Self-Employed or Complex Income Structures

You Can Still Get a Home Loan

Are you self-employed, working on a short-term contract, or still on probation in a new role? If so, you may fall under what some lenders classify as "non-standard" income structure or "unusual employment", but that doesn’t mean you’re locked out of the property market.

At Vita Finance, we understand that not all income looks the same on paper. Whether you're running a business, earning commissions, or in a contract role, we work closely with lenders who take a more flexible and realistic view of income and employment types. Our goal is to help you secure the finance you need, even if your situation doesn’t fit the traditional mould.

  • Being self-employed can sometimes make loan applications more complex. Banks often require more documentation to assess your financial position—usually including:

    • Two years of personal and business tax returns

    • Your most recent Notice of Assessment from the ATO

    • Business Activity Statements (BAS)

    • Recent bank statements

    Some lenders will also accept alternative documentation (known as low-doc loans), especially if your business is newly established or rapidly growing. We’ll work with you to package your application in the strongest possible way.

  • Short-term employment contracts or probationary periods don’t necessarily mean you can’t be approved for a home loan.

    Lenders will generally want to see:

    • Your current contract (start and end dates)

    • Previous contracts or employment history (to show continuity)

    • Recent payslips or income summaries

    If you’re on probation but in a stable industry or have prior experience in your field, many lenders are open to considering your application—especially if your income is consistent or you’ve moved between similar roles.

  • For casual workers, such as those in hospitality, healthcare, or agriculture, your employment might be irregular—but it’s still possible to qualify for a loan. Lenders may assess your average income over 6–12 months and may ask for:

    • Bank statements showing regular deposits

    • Employment letters confirming your average hours

    • PAYG summaries or group certificates

    Seasonal workers can strengthen their case by showing consistent employment over multiple years, even if income fluctuates.

  • If your income is primarily commission-based (e.g. real estate, sales, finance), lenders may assess your earnings over the past 12–24 months. They will likely require:

    • Tax returns showing commission income

    • Payslips and bank statements

    • A letter from your employer outlining your commission structure

    The key here is consistency and sustainability of income. If your commissions vary, showing an upward trend or an average income figure helps demonstrate your serviceability.

  • There are many scenarios where a borrower's employment status may not fit neatly into a traditional category—such as:

    • On maternity or parental leave

    • Freelance or gig workers

    • Recently transitioned from PAYG to self-employed

    • Multiple part-time jobs

    Each of these has its own lending nuances, but there are lenders who understand these situations and are willing to take a case-by-case approach.

Improve Your Chances of Approval

To strengthen your loan application in any non-standard employment situation, you’ll want to

  • Provide full, accurate documentation of income.

  • Maintain clean credit history and manageable debt levels.

  • Be prepared to explain your employment structure.

  • Work with a mortgage broker who understands complex income types.

Why Choose Vita Finance?

At Vita Finance, we’ve helped countless self-employed Australians, casual workers, and contractors secure property finance, even when the odds seemed stacked against them. We know which lenders take a more flexible approach and how to position your application for success.

We’ll take the time to understand your income streams, gather the right documentation, and negotiate with lenders on your behalf. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or investing, we’re here to help.

Let’s make it happen.