In today’s changing workforce, fewer Australians rely on a fixed nine-to-five salary. Many professionals, business owners, casual workers, and investors now earn through overtime, commissions, rental income, or foreign employment. While these income types reflect a thriving and flexible economy, they don’t always fit the traditional lending model used by major banks.
Yard recognises this and provides unusual income home loans that are designed to help borrowers with variable or complex income demonstrate their true financial position and secure a property loan.
An unusual income home loan or variable income home loan is a mortgage designed to accommodate borrowers whose earnings extend beyond standard base salary payslips. Instead of relying solely on tax returns and regular payslips, lenders may consider additional income sources such as overtime, commissions, bonuses, rental income, or foreign earnings.
This loan type allows a broader assessment of an applicant’s financial position, reflecting the range of income documentation that may be used to demonstrate repayment capacity.
Unusual income home loans are suited to borrowers whose earnings vary or do not align with standard income documentation. These loans may be appropriate for:
These borrowers often face additional assessment requirements, as their income structures do not always fit conventional lending models.
Traditional lenders often prefer stable, easy-to-verify income, which can make approval more complex for borrowers with variable or irregular earnings. Yard accepts a range of documented income types where sufficient verification can be provided.
Some examples include:
Overtime and commission payments can fluctuate from month to month. Yard considers consistent earning patterns supported by payslips, bank statements, or employer letters, allowing borrowers whose income includes commissions or overtime to be assessed appropriately.
Bonuses and incentive payments are irregular but may represent a meaningful portion of annual income. Lenders generally consider these earnings when there is supporting evidence of consistency over time.
For borrowers whose main income is derived from rent, lenders assess tenancy records, lease agreements, and property appraisals to confirm the sustainability of returns. Yard’s rental income only loans and Investment Property Loans allow rental income to be considered during assessment.
For investors with multiple properties, borrowing capacity may be determined using overall net cash flow from the portfolio. Yard reviews rental income and associated expenses to assess whether the portfolio produces adequate income to support loan repayments.
Borrowers who do not have up-to-date tax returns may be eligible under Yard’s Alt Doc Home Loan. Accepted documents may include accountant letters, Business Activity Statements (BAS), or bank statements as alternative verification.
Applicants earning in another currency may be assessed using translated payslips, employment contracts, and certified financial records. Yard’s foreign income home loans support expatriates and overseas workers who can verify consistent offshore earnings.
Preparing accurate documentation and maintaining sound financial conduct can improve your likelihood of loan approval. Yard recommends the following:
Prepare recent income statements, bank records, or rental ledgers to demonstrate income consistency.
Include accountant letters or employer confirmations where relevant to verify income sources.
Maintain regular and consistent income where possible, and keep financial records up to date.
Make bill repayments on time and ensure all debts are paid when due.
Yard Loan Consultants can guide you through documentation and assess all viable income sources. Schedule a complimentary consultation here to review your financial position.
Yard is a non-bank lender that provides lending solutions for borrowers with alternative or variable income. We assess each application on its own merits rather than through automated scoring systems, ensuring an individualised assessment process based on your specific circumstances.
Our approach includes:
We consider a range of income documentation, including accountant letters, BAS, and business bank statements, to support borrowers who may not have recent tax returns.
Our experienced Loan Consultants assist you throughout the application process, ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.
Yard offers a range of lending options with competitive rates and low fees, designed to make homeownership more affordable.
Each loan is assessed on its individual merits, not through automated credit scoring models.
Borrowers with non-traditional income can access lending options that consider a wider range of income sources. Whether income is derived from commissions, rental returns, business activity, or foreign employment, Yard provides loan products designed to accommodate different financial circumstances.
For more information on eligibility or documentation requirements, contact a Yard Loan Consultant to discuss available lending options.
It is possible. Yard’s Low Doc (Alt Doc) Home Loan is designed for self-employed borrowers who can verify income through alternative documents like accountant’s letters, BAS, or bank statements.
Borrowers who are self-employed or have variable income may be eligible for a home loan, subject to meeting lender assessment criteria. You can read our full guide on qualifying for a loan as self-employed here.
Yes. Borrowers with variable income may still be eligible for a home loan, provided they can demonstrate a consistent earnings pattern over time. Lenders typically review documentation such as bank statements, payslips, or employer income statements to verify income stability, even when monthly amounts vary.
Rental income may be included in a home loan assessment if it is supported by appropriate documentation such as rental statements, lease agreements or rental appraisals. Lenders generally review tenancy history, expenses, and cash flow to determine whether the rental income can be relied upon for serviceability purposes. Yard’s Investment Property Loans may be suitable for borrowers seeking to use rental income as part of their loan application.
Borrowers with variable or non-standard income may be required to contribute a higher deposit and maintain a lower loan-to-value ratio (LVR), depending on their financial profile and the supporting documentation provided. Lender requirements vary based on income verification, loan purpose, and overall assessment criteria.
An investor cash flow mortgage is assessed using the net income from investment properties rather than employment income. Lenders typically review verified rental income and related expenses to determine the property’s capacity to support loan repayments.
You can get started in minutes by completing an online application here. A Yard Loan Consultant will reach out within 24 hours. Simply tell us about the property you’re purchasing or refinancing and provide a quick overview of your income, employment, assets, and expenses.
Once submitted, your dedicated Loan Consultant will review your requirements and guide you through the next steps. You’ll then upload your supporting documents through our secure portal, and we’ll assess your application. The assessment typically takes two business days, and once approved, you’ll receive and sign your loan documents online. We’ll then coordinate directly with your conveyancer to complete the settlement. Read more on how to apply for a Yard loan here.
New loan inquiries: hello@yard.com.au
Service requests: help@yard.com.au
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