Flexible Lending Solutions for Sole Traders

Home Loans for Sole Traders in Melbourne

Running your own business shouldn’t make getting the right home loan harder than it needs to be. Shern Advisory helps sole traders across Melbourne navigate lender requirements, present income clearly and secure finance that suits both day-to-day cash flow and long-term property goals.

Guidance on low doc, alt doc and full doc loan options for sole traders
Support with income verification, borrowing power and lender policy
End-to-end help from assessment and pre-approval through to settlement

Book Your Free Assessment →

No pressure • Local Melbourne team • Tailored strategy for sole traders

MFAA Accredited

Nicholas Harvey

8 months ago

★★★★★

Made our journey for a home loan seamless and very quick.

Christina Pham

9 months ago

★★★★★

We couldn’t be happier.

Kate Kinsey

7 months ago

★★★★★

Jason worked tirelessly for us, ensuring we secured our mortgage.

Natasha Chaudhry

11 months ago

★★★★★

The most professional, dedicated, genuine and honest mortgage broker and person I have dealt with in a long time.

Re Tol

1 year ago

★★★★★

He restructured our portfolio and took the stress away from an otherwise stressful situation. Always quick to respond and update us on the status of our applications. He patiently explained the process and gave dependable timelines, resulting in desired approvals.

Trusted by Melbourne Sole Traders & Small Business Owners

4.9 rating from 18+ verified Google reviews

Shern Advisory Finance Brokers

4.9

Based on 18 reviews

review us on

Nicholas Harvey

1 year ago

Jason Kuan has done an amazing job in making our home loan possible. He is so thorough and professional with his research. This has made our journey for a home loan seamless and very quick. Thanks again Jason. We will be recommending you to others

Christina Pham

1 year ago

We couldn’t be happier with the experience with the services of AXJ Finance Broker
Jason Kuan - my broker was knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful throughout the entire process. Jason listened took his tine to understand our needs and found us a great deal to get out dream home.

One thing that really impressed me was because of my current circumstances Jason even worked out off his office hours to help us out. “He rang me ơn public Holliday” !!!!

We would highly recommend AXJ anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy loan broker.

Thank you the team and special thank Jason Kuan

A Cut Above family butcher

2 years ago

Absolute faultless experience, i knew next to nothing on what to do and Jason guided me every step of the way through the process and nothing was to much to ask and made me feel very comfortable from the first phone call, Jason was incredibly reliable, incredibly prompt with communication and made all the hard words make sense, highly recommended and looking forward to our next venture with Jason

Kate Kinsey

2 years ago

We cannot thank and recommend AxJ Finance Brokers enough!
Jason worked tirelessly for us, ensuring we secured our mortgage.

Julieann Lee

2 years ago

My Mum was in a challenging situation with going into Aged Care and not wanting to sell the home just yet after my Dad passed away 18 months ago. I didn’t know what to do or who to speak to. I came across Jason via Google, read the reviews and made my first call. Jason was compassionate, listened to our situation and provided possible solutions. Jason answered all of our questions and concerns and explained everything. Jason is one of the most genuine, dedicated and professional people I have come across and has stepped us through the process with his support and guidance. Nothing was too difficult and Jason is a fabulous advocate. I will be using Jason’s services again at some stage in the future and highly recommend him and his services to anyone who is looking for a wonderful Mortgage Broker. Thank you so much Jason for your support, patience, genuineness and professionalism.

Natasha Chaudhry

2 years ago

Where do I start! Jason from AxJ Finance is the most professional, dedicated, genuine and honest mortgage broker and person I have dealt with in a long time.
Jason has gone way above and beyond to help me keep my home after a separation. He would respond any time of the day, night or weekend and would always be available to guide me and support me.
Furthermore, Jason is a very smart man who knows his stuff and is willing to take the time to genuinely help everyday aussies achieve their dreams.
Jason I cannot thank u enough for ur patience, help and support and ur many hours of hard work.

Re Tol

2 years ago

Jason is the broker you need in your corner!
We connected with Jason after a number of disappointing experiences with some other brokers. The other brokers left our credit profile with many enquiries with zero results.

Jason came on the scene and handled everything professionally. He restructured our portfolio and took the stress away from an otherwise stressful situation. Always quick to respond and update us on the status of our applications. He patiently explained the process and gave dependable timelines, resulting in desired approvals. Jason’s positive can-do attitude is commendable.

Jason delivered over and above our expectations. Would use his services again. Highly recommended!!!

Low Doc

Flexible Income Verification

Alt Doc

For Non-Standard Applications

40+

Lenders Compared

Broker Fee to You

Want to know what you can borrow as a sole trader? Get your free sole trader borrowing power assessment →

Sole Trader Lending Intelligence

The Real Strategy Behind Home Loans for Sole Traders

Most sole trader loan pages just say the paperwork is harder. We go deeper: how lenders assess taxable income versus actual business strength, what happens when deductions reduce your borrowing power, how BAS and bank statements can help, and how to structure the application so you are judged on the real health of your business.

What Lenders Actually Want to See

→
Consistent personal income from the business: lenders want to know what the business produces for you, not just what the turnover figure looks like.
→
Clear tax returns and BAS history: up-to-date documentation gives lenders confidence that the business is stable and managed properly.
→
A believable story behind the numbers: recent growth, seasonal income, or changing expenses often need explanation, not just raw figures.
→
Evidence of stability: savings history, repayment conduct, and trading continuity can be just as important as headline income.

Which Loan Path Fits Which Sole Trader

$
Full doc loans: best for sole traders with strong tax returns, clean financials, and a more traditional approval pathway.
$
Low doc loans: useful when the business is healthy but standard tax-based borrowing power does not tell the full story.
$
Alt doc pathways: a middle-ground option when some flexibility is needed but the application still has strong underlying quality.
$
Under-2-year borrowers: more difficult, but not impossible when there is strong continuity, cash flow, savings behaviour, or previous industry experience.
$
Lender fit matters more than label: the same sole trader file can be weak with one lender and strong with another based entirely on policy.

How Sole Traders Improve Approval Chances

1
Keep tax returns current — late lodgements or incomplete records create approval friction immediately.
2
Maintain clean business and personal accounts — clarity helps lenders understand income flow and credibility.
3
Reduce personal debt where possible — credit cards, car finance, and consumer debt can materially reduce borrowing power.
4
Build a strong savings pattern — consistent savings behaviour helps offset lender concerns around variable income.
5
Choose the right lender first — self-employed lending is often won or lost at lender selection, not document volume alone.

Real Scenario: Sole Trader with Strong Cash Flow, Non-Standard Income Profile

A Melbourne sole trader has steady work, healthy revenue, and good savings, but their tax returns alone do not fully show the strength of the business. With the right lender and the right documentation strategy, that file can still become a strong approval candidate rather than being judged like a weak standard application.

Full Doc

If Financials Are Strong

Low Doc

If Flexibility Needed

Alt Doc

Middle-Ground Option

Stronger

File Positioning

Better

Lender Fit

Figures and outcomes depend on tax returns, BAS history, deposit size, credit profile, lender policy, and overall file quality.

Check What You Can Borrow as a Sole Trader — Free →

Melbourne Sole Trader Borrower Intelligence

Buying or Refinancing as a Sole Trader in Melbourne? What Your Broker Should Know.

Melbourne sole traders are often financially capable borrowers, but they are rarely assessed simply. Builders, tradies, consultants, creatives, freelancers, and service-based operators may all have strong businesses, yet lenders interpret their income very differently depending on policy and document style.

Challenges Sole Traders Commonly Face

Income is often stronger than it looks on paper — tax deductions can reduce declared income even when the business is trading well.
Documents can be incomplete or outdated — missing BAS, delayed tax returns, or inconsistent records can quickly weaken the lender’s confidence.
Under-2-year history creates extra hurdles — even where the business is strong, lender appetite is usually narrower for newer operators.
Traditional banks may assess too rigidly — a profitable sole trader can still be declined if the lender’s policy is not suited to self-employed nuance.
Borrowing strategy needs to fit the business reality — buying, refinancing, upgrading, or investing each require slightly different positioning and structure.

How Shern Advisory Solves It

We match lender policy to the sole trader profile — your industry, income pattern, and document set all influence which lender is right.
We position the file beyond the raw numbers — helping lenders understand the business quality behind the tax return.
We simplify the documentation process — making it clearer what matters most and what can be improved before submission.
We build the structure around your next move — not just approval now, but future refinance flexibility and property growth later.
We compare more than rates — acceptable docs, servicing strength, lender flexibility, and turnaround speed all matter.

Sole Trader Loan Success Stories

How Shern Advisory Helps Sole Traders Get Approved

Real outcomes for sole traders — from stronger full doc applications to flexible low doc pathways and smarter refinance structures.

Sole Trader — Full Doc

Established Sole Trader Secures Competitive Loan Through Better Financial Positioning

A Melbourne sole trader had consistent work and solid profitability but needed the application framed properly for the lender to understand the strength of the business. Jason structured the file around the right evidence and matched it to a lender suited to sole trader income.

Stronger

File Positioning

Better

Lender Fit

Sole Trader — Low Doc

Newer Sole Trader Uses Flexible Documentation Pathway to Move Forward Sooner

A sole trader did not yet have the ideal full-doc profile for a standard approval, but had good trading activity, clean bank conduct, and clear business momentum. Jason helped identify a more flexible route using acceptable alternative evidence.

Flexible

Income Verification

Sooner

Path to Approval

Sole Trader — Refinance

Sole Trader Refinances from Restrictive Lender to Better Long-Term Structure

A self-employed borrower already had a loan, but the existing lender was no longer a good fit as the business matured. Jason refinanced the file to a more suitable structure with better flexibility and a stronger long-term lending position.

Better

Flexibility

Stronger

Future Position

Beyond Standard Sole Trader Loans

Complex Sole Trader Scenarios We Handle

Not every sole trader fits a clean, standard application. We specialise in the cases that need deeper lender policy knowledge, smarter structuring, and stronger presentation.

Established Sole Traders

We help long-standing sole traders present stable business income clearly and access lenders that assess it properly.

Freelancers & Project-Based Sole Traders

Variable income does not automatically mean weak servicing. We know which lenders assess these profiles more fairly.

Tax-Minimised Income Profiles

Sole traders who legitimately reduce taxable income can still borrow well, but lender selection becomes especially important.

Under 2 Years as a Sole Trader

Newer sole traders can still succeed with the right lender, strong cash conduct, and a carefully built application story.

Refinancing Existing Loans

If your current lender is too restrictive or no longer fits your trading profile, we assess whether refinance can improve your position.

Low Doc & Alt Doc Applications

Where full financials are not the best path, we help determine whether low doc or alt doc is the smarter route.

Investment Property Strategy

Many sole traders want future flexibility to invest, so the initial loan structure needs to leave room for growth.

Rapidly Growing Businesses

Recent strong growth can be a major advantage, but only if the lender understands how to interpret it properly.

Our Lender Panel

We Compare Over 40 Banks & Lenders for Sole Traders

Going directly to one bank can leave you stuck with narrow policy and rigid document requirements. We compare your situation across 40+ lenders to find the strongest mix of policy fit, acceptable documentation, borrowing power, and long-term flexibility.

Including all four major banks, lenders with flexible sole trader policy, and options suited to full doc, low doc, alt doc, refinance, and under-2-year applications.

Sole Traders Who Work with a Specialist Broker Can Unlock Better Lending Outcomes — Through Stronger File Positioning, Smarter Lender Matching, and More Flexible Documentation Pathways.

Sole Trader Loan
Specialists

Licensed &
MFAA Accredited

40+ Lender
Panel

Low Doc, Alt Doc &
Business Income Expertise

Get Your Sole Trader Loan Strategy Session →

Exclusive to Shern Advisory Clients

Your Sole Trader Home Loan Should Evolve with Your Business

Sole trader businesses change quickly. Income changes, expenses change, and borrowing options improve as history strengthens. Our Review Program helps ensure your home loan stays competitive and appropriate as your business and property goals evolve.

Rate

Reviews

We renegotiate or review your rate regularly so your lending stays competitive as your profile strengthens.

Business

Changes

As your trading history, income strength, or structure evolves, we reassess whether your current loan still fits.

Equity

Monitoring

We track opportunities created by rising equity so you can plan refinance, upgrades, or investment moves with more confidence.

Next Step

Planning

Whether your next move is a new home, refinance, or investment property, we help map it strategically.

Your Sole Trader Borrowing Timeline

Settlement Day Your property settles and your loan is set up with current business reality and future flexibility in mind.
Month 6 — Rate Check We review lender pricing to ensure your loan remains competitive.
Month 12 — Full Review Loan structure, features, documentation strength, and future strategy are reviewed together.
Business Milestone — Reassessment Stronger financials, longer trading history, or business growth may unlock better lending options or future plans.
Year 2–3 — Expansion Strategy Ready to upgrade, refinance, or invest? We help turn stronger business performance into smarter next moves.
Ongoing — For Life Your lending should keep pace with your business and property goals. We stay in your corner long after settlement.

Ready to Find Out What You Can Borrow as a Sole Trader?

Book a free, no-obligation consultation with Shern Advisory. We’ll assess your business income, identify the strongest document pathway for your situation, compare lender options, and help you choose the right structure for your goals.

Get Your Free Sole Trader Loan Assessment → Call Jason — 0433 147 323

Get a personalised sole trader home loan assessment from Shern Advisory — including document strategy, lender comparison, borrowing power review, and a clearer path to approval. No cost. No commitment. Just clarity.

Get Your Free Sole Trader Loan Assessment →

Melbourne Finance Brokers Providing First Home Loans Solutions

Fast

Speed Without Risk

Simple

We collect, check, submit—end to end

Speak to a Broker 0433 147 323

Our Team Experts

Meet the Experts Behind
Your Financial Growth

Jason Kuan

Founder & Mortgage Broker

Audrey

Operations Director

Kate

Loan Processor & Administrator

Mortgage Solutions

🔑

First Home Buyers

Helping you get into the property market.

Buy Your First Home

📈

Investment Loans

Grow your property portfolio with strategic investment loans.

Grow Your Investment Portfolio

📜

Trust Loans

Loans designed for properties held in a trust structure.

Explore Trust Loan Options

🔄

Refinancing

Review your mortgage and access better loan products.

See Refinance Opportunities

🏘️

Rentvesting

Invest where you can afford while living where you love.

Learn About Rentvesting

💰

Equity Release

Unlock equity in your home for retirement or other needs.

Unlock Your Home Equity

Custom Loans

🔑

Low-Deposit Loans

Helping you get into the property market with a smaller deposit.

See Low-Deposit Options

📊

SMSF Loans

Invest in property through your Self-Managed Super Fund.

Use SMSF to Invest in Property

🌉

Bridging Loans

Simplify your move from one property to another.

Bridge the Gap Between Homes

🛡️

LMI Waived Loans

Save thousands with waived Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

Find LMI Waived Loans

🧱

Renovation Loans

Upgrade your home with custom renovation financing.

Fund Your Renovation Plans

🏢

Commercial Property

Finance solutions for buying or investing in commercial real estate.

Finance Commercial Property

🏦

Home Equity Loans

Tap into the equity in your home to achieve your financial goals.

Access Your Home’s Equity

🏖️

Holiday Home Loans

Make your dream holiday property a reality.

Holiday Home Loans

🌿

Green Home

Loans for energy-efficient and sustainable homes.

Go Green with Home Loans

💳

Tax Debt Consolidation

Consolidate your tax debts into a manageable loan.

Consolidate Tax Debts

👴

Retirement Mortgages

Secure lending options tailored for retirees.

Loans for Retirement Life

↩️

Reverse Mortgages

Unlock income from your home’s equity during retirement.

Explore Reverse Mortgages

➡️

Changing Home Loans

Switch to a loan that suits your current lifestyle.

Change Your Home Loan

🏡

Second Home Loans

Finance options to purchase your second property.

Buy a Second Property

♻️

Debt Recycling

Turn your home loan into an investment engine by recycling debt strategically.

Learn About Debt Recycling

By Profession

🩺

Doctors

Specialist home loans tailored to medical professionals.

Home Loans for Doctors

👩‍⚕️

Nurses

Flexible home loans designed for nursing professionals.

Explore Nurse Loan Options

⚖️

Lawyers

Expert guidance and lending options for legal professionals.

See Lawyer Loan Solutions

📚

Teachers

Tailored home loans for education professionals.

Loans for Teachers

📊

Accountants

Choose to a loan that suits you.

Loan Solution for Accountants

🛠️

Engineers

Specialist home loan options and LMI waivers tailored for engineers.

Explore Engineer Home Loans

🧾

Self-Employed Loans

Flexible home loan options for business owners and freelancers.

Loans for Self-Employed

💼

Investors

Tailored strategies and lending solutions for experienced investors.

Let's Talk Strategies

Rates & Updates

📉

Latest Interest Rate Update

Stay informed with the most recent rate changes and news.

Check the Latest Rates

📝

Blogs & Guides

Learn About the Best Mortgage Strategies, Tips & Guides

Insights & Broker Advice

Speak to a Senior Finance Broker

We’re excited to assist you with your first home loan journey and help you take that exciting first step into home ownership with ease and expert support.

FREE ASSESSMENT IN LESS THAN 48 HOURS

Initial Consultation

Introduction between the consult and the client. Understand the client's financial situation, goals, challenges, and expectations.
Data Analysis

Analyze cash flow, income, expenses, debts, assets, liabilities, and financial ratios. Identify potential risks and client’s risk tolerance.
Strategy Development

Work with the client to set short-term and long-term financial goals (e.g., retirement planning, debt reduction, investment growth).

Why Us

Why Choose Shern Advisory Finance Brokers

Award-Winning Mortgage Brokers

Consistently ranked among Australia’s leading brokers, with multiple industry accolades.
Experience

Decades of hands-on knowledge and deep market insight from our Melbourne-based founder.
Clear & Client-Focused Solutions

Complimentary Consultation, Strategic Planning, and Seamless Support from paperwork to settlement.
Smarter Loans, Better Homes

From first homes to portfolios—we simplify every step with competitive rates and expert guidance.
Melbourne’s Most Trusted Specialists

320+ five-star reviews for personal service, trusted advice, and local market expertise.
Accredited & Respected

Fully endorsed by MFAA & FBAA—professional excellence and ethical lending practices.
Fully Licensed & Compliance Assured

We manage complex compliance so your lending experience stays smooth and stress-free.
Tailored Strategies for Every Goal

From first homes to refinancing, strategies match your lifestyle and long-term success.

Banks vs. Shern Advisory – The Smarter Choice

Discover why more Melbourne clients are choosing Shern Advisory Finance Brokers over traditional banks—thanks to our hands-on service, broader lending network, and client-first mindset.

Traditional Banks Shern Advisory Finance Brokers

Banks Traditional Banks

Shern Advisory Shern Advisory Finance Brokers

Customers are treated as just another number in the system.

Clients enjoy personalised guidance and tailored financial solutions.
Limited loan options with rigid policies.

Access to 40+ lenders offering flexible mortgage solutions.
Slow approval times with complicated processes.

Faster approvals and clear support through every stage.
Focus on maximising profits for the bank.

Your goals come first—we work for you, not the lender.
Generic mortgage plans that lack flexibility.

Custom mortgage strategies built around your needs.
Call centers with minimal personal engagement.

One-on-one support from a dedicated broker in Melbourne.

Speak to a Broker

Office Hours

Monday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many engineers are eligible for LMI waivers with select lenders. This benefit can significantly reduce your upfront costs when purchasing a home.

Yes, engineers may qualify for professional home loan packages with competitive interest rates, reduced fees, and waived LMI depending on the lender and their qualifications.

Engineers are often seen as low-risk borrowers by lenders, which can help them access more competitive rates and better loan terms. A mortgage broker can help you navigate these options.

Banks such as ANZ, NAB, and St. George may offer LMI waivers for eligible engineers. Criteria varies by lender, so it’s best to work with a broker to identify the right fit for your situation.

Contact SA for Expert Guidance on Your Engineer Home Loan

Securing the right home loan as an engineer can be a game-changer for your long-term financial plans, but the process isn’t always straightforward. At Shern Advisory Finance Brokers, we specialise in Engineer Home Loans—streamlining the entire journey so you can focus on building your future.

With our in-depth knowledge of the mortgage market and the unique needs of engineers, we provide tailored loan solutions with competitive rates and engineer-specific benefits, such as waived LMI for eligible professionals. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or refinancing, we structure our services to align with your career and financial goals. Take control of your homeownership journey today—contact Shern Advisory to explore the best loan options for engineers.

Business Information

Shern Advisory, a trusted mortgage broker in Melbourne, specialises in providing personalised loan solutions to help you navigate the dynamic property market with ease. Led by principal broker Jason, our team is dedicated to delivering tailored, responsive, and proactive mortgage services, ensuring your financial journey is smooth and successful.

Tools

Locations

Melbourne

Loans

Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 9AM to 5PM
Saturday by appointment

This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

All finance applications and variations are subject to lenders terms and conditions. Fees and charges and eligibility criteria apply.

Mortgage brokers in Melbourne and surrounding areas, guiding your financial journey seamlessly.

A J Squared Trust t/as SA Finance Brokers
ABN 36 875 784 774

Australian Credit Licence 550893

Home Loans for Sole Traders in Melbourne

The Real Strategy Behind Home Loans for Sole Traders

What Lenders Actually Want to See

Which Loan Path Fits Which Sole Trader

How Sole Traders Improve Approval Chances

Real Scenario: Sole Trader with Strong Cash Flow, Non-Standard Income Profile

Buying or Refinancing as a Sole Trader in Melbourne? What Your Broker Should Know.

Challenges Sole Traders Commonly Face

How Shern Advisory Solves It

How Shern Advisory Helps Sole Traders Get Approved

Established Sole Trader Secures Competitive Loan Through Better Financial Positioning

Newer Sole Trader Uses Flexible Documentation Pathway to Move Forward Sooner

Sole Trader Refinances from Restrictive Lender to Better Long-Term Structure

Complex Sole Trader Scenarios We Handle

Established Sole Traders

Freelancers & Project-Based Sole Traders

Tax-Minimised Income Profiles

Under 2 Years as a Sole Trader

Refinancing Existing Loans

Low Doc & Alt Doc Applications

Investment Property Strategy

Rapidly Growing Businesses

We Compare Over 40 Banks & Lenders for Sole Traders

Sole Traders Who Work with a Specialist Broker Can Unlock Better Lending Outcomes — Through Stronger File Positioning, Smarter Lender Matching, and More Flexible Documentation Pathways.

Your Sole Trader Home Loan Should Evolve with Your Business

Reviews

Changes

Monitoring

Planning

Ready to Find Out What You Can Borrow as a Sole Trader?

A Smarter Sole Trader Lending Strategy in MelbourneStarts with the Right Broker

Melbourne Finance Brokers Providing First Home Loans Solutions

Meet the Experts BehindYour Financial Growth

Jason Kuan

Audrey

Kate

Mortgage Solutions

First Home Buyers

Investment Loans

Trust Loans

Refinancing

Rentvesting

Equity Release

Custom Loans

Low-Deposit Loans

SMSF Loans

Bridging Loans

LMI Waived Loans

Renovation Loans

Commercial Property

Home Equity Loans

Holiday Home Loans

Green Home

Tax Debt Consolidation

Retirement Mortgages

Reverse Mortgages

Changing Home Loans

Second Home Loans

Debt Recycling

By Profession

Doctors

Nurses

Lawyers

Teachers

Accountants

Engineers

Self-Employed Loans

Investors

Rates & Updates

Latest Interest Rate Update

Blogs & Guides

Speak to a Senior Finance Broker

Initial Consultation

Data Analysis

Strategy Development

Why Choose Shern Advisory Finance Brokers

Award-Winning Mortgage Brokers

Experience

Clear & Client-Focused Solutions

Smarter Loans, Better Homes

A Smarter Sole Trader Lending Strategy in Melbourne
Starts with the Right Broker

Meet the Experts Behind
Your Financial Growth