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.
Low doc loans after the GFC
Many Australian lenders have tightened their lending criteria on both full doc and on low doc loans since the GFC, so while low doc loans aren't as easy to get approved, they're still available from a range of lenders. Previously if you were self-employed and could not show a regular income, you could still successfully apply for a home loan and in most cases you simply needed to provide proof of your registered business, provide a signed document to self-certify your income, and provide a 20% deposit.
In the wake of the global financial crisis, low doc home loans have now become much more similar to traditional loans. If your loan to value ratio is now more than 60% you will generally need to provide BAS documentation for four previous statement periods. Lenders will also assess your income on the basis that 40% of your turnover is assessable income; however, if you can provide tax return documentation of proof of your business expenses and you can show, for example, that your costs are only 10% of your turnover then more of your income may be taken into consideration by the lender to assess your eligibility.
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.
What about 'no doc' loans?
Since the GFC and the NCCP Act, the number of lenders willing to offer low doc loans with no additional documentation (also known as 'no doc' home loans) has dropped significantly. Most lenders now require borrowers to supply at least some paperwork r related to the past 12 months of income.
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.
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I would like to know if there is any possibility of getting a home loan in my situation. My husband and I are both self employed with only 5% deposit. We have no debts. My parents want to guarantee for us.
Hello Lara,
Thank you for your inquiry today. :)
You may consider the low-deposit loans we have featured on our website. It gives you the full-guide on how to apply and which lenders may consider you. Moreover, some lenders may consider giving 100% loan considering that you have your parents’ equity for guarantee. You can read about guarantor loans as your alternative option.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hi there. Can a person on newstart or disability payment obtain a low doc or no doc loan. I have 70% deposit and would therefore only require a loan of 30%. Thank you, Jenny.
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for reaching out.
You can learn more about home loans for Centrelink recipientsand how it works. You can also enquire with a mortgage broker to explore your options. A licensed mortgage broker can help you understand your borrowing power and they can recommend products that will be most suitable for you.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.
Your ability to qualify for a home loan will depend on the lender’s individual criteria, the amount of your benefit that you’re using to service the loan, as well as any other income sources or assets that could be used to repay the loan.
However, if you have a 70% deposit then this may help your chance of being approved but lenders will treat these applications on a case-by-case basis.
All the best,
Belinda
HELLO,
My house is worth $700000 with a $200000 mortgage, which I have been paying off for 5 years without missing a payment. I have recently come in some money, $200000, so I would like to invest in an investment property or 2 if possible.
My thoughts are that instead of paying off my mortgage, I can buy investment property which will pay my mortgage off when the market rises, and I would still have investment property.
I can then refinance and pay off my mortgage.
I am self employed and I have recently had a gap year. Can my financial info be given for the 5 years before my gap year? Can I borrow even though my income on paper has only been $35000?
thanks
Julie
Hi Julie,
thanks for the question.
The answers to these questions will differ depending on the lender you approach, so it might be a good idea to contact a lender for a loan you’re interested in directly to see what their policies are regarding your income and history.
Cheers,
Marc.
Hi, I am currently living overseas but am Australian. I have a large deposit for a property however do not currently have an income as I have returned to studying. I am wondering if a no doc or low doc loan would be possible for me to obtain?
Hi Jay,
Thanks for your question.
A no doc home loan needs to National Consumer Credit Protection Act (NCCP) unregulated. This means that your loan must either be for business purposes, investment purposes or be in the name of a company of trust.
With a low doc loan, you are still required to show some evidence of income, such as a Business Activity Statement or your accountant’s declaration.
It’s advisable for you to speak to a mortgage specialist regarding your situation. They are home loan experts who can help you find the right loan for your situation.
Cheers,
Shirley
I’m an Australian living and working in the UK, I’m a self employed IT contractor i.e. I don’t have an ABN but I have a UK equivalent “Certificate of Incorporation”, in addition my accountants can provide my books/accounts for the revenue/income my business earns.
Will a low doc home loan be feasible in my circumstance?
Hi Ue,
Thanks for your question.
You may be able to work with some of the larger banks here in Australia as they have department dedicated to migrant banking. The following banks have migrant banking facilities available: ANZ,NAB, Westpac and St.George.
Alternatively, a mortgage broker can also help you find a home loan suitable for your situation.
All the best,
Shirley