Running your own business, working as a contractor, or operating as a sole trader gives you a lot of freedom. But when it comes to refinancing a home loan, that same independence can make the process feel like it works against you. Standard lenders often rely on straightforward payslips and group certificates to assess income. When your income is variable, comes from multiple sources, or is structured through a company or trust, many lenders struggle to see the full picture. That is where House of Finance steps in.
Why self-employed refinance requires a different approach
A self-employed home loan refinance is not simply a matter of switching lenders and filling in a form. The way your income is documented, the structure of your business, and the number of years your ABN has been active all play a role in how a lender assesses your application. Some lenders require two full years of tax returns. Others may accept a one year ABN refinance under the right circumstances. Some will consider a bank statement refinance or an accountant letter refinance as part of an alternative documentation approach. Understanding which lender suits your specific situation is the difference between a smooth refinance and a frustrating one.
At House of Finance, we work with a wide panel of lenders, including non-bank and alternative lenders who specialise in flexible refinance solutions for self-employed borrowers. Whether you are a company director refinance applicant, a contractor refinance client, or a business owner refinance seeker, we match your circumstances to the right lending policy rather than forcing your situation into a box it does not fit.
What self-employed borrowers are refinancing for
The reasons for pursuing a self-employed refinance are as varied as the people who run their own businesses. Many clients come to House of Finance looking to reduce their self-employed rate after years of loyalty to a lender who has not passed on rate improvements. Others want to access equity built up in their property, whether to invest, renovate, or consolidate debt. Self-employed equity release and cash out self-employed refinancing are common goals, particularly for business owners who want to put their property's value to work.
Debt consolidation for self-employed borrowers is another area where refinancing can make a meaningful difference to monthly cash flow. By rolling higher-interest debts into a single home loan, some clients find they can improve cash flow and reduce the financial pressure that comes with managing multiple repayments. House of Finance helps clients understand how this might work for their situation without making promises about outcomes.
For those whose fixed rate period is ending, refinancing at the right time can also be worth exploring. Our team can help you review your current loan structure and compare it against what is available in the market today.
Documentation and income verification
One of the most common concerns among self-employed borrowers is income verification. If your tax returns show lower income due to business deductions, a traditional full-doc loan may not reflect your true earning capacity. This is where low doc refinance and alt doc refinance options become relevant. These products allow lenders to assess income using alternative evidence such as BAS statements, business bank statements, or a letter from your accountant.
House of Finance has experience working with lenders who understand self-employed income verification in its many forms. We know which lenders will accept a BAS refinance, which ones require a two year ABN refinance history, and which may consider applications from borrowers with a shorter trading history. This knowledge saves time and reduces the risk of applying to the wrong lender.
Costs and considerations
Before refinancing, it is worth understanding the full picture of self-employed refinance costs. These can include discharge fees from your current lender, break costs if you are on a fixed rate, and application or valuation fees with the new lender. House of Finance walks clients through these figures so there are no surprises. We help you weigh up whether the potential savings from a lower self-employed interest rate outweigh the upfront costs of switching.
Self-employed LVR (loan-to-value ratio) is another factor that affects which lenders and products are available to you. Borrowers with more equity in their property generally have access to a wider range of options, including lenders with more flexible refinance policies.
If you are based in Parramatta, the Hills District, or the surrounding suburbs, House of Finance is well-placed to help you review your current loan and explore whether a self-employed refinance could work in your favour. Our team understands the local property market and the lending landscape for self-employed borrowers across the region. Reach out to us to discuss your situation with a self-employed refinance specialist who will take the time to understand your goals.
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.
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
Mehdi recently helped my wife and me refinance our home loan and access equity in our property to support our future investment plans. As self-employed business owners, our financial situation wasn’t straightforward. Mehdi took the time to understand our circumstances, clearly explained all our options, and guided us through the entire process from start to finish. His communication was outstanding—he was always available to answer our questions, kept us informed every step of the way, and made us feel confident that he was acting in our best interests throughout the application. The entire process was smooth, professional, and completely stress-free. If you’re looking for an experienced mortgage broker—especially if you’re self-employed or need assistance with refinancing or investment lending—I highly recommend Mehdi Amirilayeghi. Thank you again, Mehdi, for your exceptional service, professionalism, and ongoing support.
HUSSEIN ALKHASIBI
Thank you Mehdi and the team behind the scenes at HOF for your expertise, guidance and patience to get this across the line! I wasn't sure I'd ever get into the property market as 1st time investor & as my previous attempts hit dead ends. My journey to get here was far from straightforward involving a multilayered strategy to refinance, debt consolidation and an upcoming guarantor structure for construction loan (home & land purchase). What stood out is Mehdi not shying away from the complexity, he took the time to understand my financial position, he is informative, mapped a clear pathway and always provided honest/ straightforward guidance at every step. I feel confident with Mehdi in my corner throughout this journey and highly recommend without hesitation! 🙏🏼
W B
In most cases, yes, you will need some form of deposit to apply for a home loan in Australia. The amount required can vary depending on the lender and your individual circumstances. Generally speaking, a deposit of at least 20 per cent of the property's purchase price allows you to avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which is an additional cost that protects the lender if you are unable to repay the loan. However, some lenders do offer loans with a smaller deposit, and there are government schemes available to eligible first home buyers in New South Wales that may assist with deposit requirements. At House Of Finance, we will help you understand your options based on your current situation.
When you go directly to a bank, you only see the loan products that particular bank offers. A mortgage broker, on the other hand, has access to a wide panel of lenders, which means we can present you with a broader range of options to consider. At House Of Finance, we work with multiple lenders across Australia, giving residents in Parramatta and the Hills District access to choices they may not have found on their own. We also take the time to explain each option in plain language, so you can make an informed decision with confidence. Having someone in your corner who understands the lending landscape can make a real difference.
In most cases, our service comes at no out-of-pocket cost to you as the borrower. Mortgage brokers in Australia are typically paid a commission by the lender once your loan settles. We are required by law to be transparent about how we are paid, and we will always disclose this information to you clearly and upfront. This means you can access our knowledge, support, and guidance without worrying about a large bill at the end of the process. We believe everyone in Parramatta and the Hills District deserves access to quality mortgage support, regardless of their budget. We are happy to walk you through how our payment structure works during your first conversation with us.
Absolutely. Buying your first home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make, and it can feel like a lot to take in. At House Of Finance, we have a genuine passion for helping first home buyers in Parramatta and the Hills District understand the process from start to finish. We will explain how home loans work, what you may need to prepare, and what government assistance schemes might be available to you as a first home buyer in New South Wales. We take the time to answer your questions without making you feel rushed or overwhelmed. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and supported every step of the way.
While the exact documents required can vary depending on your situation and the lender, there are some common items most lenders will ask for. These typically include proof of identity such as a passport or driver's licence, recent payslips or tax returns if you are self-employed, bank statements, details of any existing debts or liabilities, and information about the property you are looking to purchase. At House Of Finance, we will give you a clear and personalised checklist based on your specific circumstances so you know exactly what to gather. Being well-prepared with your documents can help the application process run more smoothly and reduce the chance of delays. We are here to guide you through every part of this.
House Of Finance can assist with a wide variety of home loan types to suit different situations and goals. Whether you are a first home buyer taking your first steps onto the property ladder, someone looking to refinance an existing loan, a property investor, or someone wanting to build a new home, we can help you explore your options. We also assist with loans for self-employed borrowers, which can sometimes be more complex to arrange. Every person's situation is different, and we take a personalised approach to understanding what you need before exploring what may be available to you. We encourage you to reach out and have a conversation with us, no matter where you are in your property journey.
Refinancing means replacing your current home loan with a new one, either with your existing lender or a different one. People choose to refinance for a variety of reasons, such as wanting to access different loan features, consolidate debts, or simply to review whether their current loan still suits their circumstances. It is important to understand that refinancing is not the right move for everyone, and there can be costs involved such as exit fees or application fees, depending on your current loan. At House Of Finance, we will take the time to look at your current situation honestly and help you understand whether refinancing could be worth exploring. We will never push you toward a decision that does not make sense for you.
A mortgage broker acts as the go-between for you and a range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. Rather than you having to approach each lender individually, a mortgage broker does the legwork on your behalf. At House Of Finance, we take the time to understand your personal situation, your goals, and your financial circumstances before researching loan options that may suit your needs. We handle the paperwork, communicate with lenders, and guide you through each step of the process. Our role is to make the home loan journey feel less overwhelming, so you can focus on what matters most to you.
Getting started with House Of Finance is straightforward. You can reach out to us by phone, email, or through our website to book an initial consultation. This first conversation is a chance for us to get to know you, understand your goals, and learn about your current financial situation. There is no pressure and no obligation. We service clients across Parramatta and the Hills District and can meet with you in person or speak with you remotely, whichever suits you best. From there, we will outline what the process looks like for your specific situation and answer any questions you might have. We are here to support you and make sure you feel confident and informed before taking any next steps.
The timeline for a home loan can vary depending on a number of factors, including the lender you apply with, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly documentation can be gathered and verified. In general, from the time you submit a full application, formal approval can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. At House Of Finance, we work hard to keep the process moving efficiently and will keep you informed along the way so you are never left wondering what is happening. We also help you prepare your documents thoroughly before lodging your application, which can help avoid unnecessary delays. Our team is always available to answer your questions throughout the process.
If you are self-employed and wondering whether your current home loan is still working for you, House of Finance is ready to help. Book an appointment with our team in Parramatta and get a clear picture of your options.
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