Key takeaways
- Commission earners regularly get home loans — lenders average the income over one to two years.
- Consistency matters: a steady or rising history is counted most favourably.
- Some lenders discount commission heavily; others count it close to full.
- Even commission-heavy roles are fine with a reliable track record and the right lender.
Commission income is real income — but it doesn’t always look tidy on a payslip, and a conservative lender can treat a strong earner as a risky one. If your pay rises and falls with your results, the lender you choose and the way your history is presented can be the difference between the loan you deserve and a disappointing number.
How lenders assess it
Lenders want evidence that your commission is durable, so they average it — usually over one to two years — and look at the trend. Steady or growing commission is counted most readily; a declining trend may see them use the lower recent figure. Your payslips (with year-to-date totals) and tax records tell this story.
Where the lender makes the difference
Policies vary widely. Some lenders discount commission to allow for its variability; others, especially those comfortable with sales-driven roles, count it close to full value. On a commission-heavy income, that gap can swing your borrowing power substantially from the exact same figures.
Illustrative example. A salesperson on a modest base with the bulk of earnings from commission might see one lender assess only the base and a portion of commission, while another counts a strong two-year commission average nearly in full — a large difference in borrowing capacity. Your result depends on your history and role.
Build your case: keep one to two years of consistent evidence, stay in the same industry where you can, and avoid a dip in your recent figures right before applying. It all feeds your serviceability assessment.
Strengthening a commission application
A clear income history, a healthy deposit, clean credit and low debts all reinforce a commission-based application. Above all, get matched to a lender that understands your role — the same principle that helps self-employed borrowers turn real earnings into borrowing power.
Broker Insight. We often see strong commission earners under-assessed by a conservative lender, then approved for far more elsewhere on the identical payslips. The trend and the lender matter as much as the number.
Turn your commission into borrowing power
We’ll present your income to the lenders that count it fairly — and show you what you can genuinely borrow. Free, no obligation.
Book your free game plan callFrequently asked questions
Can I get a home loan if I earn commission?
Yes. Lenders regularly lend to commission earners — sales staff, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, recruiters and more. They generally want to see a consistent history of commission income, usually over one to two years, and they average it to arrive at an assessable figure. Because commission can vary, some lenders discount it while others count it more fully, so lender choice matters.
How much commission income will a lender count?
Most lenders average your commission over one to two years and may count it at full or slightly discounted value depending on consistency and their policy. A stable or growing two-year history is treated most favourably. If your commission is trending down, lenders may use the lower, more recent figure. Presenting the income clearly and choosing the right lender maximises how much counts.
What if most of my income is commission?
That’s common and manageable. Lenders can assess a role where commission is the bulk of income, provided there’s a reliable track record. A one-to-two-year history, steady or rising earnings, and staying in the same industry all help. Some lenders specialise in commission-heavy roles and assess them generously — which is where matching to the right lender delivers the biggest result.
This guide is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. It is not financial or credit advice. Government schemes, lender policies, rates and tax rules change over time and eligibility criteria apply. Speak with us for advice tailored to your situation.