Self-Employed Mortgages

Yes 100% - being self-employed doesn’t stop you from getting a mortgage.

As long as you can show a stable or consistent income, most lenders will happily consider your application.

We specialise in helping self-employed professionals, contractors, freelancers and business owners present their finances clearly and confidently.

We’ll match you with lenders who understand that your income may not come in a neat monthly payslip - but is no less reliable.

Most lenders prefer two full years of trading accounts or SA302s to show consistent income.

However, a growing number of specialist lenders will consider one year of accounts if:

• You’ve been trading successfully and can provide future income projections.

• You recently became self-employed in the same field you previously worked in.

• You have strong contracts or repeat client income.

We’ll guide you toward lenders who look beyond rigid rules and assess your overall financial picture.

You’ll usually need:

• SA302 tax calculations and HMRC tax year overviews (last two years)

• Company accounts prepared by a qualified accountant

• Business and personal bank statements (typically 3–6 months)

• Proof of ongoing contracts or client invoices (for freelancers and contractors)

• Identification and proof of deposit

We’ll help you organise everything in advance so your application runs smoothly — no surprises, no missing paperwork.

Fluctuating income is common for self-employed people, and lenders know that.

Most will average your last two years of income to calculate affordability, but if your profits are rising, we can often find lenders who use your most recent year instead.

We’ll also explain how to present your accounts to show a strong, upward trend - which can make all the difference.

Yes — sometimes.

For limited company directors, retained profits often represent real earnings that remain within the business. Some lenders include this figure when assessing income, while others don’t.

We know which lenders are most flexible and will recognise your true business performance, not just your salary and dividends.

That means your profit works harder for you, just like your business does.

Not necessarily.

With a well-prepared application and accurate documentation, self-employed mortgage rates can be the same as those offered to employed applicants.

The difference lies in presentation - lenders need to clearly understand your income and affordability. That’s where our role as whole-of-market advisers makes the difference, helping you access the most competitive mortgage deals available.

Yes, it’s absolutely possible.

Some lenders will accept one year’s accounts if:

• Your business shows strong performance and growth.

• You have a solid financial history or professional background.

• An accountant can project future earnings with confidence.

We regularly work with self-employed borrowers and new company directors to secure mortgages after their first year of trading.

Lenders usually calculate contractor income by taking your day rate and multiplying it by 46–48 working weeks per year.

If you’re a freelancer or project-based worker, lenders may look at your average income across contracts or annualised turnover.

We work with lenders who specialise in contractor mortgages, so you’re assessed on the way you actually earn - not penalised because it is flexible.

If you’re self-employed and planning to buy, move, or remortgage soon - start preparing 3–6 months ahead.

It gives time to optimise your accounts, tidy up your credit, and make your business income shine on paper.