Self-Employed Mortgage Advice
Self-employed? We work with lenders who understand how self-employed income really works and we'll find you the right deal.
Book a free callOverview
Getting a mortgage when you're self-employed should be straightforward. Too often, it isn't.
Many lenders are still set up for traditional employees with a single payslip. If your income comes from your own business, varies year to year, or includes dividends, retained profits, or contract work, you might find yourself being squeezed into a box that doesn't fit. Some lenders will reject your application. Others will offer you far less than you can actually afford.
That's where we come in.
We work with self-employed clients across North London and Hertfordshire, from sole traders and freelancers to company directors and contractors. We know which lenders understand self-employed income properly, which use accountants' references, which accept just one year's accounts, and which take a sensible view of dividends and retained profits.
The right lender can make a significant difference to what you can borrow and the rate you can secure. We'll find them, and we'll handle the application from start to finish.
How we help
We work with self-employed-friendly lenders.
Not every lender understands self-employed income, but plenty do. We know which ones to go to and how to present your application properly.
We use the right figures.
Sole traders, partnerships, and limited company directors all have different income structures. We make sure your application reflects your real earning power, not just a single figure from a payslip.
We help with shorter trading histories.
Some lenders want three years of accounts, but others will consider one. If you haven't been self-employed for long, we'll find lenders who'll still work with you.
We handle the paperwork.
Self-employed mortgage applications usually involve more documentation. We'll tell you exactly what's needed, work with your accountant if necessary, and submit everything in the right format.
Common questions
Yes, absolutely. Most lenders will want to see 2 to 3 years of accounts or tax returns, but plenty will work with self-employed applicants. The key is matching you with a lender who understands your specific income structure.
Like any applicant, lenders will typically offer between 4 and 5 times your annual income. The challenge is what counts as "income" if you're self-employed. We'll calculate this properly based on your accounts or tax returns and find lenders who'll accept the right figures.
Most lenders want 2 to 3 years of accounts or self-assessment tax returns. Some specialist lenders will accept just one year for the right applicant. We'll find lenders who match your specific trading history.
Yes. As a director, your income usually includes both salary and dividends, and some lenders will also consider retained profits in the business. We'll find lenders who use the figures that work in your favour.
That's common for self-employed applicants. Lenders typically use an average of your last two or three years, but some will use the most recent year if your income has grown. We'll position your application to get the best result.
It depends on the case. Standard self-employed residential mortgages of £100,000 and above usually don't carry a broker fee. For more complex cases such as adverse credit, shorter trading histories, or specialist lender requirements, a fee may apply. We'll always be upfront about any fees before you commit.
Not if you're with the right lender. Self-employed applicants can access the same competitive rates as employed applicants, provided the lender understands your situation. Going to the wrong lender is what usually causes rejections or higher rates.
It's harder, but not impossible. Some lenders will consider applicants with less than a year of trading, especially if you previously worked in the same field. We'll find lenders who'll take a sensible look at your situation.
Let's get your mortgage sorted.
Book a free call. No obligation, no jargon. Just honest advice.
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