Self-Employed Mortgages
Hi, I'm Oliver. I love nothing more than helping self-employed people get a mortgage for their new home. I love making the phone call to clients to let them know that they've received a mortgage offer and can buy their dream home. Talk about job satisfaction!
Self-employed individuals can find it difficult to get a mortgage, even if they earn well. It's my job to help you discover the range of mortgage types on the market that are suitable for the self-employed. If you're looking to move home and are self-employed, then I'm here to help you through the process.
I charge a flat broker fee of £500, which is payable only when a mortgage application is successful. All services and appointments up to this point are free, so please feel free to ask me any questions you might have.
07795048527
How I help the self-employed get a mortgage for their new home
Being self-employed shouldn’t make getting a mortgage more difficult, but it can make the process feel more confusing. Different lenders want different documents, income can be seasonal, accountants use clever tax planning, and the last thing you want is to be penalised for running your own business. That’s why so many self-employed homebuyers come to us.
At Moveo Mortgages, I make the process simple, warm and stress-free. We understand how self-employed income works. That’s because I’m self-employed. I’ve been through the mortgage application myself, so I know firsthand how many hoops you have to jump through to get a mortgage compared to the employed. You don’t need to fit into a neat, employed box to get a mortgage. It’s my job to find the right lender that fits you.
These are the key points you need to know before deciding whether you want me to be your mortgage broker and help you buy your new home.
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I will explain to you exactly how the mortgage process works for the self-employed.
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I will ensure you receive the knowledge to make the best decision for you.
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I will clearly communicate with you throughout your mortgage application.
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I have access to the whole mortgage market to ensure you get the best mortgage for you.
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I can arrange your protection, e.g. life insurance, mortgage protection, and income protection.
Who is classed as self-employed?
If you fall into any of the groups below, you're considered “self-employed” for mortgage purposes, even though in some situations, such as company directors and owners, you may also be employed by the business.
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Sole traders
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Limited company directors
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Partnerships
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Freelancers
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Contractors (day rate or fixed-term)
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Gig-economy workers
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Company owners with multiple income streams
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If you own 25% or more of a business, lenders consider you self-employed.
What Do Lenders Look At for Self-Employed Mortgages?
Every lender has their own rules, which is why applying for a self-employed mortgage can appear confusing. Here are a few general points they usually assess.
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Income stability
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Trading history (often 2–3 years, but not always)
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Your accountant’s figures
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Company profitability
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Recent contracts or day-rate evidence
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Bank statements
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Credit history
You may be reading the list and worry, as you've only been trading for one year, or you have a fluctuating income, as your job is seasonal. The last thing I want is for you to worry. The good news is that there are lenders who specialise in:
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One-year trading history
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Newly self-employed
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Complex income
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Retained profits
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Contractor day rates
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Fluctuating income
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Dividend vs salary-based income
Here at Moveo, I match you with the right lender for your circumstances. Don't be concerned, there is a lender for you, and it's my job to find them.
How do lenders calculate self-employed income?
Sole Traders
For sole traders, most lenders use your net profit or take an average of the last 2–3 years. Some use the latest year if it’s higher. Being a sole trader is one of the more straightforward mortgage application processes.
Limited Company Directors
If you're a limited company director, lenders typically use a combination of salary and dividends. You can also use salary and retained profits if you seek a specialist lender. If your accountant keeps your declared income low for tax reasons, not all lenders will penalise you. It's my job as your mortgage broker to know who offers flexibility.
Contractors (Day Rate Mortgages)
Contractors vary in many forms; however, the calculation tends to be your day rate multiplied by five days multiplied by forty-six weeks. This often results in much higher affordability than traditional assessments.
Partnerships
For those who are in a partnership, your calculation tends to be based on your share of the partnership's net profit.
How Moveo Mortgages Helps Self-Employed Borrowers
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We understand limited companies, contractors and business owners. That's because we are a limited company, I'm a business owner, and some of my colleagues are self-employed.
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We know which lenders use retained profits when underwriting mortgages. If this is you, I can steer you in the right direction and secure your mortgage.
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We know that self-employed income can appear a little all over the place. We ensure your income is presented in the best light to the most suitable lender for your circumstances.
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It's my job to make your mortgage application experience a smooth and stress-free one. I will deal directly with lenders on your behalf.
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We know the relevant documents requested from each lender, allowing us to simplify paperwork, save you time, and speed up your mortgage application.
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We don't just want to help you get a mortgage; we want to provide you with honest and friendly guidance from start to finish.
You run your business your way — let us handle the mortgage side with clarity and confidence.
What documents do you need for a self-employed mortgage application?
Each lender will have their own different criteria for self-employed mortgages, as there is a broad range of self-employed scenarios. Having said that, it's always a good idea to have your paperwork ready to streamline the mortgage application process.
Below are the documents to have ready, as they are commonly used for self-employed mortgages.
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1–3 years of SA302s / Tax Calculations
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Matching Tax Year Overviews
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Personal and business bank statements
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Signed accounts (if applicable)
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Proof of ID and address
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Current contracts (for contractors)
How to begin your self-employed mortgage application to move to your new home
I do things a little differently to other mortgage brokers. We are all at different stages of the home-buying process. Some are browsing on Rightmove daily and have no intention of moving house anytime soon, but they would like to know how much they could borrow. If this is you, book an affordability meeting to see how much lenders would be willing to lend you. Then you can change your filters and begin seriously looking for your next home.
Some aren't ready to begin applying for a self-employed mortgage, but they do wish to have an informal chat about their situation, to discuss their next move. It's also a good time to see if I'm the right mortgage broker for you. If you're at this stage, book an introduction meeting and let's have a chat.
Then you have those who are ready and raring to go. They've either found their dream home or have outgrown their current one. It's time to move and get the wheels in motion by finding the best self-employed mortgage for you. They have their finances in order, have all the relevant documents on hand, and would like to begin the mortgage application process. In this meeting, I collect all of the information I need to allow me to find the most suitable mortgage for you and your needs. Most people would already have arranged an affordability or introduction meeting before this point. Others go directly to this meeting as they've worked with me before or I've been highly recommended by somebody they know.
No matter which point you're at, I'm happy to chat, and I'm here to help. Simply book a meeting for one of the appointments you need or get in touch with me using the contact details at the bottom of this page.
An informal meeting to gain an insight into how much you can borrow from various lenders.
30 min
See how I can help you as a mortgage broker and ask any questions you might have.
30 min
1 hr 30 min
Get in touch if you require help with your self-employed mortgage
If you have a question but would prefer to speak via email rather than arranging a meeting, please fill out the form below, and I will respond as soon as I can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Get a Mortgage With Only One Year of Accounts?
Yes, many lenders accept one full year of trading. This is one of the most common scenarios we help with.
Do I need three years' accounts for a self-employed mortgage?
No, as long as you have one year's accounts, we should be able to find a lender for you.
Can I remortgage if I’ve just gone self-employed?
Yes, depending on the lender and your circumstances.