Being self-employed in the UK has many perks: flexibility, independence, and the potential for unlimited earning power. However, when it comes to getting a mortgage, the process can feel a little more complicated. At Model Financial Solutions, we specialise in helping self-employed individuals secure mortgages, no matter how complex their income may be.
If you’re self-employed and wondering how to get a mortgage, this guide will walk you through the key steps and requirements, helping you feel confident in your journey to homeownership.
Can I Get a Mortgage If I’m Self-Employed?
Yes, you absolutely can! Mortgage lenders don’t discriminate against self-employed borrowers, but they do approach income assessment differently compared to those in traditional employment. Instead of relying on a monthly payslip, lenders will look at your business accounts, tax returns, and overall financial health to assess your affordability.
Steps to Get a Mortgage When Self-Employed
Here’s what you need to know to improve your chances of securing a mortgage as a self-employed borrower:
1. Prove Your Income
Most lenders will require at least two years of accounts to demonstrate your income stability. This typically includes:
Tax Calculations (SA302 forms) from HMRC
Tax Year Overviews (TYOs)
Certified accounts prepared by an accountant
If you have only one year of accounts, don’t worry! Some lenders specialise in helping newer self-employed individuals. At Model Financial Solutions, we can identify the right lender for your situation.
2. Improve Your Credit Score
Your credit score plays a significant role in the mortgage process. To improve your creditworthiness:
Check your credit report for errors and correct them.
Keep credit utilisation low (ideally below 30% of your limit).
Avoid taking on new debts before applying for a mortgage.
Check your financial associations that you may have held previous credit with via your credit report.
3. Save for a Larger Deposit
While the standard deposit for a residential mortgage is 5-10%, being self-employed may mean a larger deposit is beneficial. A deposit of 15-25% can improve your chances of approval and unlock better interest rates.
4. Keep Your Finances in Order
Lenders love to see stable, well-organised finances. Tips to strengthen your mortgage application include:
Use separate bank accounts for your business and personal spending.
Using an accountant for professional accounts.
Avoiding large, unexplained financial transactions.
Submit your tax return promptly to HMRC and pay your tax bill on time. Any delays will be a red flag to the lender.
5. Work with a Mortgage Specialist
Self-employed mortgages can be tricky to navigate on your own. A mortgage adviser like us at Model Financial Solutions has access to specialist lenders and knows how to present your case effectively. We’ll help you find a lender that understands self-employed income, whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, or limited company director.
What Do Lenders Look for in Self-Employed Mortgage Applications?
Lenders assess your mortgage application based on several factors, including:
Income Stability: Consistent or growing income over the last 1-3 years is ideal.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): A lower LTV (higher deposit) reduces the lender’s risk.
Affordability: Lenders calculate your affordability by considering your income, outgoings, and other financial commitments.
Business Health: If you’re a company director, lenders will look at your share of net profits or salary and dividends.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Challenge: Fluctuating Income
Self-employed income can vary, which may raise concerns for lenders.Solution: Provide detailed accounts and explain any fluctuations. A strong year-on-year growth trend can work in your favour.
Challenge: Limited Accounts History
Many lenders require at least two years of accounts.Solution: We can connect you with lenders that accept one year of accounts or projected income if your business is new.
Challenge: Complex Income Streams
If you have multiple income sources, it can confuse lenders.Solution: Work with a specialist mortgage adviser to clearly present all income streams, including freelance work, dividends, or rental income.
Why Choose Model Financial Solutions for Your Self-Employed Mortgage?
At Model Financial Solutions, we understand that being self-employed doesn’t mean you should face extra hurdles when applying for a mortgage. We specialise in helping clients with complex income structures, including sole traders, contractors, and company directors.
Here’s how we can help:
Access to Specialist Lenders: We work with lenders who understand self-employed income and offer tailored solutions.
Expert Guidance: From preparing your documents to managing lender queries, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Tailored Advice: Whether you’ve been self-employed for years or just started your business, we’ll find the right mortgage for you.
Get Started Today
If you’re self-employed and wondering, “How can I get a mortgage?”, let’s chat. At Model Financial Solutions, we’ve helped countless self-employed individuals secure their dream homes, and we’d love to help you too.
Ready to start your mortgage journey? Contact us today for expert advice and personalised support.
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.
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