deposit or more equity opens up more lenders and better pricing.
Credit history
With lighter income documents, a clean credit file carries more weight. Defaults or recent missed payments will narrow your options.
Business stability
Lenders want to see steady revenue over time. Large swings from quarter to quarter will need explaining.
Assets and liabilities
A clear picture of what you own and owe helps the credit team trust the rest of the application.
Four steps, one point of contact
Tell us the plan
What you are trying to do and the approximate amount.
Get a straight answer
Whether it is fundable and which lenders suit it.
Compare the options
Rates, structure, fees and conditions side by side.
Through to settlement
Application prepared, submitted and managed.
Why low doc loans get declined and what to fix first
From the credit side these are the issues that come up most often with low doc applications.
- BAS that doesn't match the bank statements
Lenders compare the two. If the numbers don't line up they'll want an explanation so check them before you apply.
- An ABN that's too new
A very recent ABN limits your options. Some lenders will consider earlier experience in the same industry so it's worth asking.
- Personal and business money mixed together
Clean business bank statements help the lender verify your income. Run business income through a business account.
- Overdue tax
Unpaid tax or lodgements that are well behind can still be a problem on a low doc loan. Get a payment plan in place first. ATO debt refinancing →
- An accountant's letter that says too little
The letter needs to confirm your income in the way the lender asks. We'll tell you exactly what it needs to cover.
What is a low doc loan?
It's a loan where the lender verifies your income with other documents instead of full tax returns and financial statements. It's designed for self-employed borrowers.
Is a low doc loan the same as a no doc loan?
No. Your income is still verified, just with different documents. Lenders also still need to be satisfied you can afford the loan.
Are low doc rates higher?
Usually a little higher than full doc loans because the lender takes on more risk. How much depends on the lender, your deposit and your credit history.
Can I move to a full doc loan later?
Often yes. Once your tax returns are lodged and show your income you may be able to refinance to a full doc loan. Refinancing →
What documents do I need?
Usually your ABN details, recent BAS, business bank statements or a letter from your accountant, plus ID and details of your assets and debts. Exact requirements vary by lender. Can you get a loan without recent tax returns? →
Tell us what you need.
No documents needed to start. Call (02) 7822 0255 or 0481 877 727, or answer a few quick questions.