Low doc home loans

What is a low doc home loan?

Low documentation (low doc) loans are flexible mortgages for self-employed borrowers. These can be useful for freelancers, contractors and other people who don't work regular jobs and therefore, can't provide payslips, financial statements or tax returns as evidence of income.

These types of loans allow you to state what you earn with a declaration document. You won't have to provide PAYG payslips or tax returns as proof of your income, but that doesn't mean it's easier to get the loan approved.

The lender will still do their usual credit scoring, as well as confirm that you are able to pay for your loan, based on the income you've stated on your form.

And even though it's a low doc loan, you may still be required to provide some paperwork, such as an accountant's letter and bank statements.

What are the main differences of low-doc home loans, compared to regular home loans?

• A lower maximum loan to value ratio (LVR): you can usually only borrow up to 80% with a low doc loan (although some will lend up to 90%).
• A slightly higher interest rate: to compensate lenders for the increased risk they take on, when lending you money without fully verifying your income.
• Less company paperwork hassles: A low doc home loan applicant usually doesn't have to produce company financial reports or tax returns that standard home loan applicants may be asked to.
• Less paperwork hassles overall: Lenders will generally accept an income declaration that confirms the applicant can afford the loan and has the ability to repay.

Low doc home loans can be a good option for self-employed borrowers, but since they often carry higher costs, you should take the time to work all the figures out using a loan calculator to make sure you can really afford these loans.

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Am I eligible for a low doc loan?

These types of loans are normally offered as a way of meeting the requirements of small business owners, freelancers and other people who hold an ABN. They are designed for self-employed people who otherwise wouldn't be able to get a home loan due to their inability to show how much they earn using traditional methods. Generally, the eligibility requirements from lender to lender will differ, but in most cases you'll be required to have an ABN and be able to supply the documents listed in the section above. In most cases you'll need to still have a good credit history, and your lender will want to know that you can afford repayments. Generally, low doc home loans might suit the following borrowers:

Self-employed Australians

If you work for yourself, you'll need a self-employed home loan. You may know how much you earn over the course of the year and how much spare cash you have in your budget each month to spend on your home loan repayment. However, if you have only been in business for a few years or your income in inconsistent because you run your business to be tax effective instead of to turn over high profits on paper, then you could benefit from self-certifying that you are able to service a loan.

Investors

As an investor you may not have a regular income or employment history if you rely on your investment income. However, if you are in the market for a new investment property then you can use a low doc loan to help make your next investment a reality. If you are an investor looking at applying for a low doc loan also keep in mind that the rent you receive from your investment properties is not included on your BAS turnover so you will need to make sure the income you are assessed by is high enough.

Contract workers

In a similar situation to self-employed Australians, contract workers may work for a portion of each year and then spread their income out over the year. Because of this more irregular income source, if you're a contract worker you may have to seek a low doc home loan.

Which lenders offer low doc home loans?

Many diverse lenders will offer a low doc home loan of some sort, including banks, credit unions, building societies and other non-bank lenders. Below are some of the lenders which offer a low doc home loan. Note that each will have different lending criteria, rates, fees and features.

• Pepper - Pepper offers a range of home loans for self-employed borrowers, which also includes those who have credit impairment.
• CBA - The Commonwealth Bank has a range of low doc home loans, including a standard variable rate home loan, fixed rate home loan, basic variable rate home loan and a line of credit home loan.
• RAMS - RAMS is a non-bank lender which offers three low doc home loans: a fixed rate home loan, a regular variable rate home loan with redraw and interest rate discounts available, and a line of credit to help you access equity.
• Westpac - Similar to CBA, Westpac provides a standard variable rate low doc home loan based on their Rocket Repay Home Loan, an investment home loan and a line of credit. Borrowers can also take out the Premier Advantage Package with these loans, which comes with fee and rate discounts.
• St.George - St.George features fixed rate, variable and equity loans for low doc borrowers. Features can include full interest offset accounts and fixed rates for up to five years.
• Adelaide Bank - There are a range of loans available through Adelaide Bank for self-employed borrowers, including variable, fixed and low doc loans which don't require LMI.
• ANZ - ANZ offers the ANZ Lo Doc home loan, which allows you to choose from their Standard Variable or Fixed Rate home loans. This means you can make use of options such as 100% offset accounts and redraw facilities.

What documents will I need to give my lender when applying for a low doc home loan?

Lenders by law must fulfil the National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP) of 2009 by making sure that they make reasonable enquiries about your financial situation and verify the information you provide. This means they'll verify your ability to repay the loan using a combination of your declared income and your declared ability to afford the loan. When you're declaring your income and affordability, you'll need to supply the documents listed below.

While you don't have to show as much evidence you still need to complete the loan application process to be approved as a low doc borrower, and in many cases this will still require some documents. A low doc home loan application will require one or more of the following.

Business Activity Statements (BAS)

In most cases you'll be required to submit 12 months' worth of statements, which will help your lender decide whether or not you're able to afford the loan given your turnover.

Registered business name and ABN

Because a low doc loan takes into account income made by you through your business, your lender will want information about your business, including your registered business name and Australian Business Number (ABN).

Self-verified income declaration

Where you don't need to provide payslips or tax returns with a low doc loan, you will need to sign a statement verifying that you earn the amount you say that you earn, and that you can afford the loan.

A letter from your accountant

Similar to the signed income declaration mentioned above, your lender might also require an income form signed by your accountant.

Previous bank statements

Depending on what lender you opt for, they may want to see statements from your primary business bank account. These are usually requested for as far back as six months.

How much deposit will I need for a low doc home loan?

The conditions for low doc home loans are more restrictive than standard residential loans, since they present a higher level of risk for the lender. Generally, you'll need a minimum of 20%. This is because it's harder to borrow more than 80% of the property's value with a no doc loan.

A lenders mortgage insurance premium may apply even if you have a full 20% deposit saved. With a no doc loan, they can kick in even with a much larger deposit, as the lender is compensating for the risk.

Note that some lenders may offer a low doc home loan with a high maximum LVR of as much as 90 to 95%, so be sure to use the table above to compare.

To get approved for a low doc loan with an LVR of 60% or below, you'll need an ABN that has been registered for more than 1 year, to prove your status as a self-employed professional. If you are declaring earnings in excess of $75,000 per year, your ABN must be GST registered. Your credit history also needs to be in good order.

Can I refinance my low doc home loan?

Yes, low doc loans can be refinanced. You can compare loan options in the table above.

Before you start considering refinancing your low doc loan to get a better deal, keep in mind that you will need to essentially reapply for a new loan, and qualifying for a low doc loan several years ago doesn't mean that you will automatically be able to refinance now. You may be subject to stricter eligibility and documentation requirements, so if you're buying a new property or refinancing to a low doc loan make sure all of your financials are up to date to make sure your home searches are not in vain.

If you're refinancing to a new home loan for a better rate, remember that sometimes the easiest thing to do is let your lender know you're thinking of refinancing, and ask for a better rate. In many cases they'll give you a discount, saving you the trouble and cost of refinancing.

Looking for a cheap home loan? Compare loans here

Questions to ask my lender about low doc home loans

• How many debts can you consolidate onto one low doc home loan?

  If you are planning on consolidating many debts onto your low doc home loan or would like to option to do so if the need arises, then you should ask your lender if this is allowed. Some lenders will only let you have your home loan on a low doc loan while others will allow you to consolidate debts, such as credit card debts and personal loans onto the account. While some lenders may not let you do this straight away, you may be able to do this in the future.

• If my partner is a PAYG employee do I still need a low doc loan?

  If your partner is a PAYG employee you should ask your broker or lender whether you will still need a low doc home loan. As most low doc home loans will attract a high interest rate you may want to ask your provider if your partner is allowed to get a standard loan with you as a co-borrower as you could save money on the interest rate.

• What proof of income will a lender need?

  Most low doc home loans will require you to provide past tax returns to prove that your income is enough to pay off the loan. Be sure to know what proof of income will be required for the loan so you can be sure that you can obtain these documents. As mentioned above, most lenders will require you or your accountant to sign an income declaration stating your income.

• How long do I need to have had an ABN number for?

  Most low doc home loans will require you to have an active ABN for a minimum of two years. Be sure to know how long the ABN will need to be active for you to be eligible for the loan.

• Am I limited to buying in particular areas?

  Some low doc home loans will not let you buy in particular areas. These areas will usually be deemed to be high risk areas that attract a high price tag. This requirement is used to limit the lender's risk. Be sure that you know what areas may be off limits so you don’t waste any money or time.

• low doc vs no doc: what's the difference?

  A low doc home loan requires some evidence of income, such as your BAS and bank statements. A no doc home loan, on the other hand, is a loan where you simply supply a signed statutory declaration stating you can afford the home loan. In the wake of the GFC, these loans are no longer offered.

• Can I move to a full doc loan later?

  Many low doc home loans will allow you to move to a full doc home loan after a period of time assuming you have made all the repayments and that you provide your tax returns as proof of income. Be sure that your lender will allow you to do this as you will be able to save money throughout the life of the loan.