Do Lenders Count a Second Job When You Refinance?
Yes. A growing number of borrowers hold two jobs, and lenders will include the second income if it looks durable. As with overtime, the test is consistency: how long you have held it and whether the hours are regular.
How Is Second Job Income Treated?
| Second income | Common treatment |
|---|---|
| Permanent part-time second job | Counted at 80% to 100% with six to twelve months of history |
| Casual second job | Assessed under casual policy; year-to-date income annualised |
| Recently started second job | Often excluded until a track record exists |
| Rideshare, delivery or gig work under an ABN | Treated as self-employed; usually one to two years of tax returns |
| Side business | Treated as self-employed; profit after expenses is what counts |
These are general patterns across the lending market, not rules. Each lender sets its own policy and changes it without notice, which is the practical reason to have the scenario checked against 50+ lenders before applying.
What Evidence Do You Need?
- Recent payslips from both jobs.
- Income statements for each employer from the last financial year.
- Bank statements showing both incomes being paid.
- For ABN income, your tax returns and notices of assessment.
When an assessor sees two jobs, they ask whether you can keep it up. Sixty hours a week across two employers for two years answers that question well. Three months of weekend shifts does not, yet. If the second job is recent, I will usually run the numbers on your main income alone first, and bring the second income in only if it is needed and a lender will accept it.
Can Second Job Income Help You Escape a Serviceability Shortfall?
It can. If you were unable to refinance on your main income, a second job with enough history can lift assessable income past the threshold. So can reducing commitments. Both approaches are covered in mortgage prison.
What About Income From a Rental Property or Boarder?
That is not employment income and is assessed separately. Rental income is usually counted at a shaded percentage to allow for vacancies and costs. Income from a boarder is accepted by only some lenders.
Does a Second Job Change Your Tax or Other Obligations?
A second job can affect your tax withheld, HECS or HELP repayments and family payments. Those are questions for your accountant. For lending, what matters is the gross income shown on your payslips and income statements. For the complete process, see refinancing on a PAYG salary.
General information only. It does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account. All lending is subject to lender assessment and approval. Fees and figures are typical ranges at 14 November 2026 and can change. Lend & Loan, Australian Credit Licence 511092.
