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GET THE FINANCE YOU DESERVE - without jumping through hoops

Being self-employed shouldn’t mean being shut out of the property market. If you're running your own business, you know that traditional banks often don't understand how your income works. That’s where we come in.

At Edgewater Finance, we specialise in low doc home loans for self-employed Australians — giving you access to smart finance solutions without the unnecessary red tape.

what is a LOW DOC home loan?

A low documentation (low doc) loan is designed for self-employed borrowers who may not have standard financial documents like recent PAYG payslips or tax returns. Instead, lenders assess your application using alternative verification methods like:

  • Business Activity Statements (BAS)
  • Accountant declarations
  • Business bank statements
  • Income declaration forms

You still need to show you can afford the loan — just not the way traditional employees do.

why use EDGEWATER FINANCE for your low doc loan?

01

We Know Self-Employed Lending

With over 20 years in finance, we understand self-employed income and how to present your case to the right lenders.
02

We Make It Easy

You won’t be buried in paperwork. We help you gather the right documents, structure your application, and keep it stress-free.
03

More Than Just Home Loans

We help self-employed clients with refinances, business lending, SMSF loans, commercial property loans, debt consolidation, property investment and equipment finance— all with flexible income documentation options.
04

Personalised, Boutique Service

We’re not a call centre. We take the time to understand your business, goals, and long-term plans — and tailor a solution that fits.

who are LOW DOC loans for?

If your income doesn’t fit neatly into the bank’s tick boxes, a low doc loan could be the solution.

Sole traders

Company directors

Contractors or freelancers

New business owners

Borrowers with complex income structures

what can a LOW DOC loan be used for?

  • Buying a home to live in
  • Purchasing an investment property
  • Refinancing an existing mortgage
  • Accessing equity to grow your business
  • Consolidating debts into one manageable loan

how much can i borrow with a LOW DOC LOAN?

Loan amounts depend on the strength of your supporting documents, the property type, and your credit profile. In general:

  • Borrow up to maximum LVR from 80% to 90% LVR with strong BAS or accountant declaration
  • Better rates and products available with clean credit and business trading history
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What Types of Property Can an SMSF Buy?

Residential Investment Property

Must be purchased at arm’s length. You or your relatives can’t live in it or rent it personally.

Commercial Property

Ideal for business owners who want to own their own premises and pay rent back into their super.

New Builds or Off-the-Plan?

Lenders often don’t allow construction loans inside an SMSF — but we’ll walk you through the rules and alternatives.

Is an SMSF Loan Right for You?

These loans aren’t for everyone. But for the right person, they can be a game-changer.
You may benefit if:

  • You’re a savvy investor looking for more control over your super
  • You already have an SMSF and want to diversify into property
  • You’re a business owner wanting to buy your premises through super
  • You have a strong super balance (generally $200K+ recommended)

Let’s Talk SMSF Lending – Obligation-Free

Thinking about buying property through your super? Let’s have a confidential, no-pressure chat.

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example scenario – LISA THE FREELANCER

Lisa runs her own design studio. Her taxable income on paper looks low, but her bank statements and BAS show strong cash flow.
We helped her:
  • Secure a low doc loan at 80% LVR
  • Provide minimal paperwork (no full tax returns required)
  • Get into her first investment property and build long-term wealth
“The big banks didn’t want to know me. Alyssa at Edgewater took the time to understand how my business worked — and made it happen.” – Lisa M.

FAQs - LOW DOC LOAN

They can be slightly higher than full doc loans, but many lenders now offer competitive rates — especially for borrowers with clean credit and strong cash flow.

Most lenders require at least 12 months of self-employment, though some prefer 24 months. We’ll find lenders that fit your situation.

Yes — many self-employed clients refinance to get a better deal or release equity. We’ll run the numbers to make sure it’s worth it.

At least one of the following:

  • BAS (6–12 months)
  • Accountant’s letter
  • Business bank statements
  • Income declaration

The more you can provide, the better the loan terms.

Yes, but your options will be more limited. Some specialist lenders accept low doc + bad credit borrowers, including those with defaults, late payments, or discharged bankruptcies. However, you may face:

 
  • Lower maximum LVR (usually capped at 60–70%)
  • Higher interest rates
  • Stricter conditions

We’ll assess your situation honestly and only recommend lenders who are likely to approve you — no false hope or wasted applications.

While many lenders are flexible, some red flags can severely reduce your chances:
  • Unpaid or recent large defaults
  • Multiple loan rejections in the past 6–12 months
  • Ongoing legal proceedings or ATO disputes
That said, older issues (especially under $1,000 or already paid) often won’t stop you — especially if your business income is strong. Let us help clean up your application and present it the right way.
Yes — if you submit a formal application, it will create a credit enquiry on your file. That’s why we never shotgun applications. Instead, we pre-screen lenders, get indicative approvals, and only apply once we know it’s a good fit.
This protects your credit and improves your chances of success.
“Bad credit” loans are a type of non-conforming loan — which simply means the borrower doesn’t meet standard bank lending criteria (like full financials or clean credit).
Low doc loans can be either:
  • Non-conforming (e.g., low doc + paid defaults)
  • Prime low doc (good credit, strong BAS or bank statements)
We’ll help you fall into the best category possible, to get you a sharper rate and more flexible terms.
Possibly. If you’ve recovered from past issues, built some equity, and your business is profitable, refinancing can be a great way to consolidate debts and reset your loan structure. We’ll review your file and tell you straight up if it’s worth pursuing.

let’s find the right LOW DOC HOME LOAN for you

Whether you’re just starting to look or ready to apply, we’ll give you honest answers and clear options.
+61 410 530 204
admin@edgewaterfinance.com.au
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10 Akes Avenue Southport QLD 4215
0410 530 204
admin@edgewaterfinance.com.au
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