Self-Employed Mortgages in New Zealand

Being self-employed shouldn't mean being locked out of the property market. We know the lenders who understand how your income actually works.

Self-Employed Lending

Your income is real. We'll make the bank see it that way.

Standard bank lending is designed for salaried employees. If you run your own business, you may minimise your taxable income, pay yourself through dividends, or have income that varies year to year. Most bank systems don't handle this well.

Biju's background as an accountant gives us a significant advantage here. We understand how to present self-employed income in a way that lenders can assess fairly, and we know which lenders on our panel have the most flexible criteria for business owners.

Whether you're a sole trader, company director, or contractor, we've successfully secured mortgages for self-employed clients that banks declined outright.

It helps to know roughly where you stand before an application goes in. Our borrowing power estimator gives you an indicative figure, and how being self-employed affects your mortgage application explains what lenders actually do with your financial statements.

Book a Free Consultation

Common Challenges

What we deal with every day

Variable Income

If your income fluctuates month to month or year to year, some lenders will use your lowest year's figures. We find lenders who average across 2 years or use the most recent year.

Company Structures

Paying yourself through a company or trust changes how your income looks on paper. We know how to present retained earnings, dividends, and drawings in the most favourable way.

Recent Business Start

Most banks want 2 years of trading history. Some lenders on our panel will consider lending after just 1 year, or even less in the right circumstances.

Tax-Minimised Income

Good accountants reduce taxable income, which unfortunately also reduces what banks see. We work with lenders who can look at your actual business performance, not just PAYE-equivalent income.

Multiple Income Sources

Contract work, business income, rental income, and PAYE income from another role. We know how to aggregate these correctly across different lender policies.

Lo-Doc Options

When standard documentation doesn't tell your story, some lenders offer alternative verification, using bank statements, accountant letters, or self-certification. We'll find the right pathway.

How It Works

From declined to approved

01

Understand your income structure

We look at how your business is set up, how you pay yourself, and what your financials actually show.

02

Present your income correctly

We prepare your income in a format that lenders understand, often working with your accountant to ensure accuracy.

03

Match you to the right lender

Not every lender handles self-employed income the same way. We identify who will look most favourably at your situation.

04

Manage the application

We handle all lender communication, respond to questions, and push your application through to approval.

Documents for self-employed applicants

Last 2 years' financial statements (P&L, balance sheet)
Last 2 years' personal and business tax returns
Last 3-6 months of business and personal bank statements
Accountant's confirmation letter (if required)
Photo ID (passport or driver licence)
Details of any existing debts

Book a Free Consultation

Run The Numbers

Calculators for self-employed borrowers

Borrowing power estimator

An indicative borrowing figure from your income, debts and deposit. Useful before your financials are assembled.

How long to repay calculator

Set a repayment you can sustain through a variable trading year and see how long the loan takes to clear.

Reading for business owners and contractors

How being self-employed affects your mortgage application

How banks assess self-employed income, why a low taxable profit hurts, and how to present your application.

Guide to getting pre-approved for a mortgage

The documents to have ready and what lenders look at, which matters more when your income is not a payslip.

5.0

80+ Google reviews

What our clients are saying.

Real reviews from real Auckland families we've helped through their mortgage journey.

“Soumya from Indus Mortgages made my first home-buying experience smooth and stress-free. She explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step, and went above and beyond to secure the best deal.”

“Thanks to Soumya for assisting us to buy our new house. When speaking with Soumya it’s always like talking with a friend. Answers promptly to the calls, though she is busy at times. Highly recommended.”

“Excellent service. They guided us through every step and helped us secure the best option for our home loan. Thanks for the great support, especially for Soumya and Santhosh.”

“Soumya is a very approachable advisor. She did her part very well right from the start. There was regular follow up from her which helped us a lot. All the best to Soumya and the entire Indus Mortgages team.”

“We had a truly wonderful experience with Indus Mortgages as we pursued our dream home. Their friendly approach in discussing the banking process, coupled with their genuine advice, instilled great confidence in our decision.”

“Thank you Indus Mortgages for advising me and helping to land my first home. They are so responsive and patient throughout my journey. I highly recommend Soumya Shine in helping you for advice.”

“We are thankful to Soumya for assisting us to buy our first home. The service provided was excellent. Soumya is always approachable, knowledgable and proactive.”

“I had a great experience with Indus Mortgages. Really helpful for the refinancing of my home loan. Highly recommended.”