FCA Regulated
1 year accounts
All income types
Contractor friendly
The self-employed challenge
Self-employed borrowers face a different set of hurdles to employees. Income can vary year to year, tax efficiency often reduces the amount shown on paper, and not all lenders assess self-employed income the same way. We specialise in finding the right lender for your situation.
Whether you are a sole trader, a limited company director, a freelancer or an IT contractor, we have arranged mortgages for people in your exact position. We know which lenders are genuinely self-employed friendly and which ones just say they are.
Types of self-employed income
What you will need
Different lenders ask for different documentation. Typically you will need:
- Two years of SA302s and tax year overviews (some accept one year)
- Certified accounts prepared by a qualified accountant
- Bank statements (personal and business)
- Proof of upcoming contracts (for contractors)
Common questions
How many years trading?
Most lenders want at least two years of filed accounts or SA302s. Some specialist lenders accept just one year, and a handful will consider less if you were previously employed in the same industry.
Can I use retained profits?
Yes, some lenders will add your share of retained profits in the business to your salary and dividends figure. This can make a significant difference to how much you can borrow.
What about CIS subcontractors?
If you work in construction under the CIS scheme, some lenders assess your gross CIS income rather than your net self-employed profit. This can dramatically increase your borrowing power.
Do I need an accountant?
Technically no, but in practice lenders strongly prefer accounts prepared by a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA). If your accounts are self-prepared, the choice of lenders is much more limited.