Being newly self-employed is exciting—you’re in control of your career and your future. But when it comes to getting a mortgage, things can feel a little more complicated. Don’t worry—it’s not impossible! Here’s what you need to know, and how to set yourself up for success.
Short answer? Yes, but it’s a bit trickier. Most lenders prefer to see a few years’ worth of accounts to assess your income and figure out what you can afford. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options if you’re just starting out. Specialist lenders exist for situations like these—you just need to know where to look.
If you’ve been trading for less than a year, providing as much evidence as possible about your income and business stability will be key. Think bank statements, contracts, or even a year-to-date summary from an accountant. Every bit of proof helps build trust with lenders.
Lenders want to ensure you’re in a position to repay your mortgage—it’s that simple. For the self-employed, accounts are the best way to prove your income. Typically, lenders ask for:
If you’ve only just started working for yourself, getting an early tax return filed can be a game-changer. Even one year’s accounts make a difference in showing lenders that your business is on solid ground.
Most lenders want to see three years of accounts to feel confident in your financial stability. But here’s the good news: Some specialist lenders are happy to work with self-employed individuals who’ve been trading for less than that—sometimes even as little as nine months!
If you’ve only got one or two years’ worth of accounts, here are some tips:
If you’re brand new to self-employment and haven’t filed a tax return yet, your options are more limited—but they’re not non-existent. Here’s what can help:
It all comes down to risk. Lenders see established businesses as safer bets, with predictable income streams. For someone just starting out, the lack of historical financial data can make lenders hesitate.
But here’s the silver lining: There are lenders who specialise in helping people just like you. Working with a mortgage broker who knows these lenders can save you time and frustration.
Besides your accounts, lenders will look at:
The amount you can borrow depends on your income and deposit. Most lenders use a multiplier of 4.5x your annual income, but some specialist lenders might stretch that limit if you have strong supporting evidence—like steady income growth or robust client contracts.
If all of this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of mortgage experts specialises in helping self-employed individuals find the right lender and present the strongest possible application. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Make an enquiry today, and we’ll help you take the next steps toward your new home!
If you have questions about getting a mortgage with an adverse credit score, read our FAQs. Our wealth of knowledge within this market means that we’re confident in our ability to offer specialist mortgage advice and secure the mortgage you want regardless of your credit history.
Yes. Being self-employed does not stop you from getting a mortgage. Lenders will simply assess your income in a different way compared to someone who is employed. With the right documentation, many self-employed applicants can access the same mortgage interest rates and terms.
Most lenders require at least two years of trading accounts or SA302s (tax calculations and tax year overviews from HMRC). However, some specialist lenders may consider applications with just one year of accounts, especially if you have a strong financial profile or a proven track record in your industry.
Typically, you’ll be asked to provide:
Not necessarily. While some high street lenders may apply stricter criteria, there are many specialist lenders who understand self-employed income structures. A mortgage broker can help present your income in the best way and match you with lenders who are more flexible.
Yes, it may be possible. Some lenders will consider applicants with just 12 months of trading history, especially if you were previously employed in the same field. A specialist mortgage broker can help you find the right lender to suit your circumstances.
