Self-Employed Loans NZ — Lending Made for Entrepreneurs

Being self employed doesn’t have to make getting a loan complicated. Many self employed Kiwis struggle to access finance, but self employed loans exist specifically for people like you. At Mortgage & Insurance NZ, we help Hamilton & Waikato clients secure the right self employed loans with lenders who understand the realities of running your own business.

When Self Employed Loans are Needed

Self Employed Loans & Business Lending NZBeing self-employed can make securing finance a challenge. Whether you need a self employed loan to buy a home or grow your business, we can connect you with lenders who understand your situation. Other common reasons for self employed loans include:

  • Starting or expanding your business
  • Purchasing vehicles or equipment
  • Managing cash flow during seasonal fluctuations
  • Buying or refinancing a home (sometimes with help from KiwiSaver savings)

Why Self Employed Loans Can Be Hard to Get

Traditional lenders often focus on PAYE incomes and long historic records, which can be tough if your earnings fluctuate or your business is new. That’s where self employed loans are different — they’re designed for people whose income isn’t fixed.

Lenders often require:

  • Two or more years of stable accounts
  • High profit margins or minimum income thresholds
  • Full tax returns, fixed employment type

But many self employed people looking for a loan don’t fall neatly into that box. Maybe you reinvest a lot, maybe you’ve been working for less than two years, or maybe your income swings seasonally.  Running your own business can mean irregular income — which traditional banks don’t always understand. The NZ Government has a Sole Trader website to help your business run more smoothly

That’s okay. We work with banks, specialist lenders, and non-bank lenders who consider more than just your tax return. We look at:

  • Business bank statements
  • GST returns
  • Profit & loss summaries
  • Letters from accountants

Because the numbers are important — but the story behind the numbers matters even more.

We help Hamilton & Waikato clients navigate these challenges by connecting them with lenders who understand self employed loans. You don’t have to face the stress of applying alone.

What We Offer as Self Employed Loans

Here are the kinds of finance we help arrange for self-employed clients:

TypeHow It Can Help You
Home LoansEven with variable or modest business income, access home lending with flexible criteria.
Business Growth LoansSecure or unsecured finance for equipment, premises or expansion.
Vehicle & Equipment FinanceGet what you need to run or grow your business without tying everything up in one asset.
Working Capital / Short Term Cash FlowSmooth over seasonal dips or unexpected costs without creating debt stress.

We help with paperwork, make lenders understand your business, and negotiate on your behalf so you can keep your focus on what you do best: running your business.

When you’re self-employed, protecting your income is just as important as securing finance — check out our insurance solutions.

Common Questions We Get about Self Employed Loans

Can self-employed people get a mortgage in New Zealand?

Yes. Self-employed people can get home loans, but lenders often require more documentation, such as business financials.

How long do I need to have been self-employed?

Some lenders accept 6-12 months trading; others want more. We’ll help you find a lender who fits your situation.

What financial history do lenders typically want for self-employed applicants?

Many lenders ask for two full years of financial statements, profit & loss, and possibly IR3 tax returns. However, in some cases — depending on the lender — there might be more flexible or “low-doc” options.

What is a “low-doc” or “alt-doc” loan?

These are loans where the lender doesn’t require full financial statements; instead, they might use GST returns, bank statements, or a letter from your accountant. Note: these usually come with higher interest rates.

How do lenders assess self-employed income?

Lenders may average your income over the past two years, adjust for non-cash expenses (like depreciation), and ask for explanations of one-off income. They want to make sure your income is sustainable and that your business is stable.

What can improve my chances of self-employed loan approval?

Keep clean, well-organised financials; Provide clear business explanations (what you do, your clients, your cash flow); Use a mortgage broker who understands self-employed lending; Maintain good credit and reduce other debts;

Will my interest rate be higher?

Possibly, depending on risk, but not always. Our goal is to find competitive offers.

Why Work With Us

  • Local experts in Hamilton & Waikato who understand self-employment.
  • A wide range of lenders—not just the big banks—so more chance of matching your situation.
  • Clear communication, no confusing jargon, fast responses.
  • We focus on what you can do, rather than what you don’t have.

Independent resources like Sorted.org.nz also have great tools for budgeting and planning if you’re self-employed.

Ready to Talk

If you’re self-employed and need a loan that works with your business, let’s chat. Whether you’re buying a home, growing your business, or need funds to keep things running, we’ll connect you with flexible lenders who get it.