Self Employed Home Loans › Can I use add backs to increase my borrowing power?

Can I use add backs to increase my borrowing power?

Often yes. Add backs are legitimate expenses in your financials that a lender adds back to your net profit to reflect your true cash flow. Common examples include depreciation, one off costs, and certain interest. They can meaningfully lift your assessable income.

Written by Ross McFarlane, Licensed Mortgage Broker (Credit Representative 526725). About the author

Why this matters

Add backs are one of the most overlooked levers for business owners. A lender that recognises the right add backs can assess your income well above your headline net profit, which directly increases how much you can borrow. The rules differ by lender, so the same set of financials can produce a much larger borrowing figure at the right lender.

The key points

Add backs adjust net profit toward true cash flow.
Depreciation and one off costs are common add backs.
They can materially increase assessable income.
Each lender applies add backs differently.

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Last reviewed: June 2026

General information only. This page provides general information about home loans and is not financial or credit advice, a quote, or a guarantee, and your personal circumstances have not been considered. Lending policies, interest rates, fees and eligibility vary by lender and change over time. Always confirm your own situation with a licensed mortgage broker or lender before acting. Ross McFarlane (Credit Representative 526725) is an authorised Credit Representative of Australian Associated Advisers Pty Ltd t/a Keylend, Australian Credit Licence 392169.