Alternative Lending Solutions in Perth & Across Australia

Not everyone fits the traditional bank lending box. That doesn’t mean home ownership or investment opportunities are out of reach. Alternative lending (sometimes called non-bank or specialist lending) provides flexible loan options for borrowers who may not meet standard bank criteria. In short: Alternative lending gives more Australians access to finance by offering flexibility where the banks won’t.

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what is alternative lending?

is alternative lending right for you?

Alternative lending may help borrowers who do not fit standard bank criteria, including self-employed applicants, people with complex income, credit history issues, recent employment changes or unusual financial circumstances. Base Home Loans works with a wide range of lenders to explore whether a specialist or non-bank lending solution may be suitable now, with the aim of creating a path back to stronger lending options over time.

At Base Home Loans, we work with a wide network of alternative lenders to find solutions tailored to your unique circumstances.

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Who can benefit from Alternative Lending?

Alternative lending can be a good fit if you’re self-employed, have a low or patchy credit history, work on contracts or seasonal income, or simply don’t meet the strict criteria of a traditional bank.

Alternative lending might be the right for for you if are:

  • Are self-employed and don’t have traditional payslips or tax returns
  • Have a low credit score or past defaults
  • Need to consolidate debts
  • Have irregular or complex income (e.g. contractors, seasonal work)
  • Are recently arrived in Australia without a long financial history.

Why consider an alternative lender?

Flexible assessment

Alternative lenders can look beyond the standard “9–5, PAYG” model.

Faster approvals

These lenders can often have less red tape compared to major banks.

Specialist products

Loans designed for unique scenarios like bad credit or short trading history.

Opportunity to rebuild

many borrowers use alternative lending as a stepping stone back to mainstream loans.

If there’s a way to help you get approved, Daniel will find it

Daniel is the founder of Base Home Loans and a trusted mortgage broker with years of experience helping Australians find the right path to home ownership. Known for his down-to-earth approach and ability to simplify even the most complex lending scenarios, Daniel specialises in working with clients who don’t always fit the traditional bank mould.

Whether it’s guiding first home buyers, supporting self-employed borrowers, or finding solutions through alternative lenders, Daniel is passionate about making finance clear, stress-free, and achievable. His focus is always on building long-term relationships and helping clients feel confident about their financial decisions. You can read more about Daniel and Base Home Loans here.

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Is alternative lending a good fit for you?

Frequently asked questions

Alternative Lending can open doors for borrowers who don’t “tick the boxes” for a bank loan. They’ve probably even been told by other mortgage brokers that they won’t get approved. It can be a stepping stone to eventually refinancing back with a bank.
It provides access to funds for buying, refinancing, or investing when traditional lenders say no.

Yes. Alternative lenders in Australia are regulated under the same laws as banks and must hold an Australian Credit Licence (ACL). The main difference is their flexibility in assessing applications, not the safety of your loan.

In many cases, yes – interest rates may be slightly higher to reflect the additional risk to the lender. However, the difference isn’t always dramatic, and the flexibility of approval can outweigh the extra cost, especially if it helps you get into the property market sooner.

Absolutely. Many borrowers use alternative loans as a stepping stone. Once your financial situation improves or stabilises, you may be able to refinance into a lower-rate bank loan.

Not always. Some alternative lenders accept deposits as low as 10%, while others may require more depending on your situation and credit profile. A broker can match you to lenders that best fit your circumstances.

The process is similar to a standard home loan application, but lenders may accept different documentation (like BAS statements, bank statements, or accountant letters instead of full tax returns). A specialist mortgage broker can guide you step-by-step.

Alternative lenders can often move faster than major banks, with some approvals in a matter of days. This can be useful in time-sensitive situations like auctions or refinancing deadlines.

Like any application, a credit check is usually required. Working with a broker can help minimise unnecessary applications and direct you to the most suitable option first.

They can provide home loans, investment loans, construction loans, bridging finance, commercial loans and even SMSF loans, depending on your needs.

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Am I a candidate for alternative lending?

Download our quick checklist to see if an alternative lender could be the right fit for you.

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