Self-Employed and Wanting to Buy a Home? Here’s What You Need to Know.

It’s All About How You Present Your Finances

Lenders want to see that you can manage your income and meet repayments. That doesn’t mean you need to have a traditional 9-5 salary,it just means your income needs to tell a clear story.

Most lenders will ask for your last two years of financial statements, ideally prepared by a qualified accountant. This helps them see your income trends, your ability to manage expenses, and your overall financial position.

But what if you’ve been self-employed for less than two years? Don’t stress - there are still options. Some lenders offer alternative documentation loans or can assess your application using:

Cashflow projections
Signed contracts or retainer agreements with clients, or
Evidence of industry experience prior to starting your business.

Strengthen Your Application With Smart Moves

If you're self-employed, your mortgage application may need a bit more finesse - but that’s where our expert guidance comes in. Here are four powerful ways to improve your chances:

1. Separate Business and Personal Finances
Having dedicated business accounts shows lenders that you’re financially organised and serious about your work.

2. Stay Up to Date With Your Tax
Lenders want to know that you’re meeting your obligations with the IRD. It’s a good idea to have recent tax summaries ready, and ideally, no overdue payments.

3. Build a Track Record of Savings
A steady savings history gives lenders confidence that you can handle financial commitments - including a mortgage.

4. Check Your Credit Health
A strong credit score will always help. Check your report with NZ’s main agencies (Equifax, Centrix, or Illion), and make sure everything’s accurate and up to date.

Not All Lenders Are Created Equal

You don’t have to go through a major bank to get a great home loan. In fact, New Zealand’s lending market offers more choice than ever - especially for self-employed borrowers.

Depending on your situation, you might be better suited to:

Non-bank lenders who offer flexible criteria,
Near-prime lenders for those just outside the standard bank box, or
Alt-doc loans that use different paperwork to assess your income.

Each comes with pros, cons, and lending policies - but that’s exactly where we can save you time, stress, and money. We’ll match you with the lender who gets your situation and offers terms that support your long-term goals.

You’re Not Just a Business Owner - You’re a Future Homeowner

Being self-employed shouldn’t be a roadblock. You’ve already proven that you can manage risk, juggle finances, and plan for the future. That’s exactly what lenders want in a borrower.

The key is preparation and having the right team on your side.

Next Steps