Specialist lending
Self employed mortgages, we know the right lenders
If you’re self employed, a sole trader, or a director of your own limited company, getting a mortgage can feel more complicated. Lenders want to understand your true income, but how they assess it varies dramatically. We know which lenders are most flexible and which will give you the best outcome for your income structure.
The good news: being self employed doesn’t mean paying more or borrowing less. With the right lender, you can access exactly the same rates and loan sizes as an employed applicant.
- Sole traders and limited company directors
- 1 year’s trading considered by some lenders
- Salary + dividends or net profit assessed
- Whole-of-market search
- Complex income structures welcome
- Free, no obligation consultation
How lenders assess you
Understanding your income
Different lenders assess self employed income differently. Getting this right is critical, applying to the wrong lender can result in a lower offer or a declined application.
Sole Trader
Most lenders use your net profit (after expenses) shown on SA302 tax returns. Typically they’ll average the last 2 years, though some will use the most recent year if income is rising.
LTD Company Director
Lenders use salary plus dividends, or salary plus net profit. Some accept retained profits too. We identify which approach maximises your borrowing from each lender.
Documentation Needed
Typically SA302s and tax year overviews (2-3 years), company accounts if a director, and bank statements. We’ll tell you exactly what each lender needs.
How long do you need to have traded?
Trading history & what’s needed
Most high street lenders require 2-3 years of accounts. But specialist lenders will consider applications with just 1 year of trading history in the right circumstances, particularly for professionals (accountants, doctors, solicitors) who have recently gone self employed from a related employed role.
