The standard application wasn't written for your income
Income that needs translating
Sole trader profits, salary and dividends, retained company profit, day rates — lenders assess each differently. Presenting your income the way a lender needs to see it is half the work.
The paperwork question
Tax calculations, tax year overviews, finalised accounts, contracts — knowing exactly what will be asked for, and preparing it early, avoids the delays that frustrate so many self-employed applications.
Variable years, real plans
A quieter year, a change of trading structure or rapid growth can all change how lenders view your income. The right approach depends on your trading history and which lenders' criteria fit it.
No employer safety net
No sick pay, no death-in-service, no employer benefits. When you work for yourself, protection is not a nice-to-have conversation — it is the safety net you have to build deliberately.
You built the business. Let's make the numbers tell that story.
Before anything goes near a lender, we look at how you earn, how your accounts are structured and what your trading history shows — then match that against lenders whose criteria actually suit it. You'll know what is realistic before you commit to anything.
And because working for yourself means no employer safety net, the same conversation considers what happens to the mortgage — and the household — if you couldn't work for a while.
Questions self-employed clients ask me
How many years of accounts do I need?
Many lenders like to see two years of trading history, but some will consider applicants with less, depending on circumstances and the strength of the wider application. It varies by lender — which is exactly why advice helps. No outcome can be guaranteed.
I'm a limited-company director — what income counts?
Different lenders assess director income differently: some look at salary plus dividends, others will consider your share of retained company profit. The right fit depends on how your accounts are structured.
Does a quiet year ruin my chances?
Not necessarily. Lenders take different approaches — some average recent years, others focus on the latest year, and context matters. An honest review of your figures is the starting point.
What documents should I get ready?
Commonly: HMRC tax calculations (SA302s) with matching tax year overviews, finalised accounts, recent bank statements and proof of deposit. If you work through contracts, copies of current and previous contracts can help. I'll tell you exactly what applies to you before anything is submitted.
I'm a contractor on a day rate — am I self-employed for mortgage purposes?
It depends on how you operate and how lenders classify it — some assess contractors on an annualised day rate rather than accounts. Which treatment applies to you is worth establishing early.
Why does protection matter more when self-employed?
Because there is no employer sick pay behind you. If illness or injury stopped you working, your income could stop with it. Income protection and related cover exist for exactly that gap — whether they are suitable depends on your circumstances and budget.
Tell me how you work — I'll explain what's possible
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What can I help you with?
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