Low-Doc Loans for Business Owners: What You Need to Know

For self-employed Australians, securing a home or commercial loan can feel like a nightmare. You’ve got strong income, good equity, and big plans — but when it comes time to apply, you’re told you need two years of tax returns, BAS statements, and a crystal-clear financial history.

What if your books are mid-year? Or you reinvest heavily into your business? Or you're scaling fast and your last tax return doesn’t reflect your real earnings?

This is where low-documentation (low-doc) loans come in — and they can be a game-changer for business owners who don’t fit the traditional lending box.

What is a Low-Doc Loan?

A low-doc loan is a type of mortgage designed for self-employed borrowers who can’t or don’t want to provide the standard two years of financial documentation required by most banks. Instead, lenders assess the loan based on alternative forms of income verification, like:

• An accountant’s letter
• Business Activity Statements (BAS)
• Bank statements showing business revenue
• Income declaration forms

These aren’t “no-proof” loans — but they allow flexibility where traditional lending doesn’t.

Who Are Low-Doc Loans For?

Low-doc loans are ideal for:

• Sole traders or company directors with irregular or seasonal income
• Business owners who retain earnings in their company
• Those in growth mode who haven’t had time to finalise financials
• Contractors or freelancers with non-traditional income

They’re not just for people who “can’t get a loan elsewhere” — they’re a tool for strategic borrowers who want to act quickly or keep their finances agile.

How Much Can You Borrow?

Most low-doc lenders allow up to 80% LVR (loan-to-value ratio), though 60–70% is more common for borrowers with riskier profiles or less documentation. You’ll often pay a slightly higher interest rate — but not always. If you’ve got good equity and a strong profile, it can be very competitive.

At KeyLink, we’ve helped clients access:

• 80% LVR with just one year of financials
• 75% LVR with accountant declarations
• Competitive rates for clean credit history

The key? Knowing which lenders offer what, and how to present your application correctly.

What Are the Risks?

Low-doc loans do carry a few trade-offs:

• Slightly higher interest rates
• Stricter credit policies
• May not offer all the bells and whistles of full-doc loans

But for many business owners, the upside — fast access to funding, more tailored assessment, and less red tape — far outweighs the cost.

And remember: low-doc doesn’t mean low-standards. Lenders will still assess your credit history, income patterns, and risk profile. You just don’t need to tick every traditional box.

Real Client Example

One of our clients — a Sunshine Coast builder — had a booming business but hadn’t completed his most recent tax return. His bank said “come back in 6 months.”

We found a low-doc lender who accepted BAS and a declaration from his accountant. Two weeks later, he was approved for $1.1M to buy his new family home — without waiting months or scrambling to finalise paperwork.

Why Work With a Broker?

Low-doc lending isn’t about finding a “yes” anywhere. It’s about:

• Matching your profile to the right lender
• Structuring your application to highlight strengths
• Understanding policy differences between lenders
• Avoiding traps (like uncompetitive rates or loan features that limit future moves)

At KeyLink, we do all of that — and we speak fluent business.

Whether you’re investing, refinancing, or buying your first home, our job is to structure the right deal for you — not just get a loan approved.

Final Thoughts

If you’re self-employed and hitting walls with the banks, don’t assume you’re out of options. A well-structured low-doc loan could be the tool that unlocks your next move.

Want to know what’s possible? Let’s run the numbers and talk through your options.

Interested in a low-doc loan?Visit our Refinancing page or Residential loans to learn more about how we help business owners like you structure smarter finance.

Or simply book a call — we’ll walk you through it.

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