How to Get a Self Employed Mortgage
Delta Mortgages are specialists in helping the self-employed and can find you the best rates today.
Experienced mortgages brokers in complex income
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All types of self employed accepted
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Self Employed Mortgages Are Just Normal Mortgages (Really, They Are!)
If you’ve ever been told that getting a self-employed mortgage is an uphill battle, let’s set the record straight—it’s not. There’s no secret "self-employed mortgage" product. The process is the same as for any employed borrower, except that lenders need a little extra reassurance about your income. And that’s where the right mortgage broker makes all the difference.
Yes, you’ll need to provide more documentation, but that’s not a reason to panic. With the right preparation and guidance, getting a mortgage when self-employed is completely achievable—and often at rates just as competitive as those available to PAYE applicants.
At Delta Mortgages, our mortgage brokers remove the confusion and show you exactly what’s needed, how to structure your income, and how to access the most competitive self-employed mortgage rates. You focus on running your business, we’ll focus on getting you the mortgage you need—now that sounds good, right?
Access the Best Self Employed Mortgage Rates
There are 4.4 million self-employed people across the UK. That’s a lot of people needing mortgages that work for them!
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Self Employed
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Contractors
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Sole Traders
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Partnerships
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Ltd Company Directors
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Agency Workers
Hear from happy people
Three Simple Steps to Securing Your Self Employed Mortgage
Buying a home when you're self-employed shouldn’t feel like a financial obstacle course. Yes, lenders might want a little more paperwork, but with the right mortgage broker in your corner, you’ll be sorted in no time.
At Delta Mortgages, we streamline the process, find the best rates for your unique circumstances, and handle the complexities—so you can focus on running your business while we focus on securing your mortgage.
Here’s how it works:
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Get Your Self-Employed Mortgage Agreement in Principle
Once we’ve found the right mortgage, we’ll secure your Agreement in Principle, giving you clarity on what you can borrow so you can move forward with confidence.
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We’ll Search the Market for the Best Self-Employed Mortgage Rates
With access to 100+ lenders, including specialist self-employed mortgage providers, we’ll compare thousands of deals to find the best rate for you—without the legwork.
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Speak to a Self-Employed Mortgage Adviser
Start with a free, no-obligation chat with one of our mortgage brokers. Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, or company director, we’ll assess your income, explain affordability, and answer any questions—without the jargon.
At Delta Mortgages, we make securing a self-employed mortgage as simple, stress-free, and straightforward as possible—because you’ve got enough on your plate without dealing with mortgage admin alone.
Find Self-Employed Mortgage Lenders
Access the most competitive self-employed mortgage rates today—tailored to your income and circumstances.
Speak with Delta Mortgages today. With access to 100+ lenders and over 14,000 mortgage products, we’ll take the time to understand your unique situation and match you with the best possible mortgage deal. Already have a mortgage in principle? No problem—it’s always worth comparing to ensure you're getting the best rate.
Why Does It Feel So Tricky to Get a Self-Employed Mortgage?
If you’re self-employed, you’ve probably heard the myths—getting a mortgage is impossible, lenders don’t like freelancers, and you’ll need three decades' worth of accounts. None of that is true. Yes, the process is slightly different, but with the right mortgage broker (hello, Delta Mortgages 👋), getting a self-employed mortgage is far from impossible.
Lenders don’t actually care how you earn your money—they just want to see proof that your income is steady, sustainable and sufficient to meet repayments. That’s where things can feel a little trickier if you’re self-employed. Without payslips, you’ll need to structure your income properly and provide clear documentation.
That’s where we come in. At Delta Mortgages, we specialise in self-employed mortgages, working with lenders who take a common-sense approach to complex income. Whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, or limited company director, we’ll guide you through every step—explaining what’s needed, helping you understand affordability, and securing you the best deal possible.
What is the Lending Criteria for a Self Employed Mortgage?
Self-employed mortgages follow the same fundamental rules as any other mortgage—lenders want to see that you can afford the repayments. The difference? Instead of a payslip, you’ll need to provide clear, structured evidence of your income.
Lenders will assess:
Your trading history
Most lenders prefer at least two years of accounts, but some will consider one year.
Your declared income
This will typically be based on tax returns, SA302s, or company accounts.
Your deposit size
A larger deposit can improve your rate and borrowing potential.
Your credit history
A strong credit score gives you more options and access to lower interest rates.
Your overall affordability
Lenders will calculate how much you can borrow based on your net profit (sole traders), salary and dividends (limited company directors), or contract rate (contractors).
How Will a Mortgage Lender Calculate My Self-Employed Earnings?
You don’t need a fancy self-employed mortgage calculator to figure out how much you can borrow—lenders will assess your income based on your trading history, deposit size, and overall financial picture. Generally, you can expect to borrow 4.5 to 5.5 times your income, but this varies depending on the lender and your circumstances.
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Sole Traders & Partnerships – Lenders typically look at your net profit over the last two to three years and may take an average.
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Contractors – Many lenders assess income based on day rate contracts or annual earnings. Some will accept future contracts as proof of income.
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Limited Company Directors – Most lenders use a combination of salary and dividends. Some specialist lenders may also consider retained profits held within your business.
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If your income fluctuates year-on-year, lenders may either use your lowest-earning year as a conservative estimate or take an average over multiple years. This is where working with a self-employed mortgage broker is crucial—we know which lenders take a common-sense approach to irregular earnings.
At Delta Mortgages, our mortgage advisors will help you structure your application in the best possible way, ensuring your income is presented clearly to lenders—so you can borrow with confidence.
What Do I Need to Provide for a Self-Employed Mortgage?
Every lender is different, but most will ask for:
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Full accounts for your business – Preferably signed off by a certified accountant.
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Tax calculations and tax year overviews – Available through HMRC (SA302 forms).
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Business bank statements – Typically the last 3-6 months.
Some lenders may have more flexible criteria, particularly if you have a strong financial profile. If you’ve been self-employed for less than two years, don’t panic—there are still mortgage options available. The best next step? Speak to an experienced mortgage broker who knows their stuff (oh, hello there 👋🏼)
How Do You Get a Self-Employed Mortgage?
There’s a common myth that self-employed mortgages are a completely different product to standard mortgages. In reality? They’re exactly the same. The key difference is that when you're self-employed, lenders will need more proof of your income to assess affordability.
That doesn’t mean getting a mortgage is harder—it just means you need to be prepared. Instead of payslips, you’ll provide tax returns, SA302 forms, or certified accounts to show your income is steady and reliable. As long as the numbers add up, lenders are happy to lend.
And here’s some good news: Self-employed mortgage rates are just as competitive as employed mortgage rates. If you meet the criteria—income stability, good credit score, and a reasonable deposit—you can access the same great deals as anyone else.
Of course, a few factors can influence your mortgage rate, including:
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Your deposit size – The bigger the deposit, the better your mortgage deal.
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Your credit score – A strong credit history means more lender options.
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Your business accounts – Clear, well-structured financials make a big difference.
At Delta Mortgages, we specialise in making self-employed mortgages simple. Whether you're a freelancer, contractor, or limited company director, we’ll match you with lenders who understand self-employment income—so you get the best deal, without the stress.
How Do I Access the Best Self-Employed Mortgage Rates?
Finding the best self-employed mortgage rates isn’t about luck—it’s about knowing where to look. The good news? We already know.
At Delta Mortgages, we don’t just search mortgage comparison sites (which, let’s be honest, never tell the full story). We have access to 100+ lenders and over 14,000 mortgage products, including specialist deals designed specifically for self-employed borrowers.
From your first conversation with us, we’ll take the time to understand your income structure, future contracts, or company earnings. Then, we’ll search the market to match you with a lender that gets self-employment—whether you’ve been trading for one year or ten.
And our mortgage advisers don’t stop there. We’ll handle the paperwork, liaise with lenders, and monitor the market to make sure you secure the best possible self-employed mortgage deal—so you can focus on running your business while we focus on securing your home.
Let’s make your mortgage journey simple, straightforward, and stress-free—because being self-employed is complicated enough.
What Documentation Do Self-Employed Mortgage Lenders Require?
When applying for a self-employed mortgage, the key to success is clear and organised financial documentation. Lenders aren’t making things more difficult for you just because you’re self-employed—they simply need a full picture of your earnings to assess affordability.
If you’re self-employed, the documents you’ll need depend on how you trade—whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, or limited company director. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
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Proof of ID – Passport or driving licence. (Yes, even if you’ve got the same haircut as your teenage self in the photo.)
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Proof of Address – A utility bill dated within the last 3 months.
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Bank Statements – Both personal and business, covering the last 3 months to show your financial health.
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Evidence of Deposit – Lenders want to see where your deposit is coming from, whether savings, a gift, or another source.
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2+ years of certified accounts – Some lenders will accept one year, but two to three years is ideal.
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SA302 forms or Tax Year Overviews from HMRC – This shows your declared income and tax paid.
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For Contractors: You may need to provide evidence of future contracts or a history of contracts to demonstrate income consistency.
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For Limited Company Directors: Lenders will often look at both salary and dividends, and in some cases, retained profits within your company.
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If you’re unsure whether you have everything needed, don’t worry. At Delta Mortgages, we’ll guide you through the process, making sure you have the right paperwork in place before you apply—saving you time, stress, and back-and-forth with lenders.
What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Securing a Self-Employed Mortgage?
At Delta Mortgages, we’re all about giving you the best shot at securing a mortgage at the best rate. Here are a few steps you can take to improve your mortgage prospects:
Get Your SA302 Forms Ready
Your SA302 forms and tax year overviews are essential documents that prove your income. Most lenders require at least two years’ worth, so having them to hand will speed up the process.
Work with an Accountant
A qualified accountant doesn’t just help with tax efficiency—they also structure your accounts in a way that lenders understand, making approval easier. If you run a limited company, some lenders may even consider retained profits in your affordability calculation.
Save a Larger Deposit
The bigger your deposit, the lower the risk to the lender—and that can mean access to better mortgage rates. A higher deposit can also increase your borrowing power.
Check & Improve Your Credit Score
Like any mortgage application, a strong credit score helps. Check your credit report for errors, get on the electoral roll, and avoid taking out new debt before applying.
Navigating a self-employed mortgage doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right preparation—and a specialist mortgage broker on your side—you’ll be in the best possible position to secure a great mortgage deal.
FAQs on How to Get a Self-Employed Mortgage
Self-employed mortgages don’t have to be complicated, but we know they can feel that way. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked—answered with the clarity and honesty you deserve.
Not really! The process is very similar to a standard mortgage—the key difference is the documentation required to prove your income. Lenders just want to see that your earnings are consistent, sustainable, and sufficient to cover your mortgage repayments.
With the right mortgage broker, securing a self-employed mortgage can be just as smooth as any other mortgage application. It’s all about structuring your income clearly and working with lenders who understand self-employed affordability.No, and that’s the beauty of it. We follow the same straightforward and stress-free process for all our clients. From the first call, we’ll guide you on what documents you need, set you up on our easy-to-use interactive portal, and quickly assess your affordability.
A self-employed mortgage calculator might give you a rough idea of what you can borrow, but only a mortgage broker can match you with the right lender, structure your application properly, and help you secure the best deal.
Lenders will class you as self-employed if you own more than 20% of the business that provides your income. This could be:
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A sole trader or freelancer
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A contractor
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A limited company director
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A partner in a business (All partners are classed as self employed if they operate within an LLP structure)
If you’re unsure whether a lender will see you as self-employed, our mortgage advisers can assess your situation and advise you accordingly.
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No—self-employed mortgage rates are not automatically higher. Lenders assess your application in the same way as employed applicants, meaning your rate is based on:
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Your income and affordability
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Your deposit size
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Your credit score
If you meet the lender’s affordability criteria, you can access the same competitive mortgage rates as someone in traditional employment.
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Most lenders prefer you to have at least two years of self-employed income under your belt before applying for a mortgage. But if you've been self-employed for less than two years, don’t panic—some lenders are more flexible than others.
If you’re newly self-employed but have experience in a similar employed role before going solo, lenders may still consider your application. Some specialist lenders will even accept just one year of accounts—but you’ll need to work with a mortgage broker who knows exactly where to look.
The key is strong documentation. Lenders want to see steady income, and the more evidence you have, the smoother the process. If you're in this situation, our self-employed mortgage specialists can assess your options and match you with a lender that understands non-traditional income structures.
So, whether you’ve been self-employed for six months, one year, or a decade, let’s explore your options together—because being your own boss shouldn’t hold you back from homeownership.Lenders want reassurance that you can afford the mortgage repayments—just like any other mortgage applicant. For self-employed individuals, they typically assess:
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Your income – Usually based on an average of the last two to three years of earnings.
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Your deposit – A larger deposit can unlock better mortgage rates.
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Your credit score – Good credit history improves your lender options.
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Stress testing – Lenders will check whether your mortgage would still be affordable if interest rates increased by 2-3%.
Self-employed mortgages aren’t harder, but they do require the right approach. That’s where we come in. At Delta Mortgages, our experienced mortgage brokers help structure your application to showcase your income clearly and match you with the best lender for your circumstances.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Access Your SA302 Tax Calculation:
Shopping for a mortgage isn’t quite as fun as house hunting (no dreamy kitchens or sea views involved), but getting the right mortgage deal can save you thousands in the long run. Whether you’re a home mover, first-time buyer, or remortgaging, comparing mortgage deals is key to getting the best rate for your budget.
Here’s where to start:
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Go to HMRC Website
and log in with your Government Gateway credentials.
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Click on 'Self Assessment'
from your HMRC account homepage.
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Find Your SA302 Tax Calculation
and continue to your tax overview.
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Print & Save as a PDF
You’ll need this along with your Tax Year Overview for your mortgage application.
How Delta Mortgages Can Help You Secure the Best Self-Employed Mortgage
Being self-employed is all about freedom, flexibility, and taking charge of your own success—so why should getting a mortgage feel like the opposite? We get it—proving your income to a lender isn’t as simple as handing over a payslip, but with the right mortgage broker (👋🏼) on your side, it doesn’t have to be a headache.
At Delta Mortgages, we specialise in self-employed mortgages, working with freelancers, contractors, sole traders, and company directors to turn “complex income” into a straightforward mortgage approval. Whether you’re fresh into self-employment or have been running your business for years, we’ll find you a competitive mortgage deal that fits how you earn.
Here’s how we make it easy:
Find exclusive self-employed mortgage deals
Some of the best mortgage rates never make it onto comparison sites. We have access to exclusive lender products designed for self-employed applicants, giving you more options (and better deals).
Make sense of your income
Whether you take a salary and dividends, work on short-term contracts, or have retained profits in your business, we’ll match you with lenders who actually get how self-employed income works—not those who only cater to the 9-to-5 crowd.
Handle all the legwork
Finding lenders, submitting paperwork, proving your earnings? Leave it to us. You focus on running your business—we’ll focus on getting your mortgage sorted.
Structure your application for success
Lenders like clarity. We’ll package your income properly, explain any fluctuations, and present your finances in a way that maximises what you can borrow—so you don’t get penalised for being your own boss.
Stay ahead of the market
If a better mortgage deal pops up before your application completes, we’ll jump on it, making sure you always get the best rate available.
We believe getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed shouldn’t feel harder than running your business. With Delta Mortgages, you’ll have an expert in your corner who knows the right lenders, the right process, and how to make it all work in your favour.
Meet the Team That’s Got Your Back
At Delta Mortgages, we combine decades of experience with down-to-earth support that actually helps. No scripts. No waffle. Just lovely mortgage brokers who bring clarity, calm—and a bit of personality—to every step of your journey.
Get to know the people who’ll guide you from start to keys.
Your property could be at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage, or any debt secured on it.