For businesses seeking swift access to funding without the burden of extensive traditional documentation Low Doc Commercial Loans offer a streamlined solution.
Whether you’re seizing a new opportunity, managing cash flow or investing in growth, these specialised loans simplify the application process, requiring less paperwork than conventional commercial loans, enabling you to secure the capital you need more efficiently.
Low Doc Commercial Loans Defined
A Low Doc Commercial Loan is a type of business financing that requires significantly less traditional financial documentation compared to standard commercial loans. Instead of providing extensive historical financial statements, tax returns and detailed projections, borrowers typically need to provide alternative forms of verification to demonstrate their ability to service the loan.
The key benefits of a Low Doc Commercial Loan include:
- Faster Approval Process: Reduced paperwork translates to quicker assessment and potentially faster access to funds, crucial for time-sensitive opportunities.
- Less Stringent Documentation Requirements: This is particularly advantageous for self-employed individuals, startups and businesses with complex or less straightforward financial reporting.
- Focus on Asset-Backed Lending: Often, these loans place more emphasis on the value of the asset being financed (e.g. property, equipment) as security, rather than solely relying on extensive financial history.
- Increased Accessibility: It opens up financing options for businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans due to their documentation limitations.
Who Should Consider a Low Doc Commercial Loan?
Low Doc Commercial Loans can be a particularly suitable financing solution for a variety of businesses and individuals who may face challenges with traditional lending requirements such as:
Self-Employed Professionals
Individuals operating as sole traders, freelancers or independent contractors often have different income documentation than traditional employees. Low doc loans can provide a more accessible pathway to funding for business growth or asset acquisition.
Small Business Owners
Small businesses, especially those in their early stages or with less complex financial reporting, can benefit from the streamlined application process and reduced paperwork associated with low doc commercial loans.
Real Estate Investors
Investors looking to acquire commercial properties quickly may find low doc loans advantageous, as they can expedite the financing process, allowing them to seize time-sensitive investment opportunities.
Start-Up Businesses
New ventures often lack extensive financial history. Low doc options can provide crucial early-stage funding based on other factors, such as business plans and asset security.
Seasonal or Fluctuating Income Businesses
Businesses with income that varies throughout the year may find it challenging to provide consistent historical financial data. Low doc loans can offer a more flexible assessment approach for these types of operations.
What are the Benefits of Low Doc Commercial Loans?
Our Low Doc Commercial Loans are designed with your business needs in mind, offering significant advantages to help you achieve your commercial goals efficiently.
Minimal Documentation Requirements
We understand that time is money and that gathering extensive paperwork can be a significant hurdle. Our Low Doc Commercial Loans feature simplified documentation requirements, allowing for a faster and more streamlined application and approval process, getting you the funds you need sooner.
Flexible Loan Terms
We offer a range of flexible loan terms to suit your specific business requirements and cash flow projections. Whether you need a short-term solution to capitalise on an immediate opportunity or require long-term financing for sustained growth, we can tailor a repayment schedule that works for you.
Interest-Only Payment Options
To help improve your business’s cash flow during crucial periods, some of our Low Doc Commercial Loan options may include interest-only repayment periods. This can significantly reduce your initial outgoings, freeing up capital for other essential business operations and investments.
High Loan Amounts
We provide access to substantial capital, with loan amounts available up to $3 million. This allows you to finance significant commercial ventures, from property acquisition and equipment upgrades to business expansion and working capital needs. Our lending solutions are tailored to accommodate a wide range of business sizes and ambitions.
Key Features of Low Doc Commercial Loans
Low Doc Commercial Loans are packed with features designed to support your business’s growth and financial flexibility:
Alternative Income Verification
We understand that traditional financial statements don’t always paint a complete picture for every business. Our assessment process includes considering alternative forms of income verification, allowing self-employed individuals and businesses with unique financial structures to access the funding they need.
Competitive Interest Rates
While offering the convenience of reduced documentation, we also strive to provide competitive interest rates on our Low Doc Commercial Loans, ensuring you can access funding without compromising on affordability. Our team will work to offer you a rate that aligns with your business’s financial profile.
No Annual Reviews
Enjoy the stability and predictability of your financing without the burden of annual reviews. Once your loan is approved, you can focus on running your business without the recurring need to resubmit extensive financial information each year.
Additional Repayments Allowed
Gain greater control over your loan and potentially save on interest costs by making additional repayments whenever your cash flow allows. We offer the flexibility to pay down your loan faster without penalty, helping you achieve your financial goals sooner.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for Low Doc Commercial Loans?
While Low Doc Commercial Loans simplify documentation, certain criteria are essential:
- Acceptable Security: Depending on the loan, this may include commercial or residential property or business assets. The type and value are key factors.
- Flexible Income Verification: We consider alternatives to standard financials like business bank statements, BAS, accountant letters, and signed contracts to assess your business income.
- Borrower Assessment: We evaluate your business experience, industry knowledge, and credit history to understand your capacity to manage the loan.
Meeting these criteria allows us to offer tailored financing solutions and we’ll discuss your specific situation in detail.
Documents required for a low doc loan:
Typically, the following documentation is required for a low doc commercial loan to verify your income and business activity. This may include:
- Business bank account statements
- BAS statements (Business Activity Statements)
- Accountant’s letter confirming income
- Signed customer contracts or invoices
- Asset valuations (if applicable)
Our team will clearly outline the specific documentation required based on your individual business circumstances.
FAQs about Low Doc Commercial Loans
1. What documents do I need for a low doc commercial loan?
While full financials aren’t required, lenders will typically ask for alternative documentation to verify income. This may include BAS statements, business bank statements (usually 6–12 months), an accountant’s letter or income declarations. Requirements vary between lenders, but the process is much lighter than a full doc loan.
2. Can I get a low doc commercial loan with an ABN that’s less than 2 years old?
Yes, some lenders will consider low doc commercial loan applications from businesses with an ABN that is less than 2 years old, particularly if you have strong trading history, asset backing or a good deposit. However, newer businesses may face stricter conditions or lower maximum borrowing amounts.
3. What types of commercial properties can I purchase with a low doc loan?
You can use a low doc commercial loan to purchase a range of property types including warehouses, offices, retail spaces, industrial units and even mixed-use developments. Some lenders may also approve loans for specialised or non-standard properties on a case-by-case basis.
4. Do low doc commercial loans have higher interest rates?
Generally, yes. Since low doc loans carry more risk for the lender due to reduced documentation, interest rates are typically higher than full doc commercial loans. However, competitive rates are still available, especially if you have a strong deposit, good credit history, or valuable property as security.
5. Can I refinance an existing commercial loan with a low doc loan?
Yes, refinancing through a low doc loan is possible, especially if you’re self-employed and no longer meet traditional lending criteria. It’s commonly used by borrowers whose financial circumstances have changed or who want to consolidate debt under simpler documentation requirements.
6. What is the maximum loan-to-value ratio (LVR) for low doc commercial loans?
Most lenders offer up to 70% LVR for low doc commercial loans. However, some may go higher (up to 80%) with additional security or strong supporting documentation. A larger deposit or more equity can improve your chances of approval and help secure better terms.
7. Are low doc commercial loans available for property development?
Yes, certain lenders offer low doc options for commercial property development. These loans are typically assessed on project feasibility, experience of the developer and exit strategy.
8. Can I use a low doc loan for business working capital or equipment purchase?
Yes, in addition to purchasing property, low doc commercial loans can often be used for other business needs like accessing working capital, buying equipment or funding expansion. The key is having a viable repayment plan and suitable documentation to demonstrate serviceability.
9. How quickly can I get approved for a low doc commercial loan?
Approval times vary by lender, but are generally faster than traditional loans, often within 3–7 business days, if you’ve provided the necessary documents. Lenders familiar with low doc loans tend to streamline the process for self-employed borrowers.
10. Do I need a good credit score to qualify for a low doc commercial loan?
While a good credit score helps, many low doc lenders are open to applicants with minor credit issues, especially if there’s strong property security or a solid income stream. If you have defaults or a lower score, your broker can help match you with a more flexible lender.
