Being Self Employed Shouldn’t Limit Your Mortgage Options
Make sure your hard work counts with mortgage advice that understands business owners
Being self-employed shouldn’t stop you from buying your dream home or finding a great remortgage deal. At Mortgage Solutions Hub, we specialise in helping self-employed clients across Kidderminster, Worcestershire, Birmingham and nationwide access the same great mortgage products as employed borrowers – with advice that’s tailored to how your income really works. We know that the process can feel confusing, as lenders assess self-employed income differently. Understanding what lenders look for, and preparing the right documents early, can make all the difference to getting your mortgage approved smoothly.
What counts as Self-Employed?
Every lender defines “self-employed” slightly differently, but generally it includes:
- Limited company directors (with significant shareholding)
- Sole traders or partnerships
- Anyone with 20–25% or more ownership in a business
If you fall into one of these categories, most lenders will treat you as self-employed for mortgage purposes – though their criteria can vary. That’s where expert guidance helps.
Why is it harder to get a Mortgage when Self-Employed?
The main challenge isn’t your employment status — it’s how your income is assessed. Lenders want to be sure your earnings are reliable, consistent, and sustainable, so they’ll often:
- Ask for 2–3 years of accounts to calculate an average income
- Use your most recent year’s income if it shows steady growth
- In some cases, accept just 12 months’ trading for newer businesses
Because every lender takes a different approach to self-employed income, working with a specialist mortgage broker can open doors to lenders who understand your situation and take a more flexible view.
What income do lenders consider for the Self-Employed?
When assessing your affordability, lenders typically look at:
- PAYE salary that you pay yourself (for Directors)
- Dividends taken from your Company
- Share of net profits (before tax)
- Property or investment income, where relevant
Each lender combines these figures differently. Some may use your salary plus dividends, while others may consider net profit instead. At Mortgage Solutions Hub, our advisers understand how each lender interprets self-employed income and can match you with those most likely to view your finances favourably.
We also work with specialist lenders who can take a more bespoke approach – ideal for higher earners, business owners with retained profits, or those with strong deposits or equity.
How Mortgage Solutions Hub can help
Our friendly, expert mortgage advisers are here to make the process straightforward — from your first chat to mortgage completion.
Here’s what we do:
- Access to self-employed-friendly lenders across the market
- Guidance on how your income, accounts, and dividends are assessed
- Clear, personalised advice on the most suitable products for your situation
- Support at every stage to maximise your borrowing potential and keep things stress-free
We take care of the details, so you can focus on running your business and planning your move.
Documents to prepare
Having your paperwork ready helps speed things up and gives a clearer picture of your options.
Lenders will usually ask for:
- 2–3 years of business accounts (if available)
- Tax calculations or SA302 forms from HMRC
- PAYE payslips (if you draw a salary)
- Dividend statements or evidence of other income
If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage in the next year or two, it’s worth speaking to your accountant early.
With a little preparation, your accounts can be presented in a way that helps demonstrate affordability and improves your borrowing potential.
Important Information
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.The fee is up to 1%, but a typical fee is £495.Why choose Mortgage Solutions Hub
Self-employed mortgages can seem complicated – but with the right advice, they don’t have to be.
When you work with Mortgage Solutions Hub, you’ll benefit from:
- Specialist self-employed mortgage advice across Kidderminster, Worcestershire, Birmingham and nationwide
- Access to over 90 lenders, including those who cater specifically to self-employed borrowers
- Expert insight into how lenders treat your income, dividends, and accounts
- Clear, jargon-free communication so you always understand what’s happening
- Bespoke device to help you secure the best deal for your unique circumstances
Ready to get started?
If you’re self-employed and exploring mortgage options, we’re here to help.
Our experienced team at Mortgage Solutions Hub can guide you through every step – from assessing your affordability to finding the lender that best understands your business.
Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly mortgage advisers and find out how we can help you secure your ideal mortgage.
