The Truth About Getting a Mortgage as a Contractor
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is:
"I'm a contractor now... no bank is going to lend to me."
That simply…
15.08.2026
SELF-EMPLOYED? A MORTGAGE MAY BE MORE POSSIBLE THAN YOU THINK
I Can Help!
One of the most common things I hear from business owners and self-employed professionals is:
“I didn't think I'd be able to get a mortgage because I'm self-employed.”
That assumption can stop people from even having the conversation.
The reality is that being self-employed does not automatically make you a poor mortgage applicant. The challenge is that different lenders can assess self-employed income differently.
Depending on your circumstances, a lender may consider factors such as your:
-
Salary and dividends
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Sole trader or partnership profits
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Company accounts
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SA302s and Tax Year Overviews
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Length of trading history
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Latest year's performance
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Retained profits or other elements of company performance in some cases
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Existing financial commitments and deposit
This is why simply putting your income into an online mortgage calculator doesn't always tell you the full story.
Your accounts may tell a better story than you think
I've spoken to successful business owners who assumed they couldn't borrow enough because they were looking only at the income they personally withdrew from their company.
But mortgage lending isn't one-size-fits-all.
One lender may assess a case differently from another. The important part is understanding how your income is structured and which lenders' criteria are appropriate for your circumstances.
That is where using a mortgage broker can make a significant difference.
Don't wait until you've found the property
If you're self-employed and considering buying a home, moving or remortgaging, I'd recommend understanding your mortgage position before you start making assumptions about what you can or cannot afford.
You may discover that you have more options than you thought.
Equally, if you're not quite ready today, understanding what lenders will be looking for gives you an opportunity to prepare.
Think you're too complicated for a mortgage?
Contact me.
Tell me a little about your circumstances, how your business is structured and what you're hoping to achieve. I can help you understand what mortgage options may be available and what your next steps should be.
Being self-employed isn't necessarily the problem.
Finding a lender that understands your income can be the key.
Mortgage availability is subject to individual circumstances and lender criteria. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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