Last updated 14 November 2026 · Reviewed by Riyadh Financial Services Compliance
At a glance
- "Full doc" and "alt doc" describe how you show your income, not a different Shariah structure.
- Our Ijaar home finance uses Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek, a lease that ends in ownership, whichever way you show your income.
- Alt Doc options exist on selected Ijaar home finance and aren't available for construction.
- Read our Islamic home finance for self-employed borrowers page for the options in more detail.
What does full doc mean?
Full doc (full documentation) means you show your income with standard documents. If you're self-employed, that usually means your tax returns and business financials. If you're employed, it usually means payslips and similar documents.
Full Doc is available with our Ijaar home finance, including for self-employed people with an established ABN and recent financials. Your broker will confirm the documents you need.
What does alt doc or low doc mean?
Alt doc (alternative documentation) is for self-employed people whose most recent tax returns or financials don't yet show their current income, or aren't ready. Many people search for this as a "low doc home loan". With us, it's an Alt Doc option on selected Ijaar home finance, which is a lease that ends in ownership, not an interest-bearing loan.
With Alt Doc, you show your income in other ways, such as an accountant's letter, BAS or business bank statements. You still need an established ABN, and your broker will assess your income and financial situation.
Full doc and alt doc side by side
| Question | Full Doc | Alt Doc |
|---|---|---|
| How you show your income | Standard documents, such as tax returns and business financials, or payslips if you're employed | Other documents, such as an accountant's letter, BAS or business bank statements |
| Who it usually suits | Employed people, and self-employed people with up-to-date financials | Self-employed people with an established ABN whose financials don't yet show their current income |
| Available with us | Our Ijaar home finance | Selected Ijaar home finance |
| Building a new home | Construction finance is available on selected Ijaar home finance | Not available for construction |
| Shariah structure | Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek | Ijarah Muntahia Bittamleek |
Rental rates, fees and conditions can differ between options, so ask your broker to compare the total cost of each one for your situation.
Does the way you show your income change the Shariah structure?
No. Full doc and alt doc are about the documents the financier looks at, not about how the finance works. With our Ijaar home finance, the financier appoints you as its agent (wakeel, under a Wakalah agency agreement) to buy the property on its behalf. You're the registered owner on the title from settlement, and the financier holds a registered mortgage and a beneficial interest (an ownership share), which passes to you when all payments are made.
You pay a rental rate, not an interest rate, because the financier's return comes from rent on a real asset, not from riba (interest) on money lent.
Can business owners use company income?
On selected Ijaar home finance, business owners may be able to use company income. Your broker will assess your income and financial situation and explain what applies to you.
What are the pros and cons of alt doc?
Possible pros
- A way to apply when your financials don't yet show your current income.
- Documents many business owners already have, such as BAS or business bank statements.
- The same Shariah structure as our Full Doc Ijaar home finance.
Possible cons
- Approval isn't certain: every application is assessed against credit criteria.
- Rental rates, fees and conditions can differ from Full Doc options.
- It isn't available for construction.
How do you apply as a self-employed person, step by step?
- Talk to a broker. If you don't have a broker, contact us and we can refer you to an accredited broker.
- Gather the documents your broker asks for. Your accountant can help you prepare them.
- Your broker works out whether Full Doc or an Alt Doc option suits you and lodges your application.
- If your application meets the financier's criteria, it may issue a conditional approval.
- The financier arranges a valuation and, if approved, issues your finance contracts.
- Your solicitor or conveyancer coordinates settlement, and you're the registered owner on the title.
How can Riyadh Financial Services help?
Riyadh Financial Services arranges Shariah-compliant property finance through accredited mortgage brokers. Accredited brokers must act in your best interests under Australian credit law (the best interests duty), and they work across Australia, in person or online.
- Full Doc Ijaar home finance for employed and self-employed people.
- Alt Doc options on selected Ijaar home finance for self-employed people with an established ABN.
- On selected Ijaar home finance, business owners may be able to use company income.
- Finance in the name of an individual, a company or a trust. Some options are for individuals only, and your broker will confirm.
Our product structures are reviewed by our independent Shariah adviser. Ask us for the current Shariah certificate and what it covers. We don't give religious rulings, and you're always welcome to seek your own scholar's view.
Keep reading:Islamic home finance for self-employed borrowers · How Islamic home finance works · Is Islamic home finance more expensive?