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Low-Doc Loans in Australia

For self-employed borrowers, contractors, and business owners, securing a loan using standard income documentation isn’t always straightforward. Traditional lenders often rely on payslips and tax returns that don’t accurately reflect how self-employed income works.

At Palisade Brokers, we help clients access low-doc loans designed for borrowers with non-standard or complex income structures. Rather than focusing solely on paperwork, low-doc lending places greater emphasis on overall financial position, assets, and repayment capacity.

Because we’re broker-led, we compare lenders that specialise in low-documentation lending. That means clearer expectations, realistic assessments, and loan structures tailored to how you actually earn income, not just how it appears on paper.

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What Is A Low-Doc Loan?

A low-doc loan is a form of lending that requires reduced income documentation compared to standard loans. Instead of full financial statements or tax returns, lenders may accept alternative evidence of income.

Low-doc loans include:

  • Simplified income verification
  • Accountant declarations or self-certification
  • Higher deposit requirements
  • Specialist lender assessment

Low-doc loans are designed to bridge the gap between standard lending and more specialist solutions.

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What Low-Doc Loans Are Commonly Used For

  • Purchasing residential property
  • Refinancing existing loans
  • Buying investment property
  • Self-employed home purchases
  • Business owners with complex income

How Low-Doc Loans Work

Low-doc loans follow a similar structure to standard home loans but with different assessment criteria.

Common features include:

  • Reduced income documentation
  • Focus on assets, equity, and overall position
  • Higher interest rates than full-doc loans
  • Conservative loan-to-value ratios

Because lender policies vary significantly, choosing the right lender is critical in low-doc scenarios.

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Who Low-Doc Loans Are Best Suited For

Low-doc loans may suit:

  • Self-employed borrowers
  • Business owners and directors
  • Contractors and consultants
  • Borrowers with fluctuating income
  • Clients with strong asset positions

If a low-doc loan isn’t suitable, we’ll explore full-doc or alternative lending options where possible.

Key Benefits of Low-Doc Loans

  • Access to lending without full financials
  • Tailored assessment for self-employed income
  • Flexible lending options
  • Ability to purchase or refinance property
  • Solutions for complex income structures

Common Challenges (And How We Solve Them)

Higher interest rates compared to full-doc loans We assess whether a full-doc option is viable first.

Stricter LVR limits We structure deals conservatively to improve approval chances.

Limited lender availability We work with specialist low-doc lenders.

Unclear documentation requirements We clarify expectations before application.

Our Process at Palisade Brokers

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  1. Initial Strategy Discussion
    Understand income structure and objectives.
  2. Eligibility & Document Review
    Assess lender options and requirements.
  3. Lender Selection & Application
    Match you with suitable low-doc lenders.
  4. Settlement & Ongoing Review
    Support through settlement and future refinances.

Related Loan Options You May Want to Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

Speak with a Low-Doc Loan Specialist