Our top 5 tips when planning a mortgage
Know your minimum deposit
The minimum deposit needed for a mortgage is 5%. Lenders tend to favor individuals who have higher deposits, but this is true to anyone looking for a mortgage and not just freelancers. To access the most competitive rates you should be aiming to save anything between 10 and 25%. There are mortgage options out there for less than that, but they will be on a much higher rate.
Maintain a spotless credit rating
Lenders have become increasingly risk-conscious and are continually on the lookout for reasons not to lend. A good deposit and a satisfactory income is often not enough to secure a mortgage. That is why it is essential to keep your credit rating up to scratch, leaving the lender no reason to turn you down.
Update all relevant paperwork
You will need to provide minimal documentation to support your application. Ensure your CV is up to date as it will be used to prove your skills and experience. You will also need to obtain a copy of your current contract as this will be used to demonstrate your earnings. By using both these documents we can avoid issues to do with affordability.
Use a specialist broker
The truth is that most lenders have little understanding about the freelancing market, and as a result, their standardised procedures do not accommodate freelancers. We have agreed bespoke underwriting agreements with a comprehensive range of lenders enabling us to secure mortgage funding based on a multiple of your freelance rate alone.
Use your mortgage advisor to get an offer
When you are presented with your Agreement in Principle it is important to use it for your own reference rather than for the Estate Agents. When making an offer that is not the full amount we recommend contacting us to amend the figure on your certificate to match the offer, this way you are not revealing your negotiating position. If an estate agent knows how much you can afford they may attempt to secure a higher offer on behalf of the vendor.
We are CMME – the UK’s leading mortgage specialists for contractors, freelancers, and business owners
- Borrow up to 5 x your annualised income
- Access to some of the most competitive rates in the market
- Deals designed exclusively for self-employed professionals
- Experts in complex income
- 93% of client applications are successful
CMME has helped over 25,000 clients get the mortgage they deserve
- Rated 4.9 / 5 by CMME clients on Feefo!
Useful mortgage guides:
Try one of our other calculators
Find out how much you can borrow today!
Freelancer mortgages are quite complex. A short, free initial consultation with one of our expert advisors will ensure you get a tailored quote.
Speak to a CMME consultant today. Complete the form telling us when’s the best time to contact you, or call us direct on 01489 555 080.
