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Mortgages for the self-employed

If you're self-employed, getting a mortgage can be challenging. But we may be able to help. We understand the unique challenges you face and can work with you to find a solution that fits your needs.

  • Sole traders
  • Company directors
  • Contractors
  • Partnerships
Book a free call Call 0115 697 8086
A self-employed electrician lifting his tool bag into a white van on a terraced street

Which kind of self-employed are you?

Lenders ask different people for different papers. Pick the one that sounds like you and see what they usually want.

Sole trader

Lenders usually look at your profit over the last one to two years, from your tax calculations and the tax year overviews that go with them.

What lenders usually ask for:

  • Tax calculations (SA302s, last two years)
  • Tax year overviews (one for each tax year)
  • Bank statements (often three months)

Limited company director

Lenders often look at the salary and dividends you take from the company. Some look at your share of the company's profit instead, which can mean a bigger figure.

What lenders usually ask for:

  • Company accounts (usually two years)
  • Tax calculations (SA302s, last two years)
  • Payslips (your salary from the company)
  • Bank statements (often three months)

Contractor

If you work on day-rate contracts, some lenders work out your income from your day rate. They often want to see your current contract and how long you've been contracting.

What lenders usually ask for:

  • Your contract (showing your day rate)
  • Contract history (past contracts or a CV)
  • Bank statements (often three months)
  • Tax calculations (SA302s, last two years)

Partnership

Lenders usually look at your share of the partnership's profit, from your own tax calculations and the partnership's accounts.

What lenders usually ask for:

  • Tax year overviews (one for each tax year)
  • Partnership accounts (usually two years)
  • Tax calculations (SA302s, last two years)
  • Bank statements (often three months)

How we help when you work for yourself

Your income doesn't arrive as a neat monthly payslip. We know that, and so do the lenders we look for.

  • We look at how you're paid

    Sole trader, director, contractor or partner: we work out which figures show your income best, then look for lenders that read them that way.

  • We get your paperwork ready

    We tell you what lenders usually ask for and go through it with you before anything is sent, so nothing holds up your application.

  • We work around your hours

    You can't always talk during the working day. There's no such thing as office hours here, so call or message when it suits you.

Andrew was professional and went above and beyond at all stages of the process. Was always there to answer any questions. Would definitely recommend.

Anthony, a client, July 2024

Handy for your first call

You don't need any of this to book. If you have it to hand, we can tell you more on the first call.

  • Your last two years of tax calculations (SA302s) and tax year overviews
  • Your accounts, if you have them
  • Three months of bank statements
  • Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
  • Your accountant's details, if you use one

Questions we get asked

Lenders usually ask for two years. Some will look at one year, depending on your work and your history. We can tell you where you stand on the first call.

It can be harder, but it isn't always a no. Some lenders may look at you with less than two years of figures, for example if you did the same work as an employee before. Tell us your story and we'll look at your options.

Usually your profit. If you run a limited company, lenders often look at your salary and dividends, and some look at your share of the company's profit instead.

The first call is free and there's no obligation. There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The exact amount depends upon your circumstances, but will range from £495 to £995, and this will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.

We also help with

Most people we talk to fit more than one of these. Pick any that sound like you, and think about cover for your new home too.

Let's look at your figures together

Book a free, no-obligation call. Tell us how you're paid and we'll tell you what lenders usually look for.

Book a free call Call 0115 697 8086