Self-Employed Lending

Self-Employed?
We Know How to Get You Approved.

Banks treat self-employed income differently — and most applicants don't know how to present it. Jagdip spent years inside a major NZ bank and knows exactly what lenders look for. She gets self-employed clients approved every week.

Free service — 20+ lenders compared
Some lenders accept just 1 year of trading history
Add-backs can significantly increase your assessed income

Self-employed quick facts

2yr
Minimum history most lenders require
1yr
Some lenders accept just 1 year trading
20+
Lenders — some specialise in self-employed
$0
Cost to you for Jagdip's advice

Every self-employed situation covered

Jagdip works with contractors, sole traders, directors and business owners across all industries every week.

Contractors & freelancers

If you earn via contract or freelance work, Jagdip knows which lenders accept contract income and how to present your returns to maximise borrowing power.

Sole traders

Running your own business? Jagdip uses your financial statements and tax returns to build the strongest possible application.

Company directors

Drawing salary plus dividends? Jagdip knows how to present company income correctly so lenders assess your full earning capacity.

Non-standard income

Rental income, foreign income, or multiple income sources? Jagdip packages complex income scenarios in a way lenders can approve quickly.

Recently self-employed

Only been trading 1–2 years? Some lenders work with shorter histories. Jagdip knows which ones and how to structure the application.

Declined by a bank

A decline from one bank doesn't mean no from everyone. Jagdip has access to non-bank lenders who are more flexible on self-employed income.

How banks assess self-employed income

Self-employed income assessment — NZ lenders

Situation
What lenders look for
Jagdip's approach
Sole trader / partnership
2 years personal tax returns + financials
Average 2-year income, or most recent if trending up
Limited company
2 years company financials + personal returns
Salary + add-backs for non-cash expenses
Contractor (12+ months)
Current contract + bank statements
Annualised contract rate — often better than salary history
New business (1-2 years)
Most recent financials + accountant letter
Select lenders accept 1-year history — Jagdip knows which ones

💡 Add-backs can significantly increase your assessed income

Depreciation, vehicle expenses, and other non-cash business costs can often be added back to your income — increasing your borrowing power. Jagdip knows how to maximise your income assessment within lender guidelines.

Self-employed FAQs

How long do I need to be self-employed to get a mortgage in NZ?

Most NZ banks require 2 years of self-employment history with financial statements. However some lenders accept 1 year of trading, and contractors with a current contract may be assessed on contract income. Jagdip matches you with the right lender.

What documents do I need as a self-employed mortgage applicant?

Typically: 2 years personal tax returns (IR3), 2 years financial statements (prepared by an accountant), 3 months bank statements, proof of current contracts if applicable, and identity documents. Jagdip tells you exactly what to prepare before you start.

Can I get a mortgage with one year of self-employment in NZ?

Yes — some lenders accept 1 year of trading history if the business is profitable and income is consistent. Jagdip has access to lenders who work regularly with recently self-employed applicants.

Will a bank decline me just because I'm self-employed?

Banks don't decline people for being self-employed — they decline incomplete or poorly presented applications. Jagdip knows how to structure and document self-employed income correctly. If one lender declines, she knows others who may say yes.

Is Jagdip's advice free for self-employed borrowers?

Yes — completely free. Jagdip is paid by the lender on settlement. See her Disclosure Statement for full details.

Related services

Self-employed and ready to buy?

Book a free chat with Jagdip. She'll review your income, identify the right lenders, and tell you exactly what's possible.

📞 Call NowBook Free Chat
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