Home Loans for Self-Employed People in Brisbane South, QLD, The 2026 Guide

In 2026, self-employed borrowers in Brisbane South, QLD have more options than many realise. Whether you're a sole trader, company director, or contractor with an ABN, there are lenders who understand how self-employed income works - and getting in front of the right one makes a significant difference to your borrowing outcome.

The challenge isn't qualifying - it's knowing which lenders assess your tax returns most favourably. Different lenders have vastly different approaches to add-backs, depreciation, and business expenses, which means the same financial documents can produce very different borrowing capacities depending on where you apply.

AE Finance Solutions helps self-employed borrowers across Brisbane South, QLD compare home loan options across 60+ lenders, completely free of charge.

Here's what you need to know as a self-employed buyer in Brisbane South before approaching any lender.

What income documentation do self-employed borrowers need in Brisbane South, QLD?

You'll need two years of lodged tax returns - that's the baseline requirement across all lenders. Most also want your Notice of Assessment (NOA) for each year, recent Business Activity Statements (BAS), and a current profit and loss statement prepared by your accountant.

The key difference between lenders isn't what documents they want, but how they interpret the same figures when calculating your serviceability.

Which government schemes apply to self-employed buyers in Brisbane South, QLD?

• First Home Owner Grant (FHOG):$30,000 for new homes under $750,000 (before 30 June 2026), then $15,000 from 1 July 2026. Self-employed status doesn't affect eligibility.
• First Home Guarantee: 5% deposit with no LMI up to $1,000,000 in Brisbane South. Income caps were removed in October 2025, making this accessible to higher-earning self-employed buyers.
• Queensland Boost to Buy: 2% deposit shared equity scheme up to $1,000,000. Income caps apply - $150,000 for singles, $225,000 for households. Limited places available.
• Transfer duty exemption: New homes attract $0 stamp duty for first home buyers. Established homes under $700,000 also qualify for full exemption.

How do mortgage brokers help self-employed borrowers get home loan approval in Brisbane South, QLD?

Step 1: Talk to us

Get in touch and we'll assess your tax returns, business structure, and deposit situation to identify which lenders are most likely to give you the strongest borrowing outcome.

Step 2: Compare income assessment approaches

We'll show you exactly how different lenders would assess your income from the same tax returns - the variations can be significant, particularly around add-backs and business expense treatment.

Step 3: Choose your optimal lender match

We'll recommend the lender whose assessment methodology works best for your business structure and income profile, not just the one with the lowest advertised rate.

Step 4: Prepare your application

We'll help you gather all required documentation and present your application in the strongest possible way, highlighting the positive aspects of your self-employed status.

Step 5: Submit and manage the process

We coordinate with the lender, handle any additional requests for information, and keep you informed throughout the assessment process.

Step 6: Settlement and ongoing support

We work with your solicitor to ensure smooth settlement and remain available for future refinancing or investment property discussions as your business grows.

What mistakes do self-employed borrowers make when applying for home loans?

The biggest mistake is approaching your own bank first without comparing options. For most self-employed borrowers, the standard home loan process can feel like being asked to prove you're a good driver using only the receipts in your glove box - but the right lender understands your business structure and assesses your income fairly.

Many self-employed buyers also underestimate their borrowing capacity because they focus only on their net profit figure. Lenders who specialise in self-employed lending often add back legitimate business expenses, depreciation, and other deductions to give you a more accurate income assessment - sometimes increasing your borrowing power substantially.

How do lenders assess different self-employed business structures?

• Sole traders: Income assessed directly from your individual tax return. Add-backs for business use of home, motor vehicle expenses, and depreciation are common with specialist lenders.
• Company directors: Both company profit and director salary considered. Some lenders assess company profit as personal income, others require salary payments through PAYG.
• Trust structures: Distribution history and beneficiary entitlements evaluated. Family trust distributions to non-working spouses may not count as income with some lenders.
• Partnership income: Your share of partnership income plus any guaranteed drawings assessed. Some lenders require all partners to guarantee the loan.
• Contractors with ABN: Assessed similarly to sole traders but contract consistency matters. Long-term contracts with major companies receive more favourable treatment than short-term project work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can self-employed people get home loans with only one year of tax returns?

No - all lenders require two complete years of lodged tax returns for self-employed borrowers. This is a fundamental requirement that hasn't changed, regardless of how strong your recent income might be.

Do self-employed borrowers pay higher interest rates?

Not necessarily - many lenders offer the same rates to self-employed borrowers as PAYG employees. Rate differences typically depend more on your deposit size, credit history, and loan features than your employment type.

Can I use projected income or future contracts for my application?

No - lenders assess self-employed income based on historical tax returns, not future projections. Even signed contracts for future work don't typically count toward your serviceability assessment.

What if my business had a bad year due to COVID-19?

Most lenders now understand COVID-19 impacts and may consider your pre-2020 income or average income over the two-year period. Some specialist lenders offer more flexible assessment approaches for businesses affected by lockdowns.

How much deposit do self-employed borrowers need?

The same as any borrower - 5% minimum with First Home Guarantee, or typically 10-20% for conventional loans. Your employment type doesn't change deposit requirements, though a larger deposit can sometimes help offset income assessment concerns.

Should I use a mortgage broker or go direct to my bank?

A mortgage broker, every time. Self-employed income assessment varies dramatically between lenders - what one lender sees as risky, another might view as strong and consistent income.

Can I buy investment property as a self-employed borrower?

Absolutely - self-employed borrowers regularly purchase investment properties. The same two-year tax return requirement applies, and rental income from the investment can sometimes help with serviceability.

Your Next Steps

Getting your home loan right as a self-employed borrower in Brisbane South, QLD is about more than finding a competitive rate. The right lender for your business structure and income profile can mean better serviceability assessment, faster approval times, and access to features that suit your cash flow - all things that vary significantly across lenders.

Ready to find out which lenders give self-employed borrowers the strongest result for your situation? Contact Abel Desta for a free consultation or call 0422 868 524. We'll compare your options across 60+ lenders and identify the best fit for your business structure, income documentation, and property goals.

AE Finance Solutions · Eight Mile Plains and Brisbane South, QLD · General information only — this article does not constitute financial advice. Please consider your own circumstances and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.