Mortgages for the self-employed, explained.
Working for yourself shouldn’t stand in the way of owning a home. Lenders assess self-employed income differently from a regular salary, so the right lender, and the right way of presenting your figures, makes a real difference. Whether you’re a sole trader, a contractor or a company director, we’ll help you find a way forward.
- Your income is assessed differently. Lenders usually look at your tax records and accounts rather than a payslip, and each lender has its own approach.
- Track record matters. Many want to see a couple of years of figures, though some are more flexible.
- How you’re set up affects the result. Sole traders, contractors and limited company directors are each assessed in different ways.
- Preparation helps. Having your SA302s, tax year overviews and accounts in order makes the process smoother.
- You have more options than you might think. Some lenders specialise in self-employed applicants, and we know which they are.
We’ll look at how you earn and what you can show, then search the market for lenders who will assess your income fairly. We’ll explain what they’ll need, tell you honestly what to expect, and give you a clear recommendation with the reasons behind it.
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Apply for a mortgage as a self-employed person
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Sound familiar?
The questions the self-employed asks.
What proof of income will I need?
Lenders usually ask for your SA302 tax calculations and tax year overviews from HMRC, often for the last two or three years.
How many years of accounts do I need?
Many lenders like to see two or three years, but some will consider one year of trading. The right route depends on your specific situation.
How do lenders work out my income?
Sole traders are usually assessed on their net profit, directors on a mix of salary and dividends or a share of company profit, and contractors on their day rate.
Will I need a bigger deposit because I’m self-employed?
Not always. Many self-employed people borrow on the same terms as employed applicants. We’ll show you what’s possible.
Your journey
From first chat to front door.
1
Free first call
We get to know you, your plans and your budget. No credit check.
2
Agreement in Principle
So estate agents know you’re serious when you find the one.
3
Offer accepted, we apply
We recommend the right deal and handle the full application with the lender.
4
Keys in hand
We chase lenders, solicitors and agents and keep you updated until completion.
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Testimonials
what our clients say.
★★★★★
Absolutely brilliant service! Dan went above and beyond to ensure I secured the best possible mortgage for my situation. He dealt with problems in the process that weren’t even his responsibility, just to make sure everything stayed on track and completed faster. His support, expertise, and responsiveness made the whole experience far less stressful. Highly recommend!
Emma Prudom
Residential Purchase
★★★★★
Daniel was very helpful and professional finding us a new mortgage deal. He always kept us updated on what was going on and the best deals. Very pleased with the service we received and Daniel sorted everything out for us and advised us on the best deal for us. Would highly recommend Your Door Mortgage Advice.
Tiffany McCourt
Residential Remortgage
★★★★★
Outstanding and well organised service from start to finish.
Andrew Needham
Buy-to-Let Remortgage
Working with lenders including:
Getting ready
You don’t need anything to get started.
For the first call, just bring your questions. When it’s time to apply, we’ll ask for:
- Photo ID
- Proof of address
- Recent payslips
- Bank statements
- Proof of your deposit
- Details of any credit
Liam Ryder
Financial Services Administrator
Being self-employed shouldn’t stand in the way of achieving your property goals. We enjoy helping self-employed people navigate the mortgage process, understand their options and find a solution that works for their individual circumstances. We understand that every business and income situation is different, so we take the time to understand your finances and future plans, guiding you through the process with clear, honest advice and personal support. Our aim is to make securing a mortgage as straightforward and stress-free as possible, giving you the confidence to take the next step towards your property goals.
SELF-EMPLOYED APPLICANT FAQs
Your questions, answered.
Something else on your mind? Call 01947 469003.
My income varies from year to year. Can I still get a mortgage?
Often, yes. Lenders may average your income over a few years, or use your most recent year if it’s lower, so we’ll explain how they’ll treat it. Having your figures and tax records in order helps.
Does it matter if I’ve only just started working for myself?
It can limit your options, as many lenders want to see a track record. A few will lend with less history, particularly if you’ve worked in the same field before, so we’ll look at which lenders fit.
Can I get a mortgage if I’m a limited company director?
Yes, many lenders support directors. They’ll look at how you pay yourself, through salary, dividends or both, and some also consider your share of company profit. We’ll explain how each lender assesses it.
Will paying less tax make it harder to get a mortgage?
It can. Lenders base affordability on the profit you declare, so if you’ve reduced your taxable income, it may reduce what you can borrow. We’ll give you realistic expectations before you apply.
Is a mortgage harder to get if I’ve had credit problems?
It can be, but it doesn’t rule you out. Some lenders take a more flexible view depending on the type and age of the issue, so tell us upfront and we’ll look at your options honestly.
Your first door is closer than you think.
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