Not everyone has a permanent full-time job with five years at the same employer. Casual work, contracting and new roles are common, especially in nursing, aged care, construction, hospitality and IT. The good news: you can still get a home loan. You just need the right lender.
Casual employees
Lender policies on casual income vary widely:
- Strict lenders: want 12 months or more in the same job
- Flexible lenders: accept 6 months in the same role, or 3 months if you've been casual in the same industry for longer
- Some lenders: assess casual income on year-to-date earnings, averaged or annualised
Lenders may use your average income over the period rather than your highest pay period. Overtime and penalty rates may be shaded.
What helps: - Payslips showing consistent hours - Year-to-date income - Last year's tax return or income statement - An employer letter confirming ongoing work
Contractors
How you're treated depends on how you're paid.
Contractors paid through an agency on PAYG: often assessed like employees, using payslips and contract details.
Contractors on an ABN: often treated as self-employed, needing tax returns. Some lenders accept contractors with a track record in the same field and a current contract, using annualised contract income.
What helps: - A current contract showing rate and term - History of renewed contracts - Tax returns and BAS where relevant
Probation
Many lenders accept applicants on probation if:
- You're in the same industry or role type
- You have a good employment history before the change
- The role is permanent
Others want you to finish probation first. Skilled professionals, like nurses, engineers or accountants, often have more options.
Changing jobs during the loan process
Try not to. If you change jobs between pre-approval and settlement, you must tell your lender, and they may reassess. If a move is unavoidable, talk to your broker first.
Other things that matter
- Credit history: a clean file helps balance non-standard income
- Deposit: a larger deposit can open up more lender options
- Savings history: consistent saving shows you manage variable income well
Government schemes
You can use the 5% Deposit Scheme, Help to Buy and state concessions as a casual or contractor, provided you meet the eligibility rules and the lender approves your loan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a home loan with 3 months of casual work?
Possibly, if you've worked in the same industry before. Some lenders allow this.
Will lenders count my overtime?
Often partly, if it's regular and has a history.
Do I need two years of tax returns as a contractor?
Not always. Some lenders accept one year, or a current contract with industry experience.
Casual, contracting or just started a new role? Call Finfident on 0424 545 654. We'll find lenders whose policy works for how you're paid.
This article is general information only and doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Figures, rates and scheme rules are current as at October 2026 and can change. Finfident Finance Brokers (ABN 94 679 280 801) is Credit Representative 569374 of Outsource Financial Pty Ltd (ACN 131 090 705), Australian Credit Licence 384324.