Running a business with a partner is a smart move. But when it comes to getting a home loan, lenders often treat partnership structures as complicated, and many simply do not know how to assess partnership income correctly. At Self Employed Home Loans, we specialise in exactly this kind of lending. We work with clients across Sydney, Parramatta, the Hills District, and Western Sydney who operate under a partnership business structure and need a mortgage broker who actually understands how their income works.
What Is a Partnership Home Loan?
A partnership home loan is a mortgage applied for by individuals who earn their income through a registered business partnership. In Australia, a general partnership is one of the most common business structures, particularly among tradespeople, professional services firms, and small business operators. When two or more people run a business together under a partnership ABN, each partner receives a share of the net income generated by the business. That income is declared through a partnership tax return, and each partner then reports their allocated income on their individual tax return.
The challenge is that most major banks are not set up to assess this kind of income efficiently. They may apply conservative add-back policies, misread the partnership tax return, or simply decline the application because the income structure does not fit their standard template. That is where Self Employed Home Loans steps in.
Why Partnership Income Assessment Matters
Partnership income verification is one of the most misunderstood areas in home lending. Unlike a salaried employee who receives a payslip, a partner in a business draws their income from the partnership profit share. Lenders need to assess the partnership income assessment correctly, looking at the share of net income allocated to each partner, any legitimate add-backs such as depreciation or one-off expenses, and the overall stability of the business.
If a lender gets this wrong, they will either underestimate your borrowing capacity or decline your application entirely. Self Employed Home Loans works with a panel of specialist partnership lenders, including non-bank lenders, who have flexible partnership assessment policies designed for people in exactly your situation. We know which lenders will look at your partnership income favourably and how to present your financials in a way that gives your application the strongest possible footing.
Who We Help
We assist a wide range of clients who need a partnership home loan. Whether you are looking to purchase a family home, buy an investment property, or refinance an existing mortgage, we can work with your partnership structure. Our clients include partners in trades businesses, professional services firms, retail operations, and many other industries. We also assist self employed first home buyers who are operating through a partnership and entering the property market for the first time.
If you are looking to release equity from a property you already own, a partnership equity release loan may also be an option worth exploring. Similarly, if your current loan is no longer competitive, a partnership refinance could help you access better terms through a lender who properly understands your income structure. We also assist clients who operate through other business structures, including those who need a company director home loan or are borrowing through a trust structure.
What Documents Are Typically Involved
For a standard partnership home loan, lenders will generally want to see two years of partnership tax returns, two years of individual tax returns for each borrowing partner, and notices of assessment. Some lenders will also consider alt doc home loan options if your tax returns do not fully reflect the income your business generates. This can be particularly useful if you have recently restructured or if your taxable income is lower than your actual cash flow due to legitimate deductions.
Self Employed Home Loans will review your documents upfront, identify the right lender for your situation, and help you understand what your borrowing capacity looks like before you commit to anything. We also look at factors like partnership LVR requirements and whether lenders mortgage insurance applies to your scenario, so there are no surprises along the way.
Why Self Employed Home Loans
We are a self employed mortgage broker that focuses exclusively on clients who do not fit the standard employed borrower mould. Partnership lending is a core part of what we do. We understand the nuances of partnership finance, we know the lenders who have sensible policies for partnership structures, and we know how to position your application for the best possible outcome. If you have been knocked back by a bank or told your income is too hard to assess, we can take a fresh look at your situation. Our clients across Sydney, Parramatta, the Hills District, and Western Sydney trust us to cut through the complexity and get results. You can also learn more about borrowing capacity for self employed borrowers to understand what may be possible for your situation.
1. Initial Consultation with Mehdi
Your journey starts with a conversation. Whether you're buying a home, an investment property, or exploring options as a self-employed borrower, Mehdi takes the time to understand your goals, your financial position, and what you're trying to achieve. This isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Mehdi listens first, then works out the right path forward. He'll explain what's possible, what lenders are looking for, and what the road ahead looks like before you commit to anything.
2. Financial Assessment
Mehdi conducts a thorough review of your financial picture, including your income, expenses, assets, liabilities, credit history, and any existing equity. For self-employed clients and business owners, this step is especially important. Mehdi knows how to read and present financials in a way that makes sense to lenders, particularly in low-doc and alt-doc scenarios. The goal is a clear understanding of your borrowing capacity and the loan structure that fits your situation, not just the biggest number a lender will approve.
3. Exploring Your Loan Options
With access to a broad panel of lenders across Australia, Mehdi compares rates, fees, offset features, repayment structures, and loan types to find the right fit. He'll walk you through the differences between fixed and variable rates, interest-only and principal-and-interest options, and explain how each choice affects your cash flow and long-term position. For investors, this is where loan structure becomes just as important as the rate itself.
4. Pre-Approval
Pre-approval gives you a realistic borrowing limit and the confidence to move when the right property comes up. Mehdi manages this process from start to finish, presenting your application in the strongest possible light. For complex situations, this step is where his experience and lender relationships make a real difference. A strong pre-approval also signals to sellers and agents that you're a serious buyer ready to act.
5. Loan Application
Once you've chosen the right product, Mehdi handles the full application process. He prepares your documentation, manages lender communication, and keeps things moving so nothing stalls. You'll always know where things stand. For self-employed clients or those with more complex income structures, Mehdi ensures your application is put together accurately and compellingly, giving you the best genuine chance of approval.
6. Loan Approval and Next Steps
When approval comes through, Mehdi walks you through the loan agreement in plain language so you understand exactly what you're signing. He'll help you review the terms, arrange any required insurance, and set up your repayment structure. His role doesn't end at approval. He's there to make sure the transition into your new loan is smooth and that you're set up well from day one.
7. Settlement and Beyond
Settlement is the final step where the loan is formally advanced and ownership transfers to you. Mehdi coordinates with your solicitor or conveyancer to make sure everything lines up on time. After settlement, you'll have online access to your loan and a clear picture of your repayments. And if your circumstances change down the track, or you're ready to grow your portfolio further, Mehdi is the kind of broker you can come back to.
This Office did for me a good Service a few times
Arkan Shamun
I received excellent service from Mehdi. He is a man of his word, highly knowledgeable, and clearly knows what he is doing. Throughout the process, he was professional, reliable, and delivered on his commitments. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for exceptional service.
Rashed Saifuddin
We first worked with Mehdi when he helped us refinance our home loan, and the experience was so good that we came back to him again when we decided to purchase land and build our new home. Once again, Mehdi made the whole process easy to understand and guided us every step of the way. His knowledge, communication, and attention to detail gave us complete confidence throughout the journey. He genuinely cares about getting the right outcome and always goes the extra mile for his clients. We’re grateful for all your help and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mehdi to anyone looking for a mortgage broker they can trust. Thank you again for everything!
Amandeep Kaur
As a first-time investment property buyer, I was nervous and had so many questions, but Mehdi made the entire journey feel easy and stress-free. From the very beginning, he was incredibly supportive, patient, and always available to answer my questions and explain every step in a way that was easy to understand. His knowledge, professionalism, and dedication gave me complete confidence throughout the process. No matter what challenges came up, Mehdi was proactive, reassuring, and genuinely had my best interests at heart. I always felt like I was in safe hands. I’m so grateful for all of his hard work in helping me secure my first investment property. I couldn’t recommend Mehdi more highly to anyone looking for a trustworthy, knowledgeable, and reliable mortgage broker. Thank you for making such an important milestone such a positive experience!
Hawraa Almshat
As a mortgage broker, Self Employed Home Loans is typically paid a commission by the lender when your home loan settles. This means that in most cases, there is no direct cost to you for using our services. We are required by law to act in your best interests and to disclose any commissions or fees we receive. Before we proceed with any application, we will be upfront with you about how we are paid and whether any fees apply to your specific situation. Our focus is on finding a loan that suits your needs and circumstances, not on pushing a particular product. We encourage you to ask us any questions you have about our fees and commissions so you feel completely comfortable with how the process works.
The more prepared you are before your first conversation, the more useful that conversation will be. It helps to have a general idea of how much you are looking to borrow and what you plan to use the loan for. You should also think about how your business income is structured and whether your tax returns are up to date. Gathering recent bank statements, your last two years of tax returns, and any business financial statements will give your broker a clearer picture of your situation from the start. If your tax returns are not lodged, it is worth speaking to your accountant before approaching a lender. Even if you are not fully prepared, reaching out early is worthwhile. We can guide you on exactly what you need and help you plan ahead so you are in the strongest possible position when the time comes to apply.
Most lenders in Australia prefer to see at least two years of self employment history before approving a home loan. This gives them enough information to assess whether your income is stable and sustainable. However, some lenders will consider applications from people who have been self employed for as little as one year, particularly if you were previously employed in the same industry or trade. There are also lenders who offer products specifically designed for newer business owners. Every situation is different, so it is worth having a conversation with a specialist broker to understand your options based on how long you have been running your business and what your financials look like.
Absolutely. We work with self employed business owners right across Australia, including clients in Sydney, Parramatta, the Hills District, Western Sydney, and beyond. Whether you prefer to meet in person or speak with us over the phone or via video call, we can work around what suits you. Many of our clients are busy running their businesses and do not have time to visit a branch or sit through lengthy in-person meetings. We make the process as convenient as possible while still giving you the personalised attention your situation deserves. No matter where you are based in Australia, if you are self employed and looking for a home loan, we are here to help you understand your options.
Lenders in Australia typically assess a borrower's ability to repay a loan based on their income. For employees, this is straightforward because they receive regular payslips. For self employed business owners, income can vary from month to month, and the way income is reported through tax returns, business financials, or company structures can look very different. Some lenders are not set up to properly assess self employed income, which can lead to applications being declined or borrowers being offered less than they need. This does not mean getting a home loan is impossible. It simply means you need to approach the right lenders with the right documentation, and that is exactly where a specialist broker can add real value.
A self employed mortgage broker is a specialist who understands the unique challenges that business owners face when applying for a home loan. Unlike a standard mortgage broker who works with all types of borrowers, we focus specifically on people who run their own businesses. This means we understand how your income is structured, why your tax returns may look different to a salaried employee, and which lenders are more likely to work with your situation. We take the time to understand your business, your finances, and your goals, then work to match you with a lender whose criteria suits your circumstances. If you are self employed and have found the home loan process confusing or frustrating, speaking with a specialist broker can make a real difference.
The documents required can vary depending on the lender and your individual situation, but generally you will need to provide your most recent tax returns, both personal and business, along with your Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office. Lenders may also ask for business financial statements, Business Activity Statements (BAS), and bank statements showing your business and personal cash flow. If your business is structured as a company or trust, additional documentation may be required. Some lenders offer what are known as low doc or alt doc loans, which allow borrowers to use alternative forms of income verification such as an accountant's letter or bank statements instead of full tax returns. We can help you understand exactly what you need to prepare before you apply.
Self employed borrowers can generally apply for home loans to purchase the same types of properties as any other borrower. This includes owner-occupied homes, investment properties, vacant land, and properties for construction. The type of property you are looking to buy may affect which lenders are suitable and what conditions apply. For example, some lenders have restrictions on certain property types such as small apartments, rural properties, or properties in specific postcodes. Your intended use of the property, whether you plan to live in it or rent it out, will also affect the loan structure and which products are available to you. A specialist broker can help you understand what is possible based on the property you have in mind and your current financial position.
Yes, variable income is very common among self employed business owners, and many lenders understand this. The key is how your income is presented and which lender you approach. Some lenders will average your income over two years, while others may use your most recent year if it is higher. Some lenders are more flexible in how they assess irregular or seasonal income. The way your business is structured, whether you operate as a sole trader, partnership, company, or trust, can also affect how your income is calculated. This is one of the reasons why working with a broker who specialises in self employed home loans is so valuable. We know which lenders are more likely to view your income favourably and how to present your application in the strongest possible way.
A low doc home loan, short for low documentation, is a type of home loan designed for borrowers who cannot provide the standard income documents that most lenders require. This is common for self employed people whose tax returns may not fully reflect their actual income, or who are behind on their tax lodgements. Instead of full tax returns, lenders offering low doc loans may accept alternative documents such as bank statements, a signed income declaration, or a letter from your accountant. It is important to understand that low doc loans are not a shortcut. They still require you to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan. A specialist broker can help you assess whether a low doc loan suits your situation and which lenders offer these products.
If you earn income through a business partnership and want to know where you stand with a home loan, Self Employed Home Loans is ready to help. Book an appointment with our team and get straight answers about your partnership mortgage options.
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