Alt doc loans
Home loans for the self‑employed.
Business is going well but your tax returns are not up to date? An alt doc loan lets you show your income with BAS, business bank statements or an accountant's letter. We compare bank and specialist lenders to find the right fit.
Alt doc loans in short
An alt doc (alternative documentation) loan is a home or investment loan for self-employed borrowers who cannot yet show the full tax returns a standard loan asks for. Income is verified another way, such as BAS, business bank statements or an accountant's letter, and the lender still completes a full credit assessment.
How alt doc loans work
Same careful assessment, different paperwork.
A standard (full doc) home loan usually asks for one to two years of tax returns and notices of assessment. That can be hard if your business is new, growing quickly, or your latest returns are not lodged yet.
Alt doc lenders accept other evidence of income instead, and still check that the repayments are affordable for you. Rates and fees can be higher than a standard loan and the maximum loan size compared to the property value is often lower, so we compare lenders carefully and plan a path to a standard loan once your returns are lodged.
Who it suits
Built for people who run their own business.
- Sole traders and contractors
- Company directors and business partners
- Business owners whose tax returns are not yet lodged
- Newer businesses with a short trading history
- Self-employed people whose income has grown since their last return
- Small business owners looking to refinance
What lenders ask for
Common ways to show your income.
Most alt doc lenders also want an active ABN and GST registration for a minimum period, plus a signed declaration of your income. Requirements vary by lender, and we will tell you exactly what yours needs.
Business Activity Statements
Recent lodged BAS showing the turnover of your business.
Business bank statements
Several months of statements showing the money coming into your business.
Accountant's letter
A letter from your accountant confirming your income, in the format the lender requires.
Why MKS Lending
We work with self-employed borrowers every day.
We compare bank and specialist lenders, explain every cost upfront and work alongside your accountant. When your tax returns are up to date, we help you move to a standard loan if it will save you money.
Self-employed lending, handled by people who understand business
Our team has helped business owners buy and refinance their homes since 1985, often working directly with your accountant so the loan supports the bigger plan.
Client reviews
What our clients say.
Teo reviewed our home loan and got a better deal plus money to renovate our house.
Teo understands finance and made the loan process stress-free.
I've used Kris for two loans now and both experiences have been great. He's easy to deal with, communicates really well, and clearly knows his stuff. Highly recommend.
Free loan review
Talk to us about an alt doc loan
Tell us a little about your plans. A broker will call you, usually within one business day, to talk through your options. No cost and no obligation.
We listen first
A short chat about your goals, income and timing.
We compare 50+ lenders
30+ banks and 20+ private lenders, not just one bank's products.
You decide
We explain the options in plain English. There is no pressure to proceed.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What does alt doc mean?
Alt doc is short for alternative documentation. Instead of tax returns and notices of assessment, the lender verifies your income with other documents, such as BAS, business bank statements or a letter from your accountant.
Are alt doc interest rates higher?
Often a little higher than a standard loan, and some lenders charge extra fees or need a larger deposit. It depends on the lender, your deposit and your credit history. We show you the full cost before you decide.
How much deposit do I need?
Many lenders allow a lower loan amount compared to the property value on alt doc loans than on standard loans, so a larger deposit or more equity helps. Some lenders go higher with genuine savings and lenders mortgage insurance. We will tell you what is realistic for you.
Can I use an alt doc loan for an investment property?
Many alt doc lenders accept investment purchases and refinances as well as owner-occupied homes. Requirements vary by lender.
Can I switch to a standard loan later?
Yes. Once your tax returns are lodged, you may be able to refinance to a standard (full doc) loan, possibly at a lower rate. We review your loan and let you know when it makes sense.
Self-employed and ready to buy or refinance?
Book a free, no-obligation loan review. We compare the market and show you exactly what is possible.