Self Employed Home Loans › How much deposit do self employed buyers need?

How much deposit do self employed buyers need?

On a full doc loan, self employed buyers face the same deposit expectations as anyone else, often from around 5 to 20 percent depending on the lender and whether lenders mortgage insurance applies. Low doc loans usually ask for a larger deposit, commonly around 20 percent.

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

Why this matters

Your deposit requirement depends more on the loan type than on being self employed. With full documentation you can access the same low deposit options as salaried buyers, including avoiding lenders mortgage insurance with a 20 percent deposit. Low doc loans typically want more equity in the deal, which is the trade off for lighter income proof.

The key points

Full doc: similar deposit options to salaried borrowers.
A 20 percent deposit avoids lenders mortgage insurance.
Low doc usually asks for a larger deposit.
Loan type drives the deposit more than self employment does.

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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.