03 7042 9127

Our Services

If You Need Any Help Contact With Us

03 7042 9127

Get A Free Quote

Name(Required)
Home Loan Experts in Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur home loans: runway, raise instruments, and board-approved pay

Early-stage founders rarely look like standard self-employed borrowers. Cash compensation can be below market, equity is illiquid, and capital arrives in lumps tied to raises. Lenders can still approve a loan, but they prioritise verifiable cash income, the stability of that income, and whether the company’s runway and burn suggest the salary will continue.

Runway and burn: why banks ask

Founders often draw salary from venture funding. Underwriters may request a simple runway view (months of cash divided by monthly burn) to understand whether pay is sustainable through the loan’s first year. A board-approved remuneration letter and recent payslips help show that salary is real, recurring and likely to continue. If the company is pre-revenue or relies on the next raise, expect conservative treatment until there is funded runway in place.

Raise instruments are not income

Seed and bridge rounds commonly use SAFEs or convertible notes. These instruments finance the company but do not create personal income for the founder and are generally not counted for serviceability. SAFEs typically have no interest or maturity and convert on a priced round; convertibles are debt-like until they convert. Lenders focus on what reaches the founder’s bank account as salary, dividends or distributions, not the cap-table movements that fund the business.

R&D Tax Incentive cashflows (and their limits)

Many startups rely on the R&D Tax Incentive refund as a yearly cash injection. It can extend runway and indirectly support ongoing salaries. However, refunds are company cashflows, not personal income. Underwriters may accept them as context for salary continuity but still size borrowing from pay evidence (and, where relevant, company financials if the founder is assessed as self-employed). Timing matters: refunds are annual and contingent on eligible activities and registration.

ESIC and investor incentives: relevance to lending

Founders sometimes raise under the Early Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) framework so investors access tax incentives. ESIC status affects investor tax, not a founder’s personal income. For lending, ESIC documents can help substantiate that the company is operating within recognised rules, but they don’t replace the need for salary evidence or past tax returns when the founder is assessed on self-employed criteria.

Vesting, options and why equity is discounted

Founders’ wealth is usually tied up in unvested or illiquid equity. Lenders typically exclude unvested options/RSUs and unlisted shares from serviceability because they don’t produce cash. Where a founder takes dividends or trust distributions, banks check recency and recurrence and may ask for entity financials to confirm capacity to keep paying them. A clear split between cash salary and non-cash equity avoids overstating income.

ATO, payroll and super obligations

Underwriters routinely check for ATO debts and the status of PAYG withholding and superannuation obligations, especially where the founder is also a director. An active ATO payment plan can be acceptable but often reduces borrowing power. Clean lodgements and evidence of on-time payments strengthen a file and reduce back-and-forth.

Leases, guarantees and contingent costs

Startups frequently sign office or lab leases, sometimes with director guarantees, and take small equipment finance lines. These are factored into serviceability even if repayments run through the company. Founders should disclose any personal guarantees and provide lease schedules so the bank can model exposure correctly. If the business has a short-term fit-out or hardware lease, include the contract so there’s no surprise at credit stage.

Putting an entrepreneur file together

Lead with board-approved remuneration, recent payslips, and bank statements showing salary credits. If assessed as self-employed, include personal and entity tax returns and a brief runway/burn summary. Add context documents: latest raise terms (to show funding on balance sheet), R&D refund timing, and any lease or guarantee details. Make it clear which inflows are personal income versus company cash. With that evidence, lenders can size borrowing accurately without relying on cap-table changes or future raises.

How can we help you?

I want to purchase a home
I want to refinance

Access to these lenders and more

Sydney construction mortgage broker
Our Service Benefits

Frequently asked questions

Refinancing involves replacing your current mortgage with a new one—typically with better interest rates or features—and can help lower your monthly payments, reduce total interest over time, or access equity in your property.

Yes. Refinancing can allow you to consolidate high-interest debts (like personal loans or credit cards) into your mortgage. This often simplifies repayments and may lower your overall interest costs, but it’s essential to weigh the extended loan term.

Some lenders offer cashback when you refinance—a lump-sum incentive for switching your loan. These can help offset upfront costs like legal fees but always compare the overall cost of the loan, not just the cashback.

To find affordable refinance deals, compare current interest rates, fees, and special offers across lenders. Use rate comparison tools or consult a mortgage broker to identify competitive options with low rates and manageable costs.

The best refinance offer combines a low interest rate, reasonable fees, flexible loan features (like offset accounts), and good service. The "cheapest" isn't always best if it lacks conveniences that save you money or effort in the long run.