From "Feast or Famine". Navigating uneven income.

Written By Will Nichols

When the work comes in, it’s happy days. The pipeline is full, the projects are exciting, and the hustle feels worth it. But for freelancers, consultants, and creative professionals, there’s always that lingering question: When does the next project land?

Is it days? Weeks? Or months away?

This fluctuating income is the pulse of the independent workforce, but when it comes time to talk to a bank about a mortgage, that pulse can look like a flatline to a traditional lender. Most banks prefer a "steady proposition"—the predictable, boring comfort of a PAYG payslip. If you run your work through an ABN, the standard "computer says no" response usually involves a demand for two full years of rock-solid financial returns.

If your income has been up and down, that can feel like a dead end. But it doesn't have to be.

THE LADDER LOWDOWN:

  • 2 years ABN returns is a myth: We can work with 3 months BAS statements and up

  • Rates can be higher: If you take out a loan with 3 months BAS, but the competitive for 12 months.

  • We find the right match for you: We do the hard work to find the right lender match for your situation.

Just Starting Out? There’s a "Fast-Track"

If you’ve recently made the jump from a corporate role to freelance life, you might think you’re locked out of the market for at least 24 months.

However, there are "alt-doc" or specialist lending options that can assess your eligibility based on just the last three months of activity. While these often come with a slightly higher interest rate, they serve as a vital bridge. They get you into the market now, allowing you to refinance into a lower-rate traditional product once your business hits that two-year milestone.

The good news is, several banks have policies accepting the past 12 months, with rates that are highly competive.

Presenting your situation to the lenders

As a mortgage broker with a background in strategy, I look at your application the same way you look at a big pitch. It’s about more than just the numbers; it’s about explaining your situation to the bank.

Whether you are a solo consultant or running a small business, we help you assess your goals and find the specific bank with the rates that fit your unique lifestyle. We don’t just look for a loan; we look for the structure that respects the way you work.

Next steps

Reach out today to see how we can review your situation, and find the best loan match for you.

Will Nichols
Next

Fixed-Rate Loans: Navigating Rising Interest Rates