Getting a mortgage when you're self-employed
Sole trader, contractor, freelancer or company director - we know which lenders look at self-employed income the right way, and how to present your case.
Important: Your home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. Some forms of Buy to Let mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Self-employed doesn't mean second best
Plenty of self-employed people are told no by their bank and assume that's the end of it. It isn't. Lenders vary enormously in how they treat self-employed income - some demand three years of accounts, others are comfortable with one, and a handful will consider retained profits or day rates instead of salary and dividends.
Our job is to match your situation to the right lender the first time. We'll review your accounts and tax documents, tell you honestly what you can borrow, and package the application so an underwriter sees your income the way it should be seen.
Support for every kind of self-employed borrower
Sole traders
Assessed on your net profit - we'll find lenders who use your latest year or an average, whichever helps you most.
Company directors
Salary plus dividends is the standard approach, but some lenders will also count retained profits in the business.
Contractors & freelancers
Day-rate lending criteria can treat your contract income far more generously than accounts-based assessments.
One year's accounts
Recently gone self-employed? Some lenders will lend on a single year, especially with a strong track record in your field.
Accurate affordability
We calculate what you can genuinely borrow before you apply, so there are no surprises mid-application.
Protection for the self-employed
No employer sick pay means income protection matters even more - we'll explain your options without pressure.
More on self-employed
Find out what you could borrow
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. Send us your rough income figures and we'll come back with realistic options.
Or visit our contact pageWhat our self-employed customers say
"As a contractor I'd been turned down before. They knew exactly which lenders to approach and we completed in weeks."
"Silver Oak made our first mortgage feel completely manageable. Every step was explained clearly and we never felt rushed."
"Genuinely calm, professional advice. They saved us a real amount each month and the process was effortless."