A self-employed electrician told me he'd given up on buying. "My accountant's too good," he said. "On paper, I barely earn anything."

It's one of the most common binds I see. You spend years legitimately minimising tax… then discover the same low taxable income shrinks what a lender thinks you can borrow.

Here's what most people don't realise: lenders read self-employed income very differently. Some add back depreciation, one-off equipment costs and extra super contributions. Some will work off one strong year of returns instead of averaging two. The gap between the most conservative and most flexible lender can be six figures of borrowing power: same person, same business.

For this client, the fix wasn't earning more. It was getting his accountant and broker in the same conversation before his next return was lodged, so his financials told the full story of his business, not just the most tax-effective one.

Six months later, he had a pre-approval that matched his real position.

The takeaway: if you're self-employed, your tax strategy and your borrowing strategy are the same conversation. Have it early… ideally before returns are lodged, not after.

MyMortgageConcierge #InnerWest #Sydney #Homebuyer #FirstHomeBuyer

My Mortgage Concierge is licensed under ACL 392736 Sattout Accounting Services Pty Ltd. General information only — seek personal advice more before acting.