Self-Employed?
We specialise in you.
Being self-employed shouldn't stop you from owning your home. Finch works with contractors, sole traders, business owners, and freelancers to find lenders who understand variable income — and approve the loan.
Self-employed lending
done right.
Full Doc Loans
If you have 2 years of financials, we present your income story favourably — including add-backs and business depreciation.
Alt-Doc / Low-Doc
Only need 1 year of returns or use BAS statements and accountant declarations to verify income. Less paperwork, faster approvals.
Contractor Loans
Contracting doesn't mean you can't borrow. We work with lenders who accept contract income and day rates as valid income.
Add-Back Income
Business expenses, depreciation, and owner salary add-backs can significantly increase your usable income for lending purposes.
Company Borrowers
Borrowing through a company or trust structure? We know which lenders can accommodate complex entity structures.
Expert Advocacy
We present your case compellingly to lenders — explaining your income, business stability, and creditworthiness in the best possible light.
Comprehensive Mortgage Solutions for the Self-Employed
Securing a mortgage as a self-employed individual, freelancer, or small business owner in New Zealand presents unique challenges. Traditional banking algorithms are designed for PAYE employees with predictable, linear income streams. Consequently, self-employed applicants often face intense scrutiny, higher administrative burdens, and frustrating rejections from mainstream banks, even when their businesses are highly profitable. Navigating this landscape requires a broker who understands commercial financials and can accurately translate business success into borrowing power.
Translating Financial Statements into Borrowing Capacity
When assessing self-employed income, lenders do not simply look at your top-line revenue; they meticulously analyze your net profit before tax, add back certain non-cash deductions (like depreciation), and scrutinize your balance sheet for underlying stability. Typically, banks require two years of finalized financial statements prepared by a chartered accountant. We work collaboratively with your accountant to present your financials in the most favorable light. If your business has experienced rapid recent growth that is not fully reflected in historical averages, we advocate on your behalf, utilizing projected cash flows and interim management accounts to justify a higher borrowing limit.
Alternative Lending and Low-Doc Options
For business owners who do not possess two years of standardized financials—perhaps due to recent establishment or complex trust structures—traditional bank lending may prove inaccessible. Fortunately, the New Zealand market features robust tier-two and non-bank lenders that specialize in self-employed mortgages. These institutions offer 'low-doc' or alternative income verification loans, assessing serviceability based on GST returns, business bank statements, or accountant declarations rather than historical tax returns. We possess deep relationships with these specialized lenders, ensuring your entrepreneurial spirit is not a barrier to homeownership.
Self-Employed FAQs
Self-employed mortgages
are our specialty.
Don't let your business status hold you back from homeownership. Talk to a Finch specialist today.