Client Case Study
Love Self-Employed Customers Thinking “Outside the Box”
“Our job is to show you what’s possible.
Your job is to decide what’s right for you.”
The Situation
Some business owners simply work hard. Others work hard and think differently.
Recently, we had the pleasure of assisting a very clever family-owned mobile catering business that continues to experience strong growth and demand. We’ve helped this hardworking team with a number of finance solutions as their business expanded.
As the business outgrew its existing space, the owners decided the next logical step was to purchase their own commercial premises rather than continue leasing.
However, the process also came with a major disappointment. Years earlier, the clients had purchased an off-the-plan commercial property and, as we actually began preparing the finance for settlement because completion was becoming imminent, the issue then came to light.
The developer had cancelled the entire project and contracts, with the clients not even being advised beforehand.
After having their deposit tied up for years, they were ultimately left with no property to settle and forced to start the search all over again.
Rather than give up, they kept looking forward.
Eventually, a more suitable and conveniently located commercial property became available — and they moved quickly.
The Solution
Our Mortgage Broking team assisted with securing the finance for the commercial property purchase, allowing the business to secure its own premises, complete a fast refit, and move in quickly to support continued growth.
But the business owners didn’t stop there.
As a mobile catering operation travelling regularly with staff and equipment, they were constantly facing accommodation and storage challenges while working on-site and attending events.
Instead of continuing with expensive and inefficient arrangements, they came up with another clever solution — a fully customised caravan.
The caravan provided:
- Additional cold storage space
- Accommodation for staff on-site
- Greater flexibility for travel and events
- A more affordable long-term solution for the growing business
Our Car & Asset Finance team then sourced the finance solution for the custom-built caravan.
The Outcome
By thinking outside the box, this family business has created smarter and more efficient ways to grow.
They now operate from their own commercial premises while also having a customised mobile solution that supports both their team and operational needs.
Most importantly, they’ve built solutions that improve efficiency, reduce ongoing challenges, and help position the business for future expansion.
More Than Just a Finance Solution
Stories like this are exactly why our team loves what we do.
It’s inspiring working alongside hardworking business owners who back themselves, solve problems creatively, and continue looking for better ways to grow their business and improve their future.
At WhiteStar Finance & Conveyancing, we love helping clients explore opportunities beyond the obvious.
Contact the WhiteStar team today to discuss:
- Business Asset & Equipment Finance
- Commercial Finance & SMSF
- Car Loans Including Fleet Finance
- Payout ATO
- Poor credit home loan options
- Everyday Mortgage reviews to improve cashflow
Chat with a WhiteStar Mortgage Broker today.
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Unlike going directly to a bank, we compare multiple lenders and tailor a solution to suit you.
With over 30 years’ experience, we specialise in both straightforward and more complex scenarios — often finding solutions where others can’t.
As mortgage brokers, we’re also bound by Best Interests Duty, meaning we’re legally required to act in your best interests — not the lender’s.
We can review your options (including your credit file) without leaving multiple enquiry marks that may impact your score, so you can explore what’s possible with confidence.
With strong reviews, real client results, and conveyancing support in Victoria, we’re here to guide you from start to finish.
Read our Reviews and Case Studies to know more
Poor credit generally refers to your overall credit history, including missed repayments, defaults or high levels of debt.
Your credit score is a number that reflects this history at a point in time. While your credit score is important, lenders also look at the bigger picture — including your income, expenses and ability to repay.
This means some borrowers may still be eligible for home loan if their credit score is lower. Lenders have different criteria, it about knowing who will help with a bad credit score and also who will help with bad credit like defaults and arrears.
If you’re self-employed and having trouble proving your income, it’s still worth exploring your options with a mortgage broker before applying. Many lenders assess income differently, and some offer alternative income options with more flexible documentation requirements.
Rather than applying directly and risking a decline, it’s best to speak with a broker first. At WhiteStar, we’ll guide you on what paperwork may be accepted by different lenders and help you understand your options before you apply. If you are about to lodge your tax returns, it can be a good idea to wait and speak to a broker before they are lodged.
Self Employed Home Loan Case Study
Not always. Commonly lower dealership rates can be offset by a higher vehicle price or extras built into the deal — meaning you could still end up paying more overall.
A smart approach is to first negotiate the best price for the car without finance attached, then compare finance options separately.
Chat with the team at WhiteStar Finance & Conveyancing before signing anything — we can help you compare the real overall cost, not just the advertised rate.
Nearly 77% of home loans in Australia are arranged through mortgage brokers — because they offer a wider, more tailored range of options.
A broker compares multiple lenders (not just one bank), helping you find the right fit — especially if you have a poor credit score or need bad credit options.
We also follow Best Interests Duty (BID), meaning we must act in your best interests, and we can assess your options without leaving multiple credit enquiries on your file, which can impact your score.
Read some of Our Reviews Here
Dealership finance is arranged directly through the car dealer, usually with a limited panel of lenders.
A car finance broker, like the team at WhiteStar Finance & Conveyancing, works with multiple lenders to compare options and help find a solution suited to your circumstances.
Yes — many people use equity in their home as a deposit, meaning you may not need cash savings.
Rental income can help with repayments, and there may be tax benefits, but it’s important to ensure the strategy suits your situation and risk comfort.
Lenders assess investment income and expenses differently, which can impact borrowing capacity — so working with a broker helps ensure the loan is structured correctly for you.
You’ll still need to service the loan based on your income and commitments.
Yes — depending on your situation, it may be possible to refinance or obtain finance to help clear ATO debt.
This can sometimes improve cash flow, simplify repayments, or help a business move forward with more certainty.
Options may include:
- Refinancing existing loans
- Debt consolidation
- Business or commercial lending
- Asset-backed finance
- Specialist lending solutions
Not all lenders will accept ATO debt or payment arrangements, however some lenders are more flexible than others depending on the strength of the overall application.
The sooner you seek advice, the more options you may have available.
Chat with the team at WhiteStar Finance & Conveyancing to explore your options.
Many Australians use an SMSF to gain more control and transparency over their super, including the ability to invest directly in property as part of a long-term strategy.
However, SMSF property lending is highly regulated. You generally need:
- sufficient super balance (often $200k–$300k+ as a guide)
- the ability to service the loan rent and contributions (your income and contributions still matter)
- the correct SMSF and bare trust structure set up before purchase
Not everyone will qualify, and lending options are more limited than standard home loans.
It’s important to speak with a broker early to confirm eligibility before spending money on advice or setup, as getting the structure or timing wrong can be costly.
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SMSF loans are structured differently to standard home loans. The property is typically held in a separate (bare) trust, and lending options are more limited.
Buying a property inside an SMSF can be a smart strategy — but only when the structure, lending, compliance and long-term planning are done correctly.
If you’d like help checking borrowing capacity the team at WhiteStar Finance & Conveyancing can guide you on the process and finance criteria & eligibility, however we cannot offer legal and financial advice as to whether a SMSF or Purchasing in your SMSF is suitable for your individual circumstances.
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