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What is a Low Doc Loan?

Commercial property finance isn’t one-size-fits-all — and for many self-employed borrowers or small business owners, traditional documentation can be a hurdle. Enter the Low Doc Loan.

Low Doc (Low Documentation) Loans are designed for borrowers who don’t have access to standard income verification documents like recent tax returns or full financials. Instead, lenders accept alternative documentation like BAS statements, business bank statements, or an accountant’s declaration.

These loans are particularly useful for:

Feature

Description

Documentation Required

BAS, business bank statements, or accountant declaration

Maximum LVR

Typically up to 60–70% (sometimes higher with mortgage insurance or added risk fees)

Loan Sizes

Often up to $2M, though specialist lenders may offer more

Term

1–30 years (shorter terms with private lenders)

Interest Rates

Generally higher than Full Doc loans

Security Accepted

Residential or commercial properties, including mixed-use

Assessment Criteria

Based on declared income and alternative supporting docs

Required Documentation

While you won’t need tax returns, you’ll still need to provide alternative proof of income. Lenders commonly accept:

What are the benefits and drawbacks of Low Doc Loans?

Pros

Cons

✅ Faster loan processing rates

❌ Higher interest rates

✅ Less paperwork

❌ Lower maximum LVRs

✅ Available without recent tax returns

❌ Fewer mainstream lender options

✅ Flexible documentation options

❌ Risk fees may apply

✅ Good fit for asset-rich borrowers

❌Limited features (e.g. no redraw/offset)

Low Doc Loans are often used in commercial transactions where:

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The borrower has substantial equity but limited income verification

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Tax returns are delayed due to complex structures

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Speed is critical (e.g. private sales or refinancing)

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Income is spread across entities (trusts, SMSFs, companies)

What Lenders Look For

Low Doc Loan vs. Other Loan Types

Type

Documentation Required

Risk to Lender

Typical LVR

Interest Rate

Full Doc

Full financials & income

Low

70–80%

Low

Low Doc

BAS or Accountant letter

Medium

60–70%

Medium-High

Lease Doc

Lease income only

Medium-High

Up to 65%

Medium-High

No Doc

No income evidence

High

50–60%

High

Who Is a Low Doc Loan suited for?

Need Help Finding the Right Loan?

At Baseline Finance, we specialise in finding flexible solutions for commercial borrowers — whether you’re fully documented or not.