Here’s how we make lending work for
self-employed Kiwis
Your income isn’t one-size-fits-all — your loan shouldn’t be either.
Tailored for sole traders, contractors, and directors
Whether you pay yourself through drawings, dividends, or PAYE — we’ll help structure a deal that fits your real income flow.
Alt-doc loans designed for real-life income
We work with lenders who accept GST returns, bank statements, accountant letters, and more — no full financials needed in many cases.
We position your income to show strength
We know how to present your financials so lenders see what you’re really earning — not just the surface numbers.
No judgement, no lectures — just good advice
Even if your tax returns are behind, your accounts are messy, or cashflow’s up and down — we’ll work through it with you and build a plan.
FAQs about getting a loan when you’re self-employed
Do I need full financial statements to apply?
Not always. Many non-bank lenders accept alternative documentation (alt-doc) — like bank statements, GST returns, or accountant declarations — especially if you’ve been trading for at least 6–12 months. We’ll assess what’s acceptable for your situation before applying.
Can I borrow if my income is irregular or seasonal?
Yes — as long as we can show overall affordability and explain the pattern. We often work with clients in industries like construction, design, and hospitality where income naturally varies month to month.
What can I do to strengthen my application?
Stay on top of tax returns, manage expenses well, and keep clear income records — but don’t stress if things aren’t perfect. We’ll help you present your case in the best light and advise what to tidy up if needed.
Self-employed and need lending that actually fits?
Book a free, no-pressure chat with a Luminate adviser who gets business — not just banking. We’ll explain your options, work with your accountant if needed, and help you get it done.
We work with trusted bank and non-bank lenders
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Testimonials
Mortgage Broking & Finance Clients
From our very first interaction, it was clear that Trent was genuinely invested in our success at Gratpak. As a result of his support, we were able to secure the funding necessary to invest in new technologies and streamline our production processes. I wholeheartedly recommend Trent Bradley to any business seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated financial partner. His expertise and support have been invaluable to us, and I am confident he can help others achieve their financial goals as well!
Sandeep Puri
GratPak Ltd
We knew about Luminate last November from our friend. We contacted them with the feeling “give it a try, but no hope” because we tried so many times before. And now…we are sitting on our couch in our living room in our house waiting for Christmas…The biggest Christmas gift ever in our life.. Just like a dream come true guys!
Luminate Financial Group has the best service which is out of your expectation. They are reliable, fast and super easy.
Marita Huynh
I've had the pleasure of working with Trent Bradley from Luminate, and I can confidently attest that he's a game-changer. With decades of experience under his belt, he navigates even the most challenging times with ease, providing unparalleled guidance and support.
If you're looking for a finance expert who will make your financial goals a reality, look no further than Trent Bradley. Highly recommended!
Garry Singh
Ray White NZ
Investors
Something that is troubling when you have funds to invest is trusting a Company to ‘keep it simple’ and deliver a fair ROI …..and who do the job of increasing the capital value, report monthly in a format I can read and understand and be there if I have questions. Luminate has delivered for me over the past 5 years on an investment of a couple of million. It’s a joy, its simple and effortless on my part, which speaks volumes about the quality of the team.
SR
We have known Trent Bradley for 28 years through a mixture of seeking his advice on borrowing, financing or lending funds for various activities we have engaged in.
With Luminate managing our money we have over the past 28 years had complete peace of mind. We are very pleased to share our experiences with Trent as he is a bedrock to our financial progress.
Michael and Gwyn Gray
Our specialist lending solutions
Bridging & short-term loans
Buy before you sell, fund urgent settlements, or keep your project on track. We move fast — with lenders who specialise in time-sensitive funding.
Second mortgages & debt consolidation
Top up your lending without disturbing your main home loan. A second mortgage can unlock equity for renovations, business cashflow, or simplify multiple debts into one.
Low deposit or credit challenges
Been told no by the bank? That’s not the end of the road. We help first-time buyers and existing homeowners access finance with as little as 5–10% deposit — even with past credit hiccups.
