Buying a home when you're self-employed

Running your own show is a dream for many workers – and it doesn't have to mean sacrificing that other great Australian dream of home ownership.

Self–employment can be personally and financially rewarding, and the latest Household Financial Comfort Report from ME Bank confirms that since mid–2014 self–employed workers have enjoyed a rise in financial comfort levels.

That's good news for the self–employed sector, and now could be the time for small business owners to take the plunge into home ownership – especially while interest rates are at record lows.

Information is king

The process of securing a home loan isn't always as straightforward for self–employed workers as it is for traditional employees. But that's not to say it can't be done.

The key stumbling block for lenders is determining whether self–employed borrowers have the capacity to manage loan repayments. A PAYE borrower can provide pay slips as evidence of stable income, but most business owners would agree that their income fluctuates from time to time.

On the plus side, getting the right paperwork together can boost your chances of loan approval. In particular, lenders look for consistency of income – this demonstrates that your business is ticking along and generating the income needed to maintain your loan repayments.

You'll need financial statements for the last two years, plus have both your business and personal income tax returns lodged and notice of assessments up to date. Banks rarely accept financial statements that have not yet been lodged with the Australian Taxation Office.

Seek advice

After you have all your paperwork together, make a date to speak with your broker or lender to establish what you can realistically afford to borrow. This is critical to ensure you don't overcommit yourself.

Give your finances a spruce up

Further enhance your prospects of loan approval by tidying up your personal finances. In determining loan eligibility lenders look at the credit limit on all your credit cards (not just the outstanding balance), so it can pay to cancel any unwanted cards and request a reduction in the limit on those cards you wish to hold onto.

Aiming to build personal savings over a period of six months will help to fund a home buying deposit, and it also demonstrates to lenders that you have the capacity and discipline to manage a home loan.

Aim for a competitive rate

Finally, when it comes to selecting your loan, be wary of products pitched specifically at self–employed people, especially 'low–doc loans'.

These may be easier to secure as they generally require less paperwork, however convenience comes at a cost. You can expect to pay a much higher interest rate than with a traditional home loan.

If you can prove your income through up to date tax returns it is worth aiming for a regular 'full documentation' loan and enjoying the savings of a competitive rate.

To learn more about home loans when self–employed, call ME Bank on 13 15 63 or visit mebank.com.au.

Members Equity Bank Pty Ltd ABN 56 070 887 679 Australian Credit Licence 229500.

Media Super does not recommend, endorse or accept responsibility for this product or service. Terms and conditions apply - these should be obtained from ME Bank. Media Super does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by the products and services provided by ME Bank. Media Super may invest in this third party but does not receive any commissions from this organisation as a result of members using their products and services.