A low-doc or no-doc home loan can be a great option, especially for investors and self-employed borrowers.
Understanding what options are available can help you make an informed decision that supports your financial needs and goals. This could help you effectively fund a property purchase, refinance, or renovation.
So what is a low-doc home loan, and how does it work? Here’s what you need to know to decide whether this is the right loan pathway for you.
What is a low-doc home loan?
A low-doc home loan is a loan that requires less financial documentation to prove your assets and liabilities.
Low-doc loans allow investors and self-employed borrowers to access a loan where they might be unable to do so under a standard loan product.
Typically, low-doc borrowers need to provide only basic lending information. These details may include proof of your ABN or GST registration, along with business activity statements, business account transaction statements, personal tax returns, and potentially an accountant’s letter.
Advantages of a low-doc loan
A low-doc home loan can offer many advantages, especially for borrowers who may otherwise struggle to obtain a suitable loan.
These loans typically require just a simple income declaration and may give you access to alternatives to tax returns as evidence of your income.
Most of the time with a low-doc home loan, you’ll still have access to a full suite of loan options, including extra loan features and the choice of a fixed or variable rate.
The majority of low-doc home loans are also available with interest-only or principal and interest options.
Disadvantages of a low-doc loan
Low-doc home loans also have some disadvantages that you’ll need to be aware of before you commit to this loan type.
Generally, lenders consider low-doc home loans as higher risk because they cannot conventionally prove the income and potential liabilities of the borrower.
To account for this additional risk, low-doc home loans usually have a higher interest rate than standard loan products. You may also face more limitations with the maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR), meaning you could need a higher deposit.
Most low-doc loans include fewer features and discounts, and these loans are not offered by every lender. It’s important to do your research to find the best package.
Making your decision
There are many things you should consider when making a decision about your home loan.
Think about your financial situation and how reliably you can expect to be able to repay your loan. Consider your home-buying budget, and plan well for the future repayments you will need to make.
Understand the benefits a low-doc loan can provide in terms of flexibility and lower documentation requirements. Simultaneously, be aware of how a low-doc loan’s disadvantages could pose a challenge to you financially.
If you’re unsure whether a low-doc home loan is the right choice, ask for help. An experienced mortgage broker can help you learn more about your options and the best steps to support your goals.
Ready to start exploring your home loan options? Great! Contact the best mortgage broker Melbourne has to offer. Talk to the team at Our Top 10 now!