Self-Employed
One year of figures? BAS-based assessment? Often yes.
Learn more →Home Loans for Contractors in Sydney
Contract income is increasingly common — and increasingly accepted by lenders — but the policies still vary enormously. Whether you're an IT contractor on a rolling contract, a tradie sub-contracting, or a gig-economy worker, the key is knowing which lender reads your income structure fairly. We compare 60+ to find the right fit.
Who this suits
Contracting is a growing part of the workforce, and many lenders now have policies that accommodate it. If any of the following sound like you, we can help:
- You're an IT or professional contractor on a fixed-term or rolling contract.
- You're a sub-contractor in a trade or construction role.
- You contract through your own ABN but don't have two years of tax returns yet.
- You've been told your income is 'too irregular' for a home loan.
- You're a gig-economy worker with multiple income sources.
- You contract through a recruitment agency or umbrella company.
How lenders view contract income
Some lenders treat contractors the same as permanent employees if the contract is ongoing and the income is regular. Others insist on two years of tax returns as if you were self-employed. The difference between these two approaches can be the difference between an approval and a decline.
The right lender depends on the type of contracting, how long you've been doing it, whether you contract through an ABN or a company, and how regular the income is. We'll match you to the lender whose policy fits your structure.
Types of contractor income we work with
PAYG contractors
If you're contracted through an agency or umbrella company and paid as a PAYG employee, some lenders will treat you the same as a permanent employee — no self-employed assessment required. This is often the simplest path to approval.
ABN contractors
If you contract through your own ABN, lenders will usually want to see one to two years of income. Some will accept one year if the income is regular and you have a strong track record in the same industry.
Gig-economy workers
Income from gig platforms — rideshare, delivery, freelance marketplaces — can be used, but lenders will want to see a consistent pattern over 12 months or more. We'll help you present it in the way lenders read most favourably.
Sub-contractors
If you sub-contract in a trade, some lenders will treat you as self-employed and want tax returns, while others will accept your contract income with less documentation. The right lender depends on how long you've been sub-contracting and how regular the work is.
What strengthens a contractor application
A current contract or letter of engagement showing the term and rate helps enormously. Evidence of regular income over 12 months or more — bank statements showing consistent deposits — is the single biggest factor. A deposit of 10% or more gives you more lender options, and a clean credit file matters.
If you've been contracting in the same industry for several years — even if with different clients — that continuity strengthens your case. We'll help you present the full picture, not just the most recent contract.
What it costs you
Nothing. The lender pays us a commission for introducing the loan — you don't pay us a fee. We'll tell you exactly what commission we receive before you commit, in writing, as the law requires.
Common questions
Often yes. If you're paid as PAYG through an agency, some lenders treat you as a permanent employee. If you contract through an ABN, some lenders will accept one year of income evidence.
Some lenders will treat a rolling contract the same as permanent employment if the income is regular and the contract has been ongoing for 12 months or more. We'll identify which lenders take this approach.
It's harder but not impossible. A larger deposit, a strong credit file, and evidence of prior employment in the same industry all help. Some specialist lenders will consider shorter contracting histories.
Yes, if you can show a consistent pattern of income over 12 months or more. Lenders will want to see bank statements showing regular deposits from the gig platform.
Not necessarily. If a lender treats your contract income the same as permanent employment, you'll get the same rates as any other borrower. We'll target those lenders first.
Not sure whether your situation would pass? The home loan readiness check takes about a minute, involves no credit enquiry, and tells you what would hold up an application before you make one.
Let's find out what you can borrow
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