self employed mortgages – webform
Getting a mortgage as self employed
Wondering if you can get a mortgage as a company director or business owner? The short answer is “yes”.
We’re CMME, the specialists in helping self-employed people secure a mortgages. Since 2004 we’ve been helping contractors, freelancers, consultants and small business owners navigate the mortgage process and get the best possible deal. If you have any questions about this guide, or want to discuss your own circumstances, you can call our mortgage advisors for free advice.
Are you looking for information about securing a property through your limited company? Visit our guide to limited company mortgagesfor more information.
Prepare for your self-employed mortgage
Banks and building societies want to offer mortgages to everyone who can afford to make the repayments. Before they agree to lend you money, lenders will want to see evidence of your income and your finances in general. If you have a traditional job, with a salary and a monthly pay cheque, your income is easy to prove. You would simply show the bank your pay slips and copies of your bank statements, and the lender would calculate the maximum amount you could borrow. For self-employed people, the challenge is slightly harder, and you may need to take steps to prepare your accounts and documentation so it meets the lender’s criteria. Different banks have different lending criteria; with some banks requesting more years of accounts or other evidence of your income. Lenders typically ask to see:
- Account: 1-3 years of accounts, prepared (and signed) by a chartered or certified accountant
- SA302: 1-3 years of your SA302 tax calculation forms
- Bank statements: 2-3 months of your business bank statements
What if I don’t have enough evidence of my income?
Are you new to self-employment? Banks and building societies may consider other evidence of your income, particularly if you have a history of working in a related profession, or evidence that your future income is guaranteed. Give us a call to discuss your circumstances.
Credit score
Have you checked your credit rating lately? This is one of the first checks a lender will make, so it’s important that your credit score is healthy and there are no issues with your credit report. Your credit score is based on your history of borrowing and repaying. The better your history, the higher your score. Register with Experian, CallCredit or Equifax to check your score. If you uncover any issues, you may need to resolve them, or wait until your credit score improves. A good credit rating is key to getting an Agreement in Principle (AIP), which is the first step in getting a mortgage.
Deposit
How much do you need to contribute towards the property price? At the time of writing, a 95% mortgage is the largest loan-to-value mortgage that is widely available, and even these are relatively rare. If you have a 5% deposit, you will be able to get a mortgage, but be aware that banks will charge you a higher interest rate for these products. If you can gather a 10% deposit, then you will be able to access mortgages with more favourable interest rates, and also have greater protection in case property values fluctuate. Some 100% mortgages do exist, such as family offset mortgages, which require a family member to act as a guarantor. When evaluating your options, remember that you will also need to pay stamp duty, solicitor fees and moving costs – so you’ll need this in addition to your deposit fund. If you are a ‘first time buyer’ stamp duty may not apply. See below for an overview of these costs.
Your partner
If you are getting a mortgage with your partner, then their income will be included in calculations to decide your maximum loan amount. Your partner will also need to provide the same level of evidence and documentation, whether they are self-employed or salaried. They should also register with a credit agency to confirm they have a healthy credit rating.
Mortgages for different company types
As we mentioned earlier, mortgages are mortgages; they’re the same whether you’re employed, freelance or a limited company. The only differences relate to the evidence of income that you must provide.
Sole trader
Lenders will want to see at least one years’ trading history, though most will want to 2 years’ history – and some will want three. The more evidence of successful trading that you have, the more lenders your mortgage advisor can consider.
Limited company
If you operate as a limited company, your income probably consists of a salary and dividends. Lenders will need to consider both as your income. In some instances, lenders may be able to use your operating or net profit in addition to your salary.
Partnership
Lenders will assess your income according to your share of the profits.
How much can you borrow?
In the past, lenders would use a simple calculation to determine how much you could borrow. They would multiply your total income (both you and your partner) by 3, 4 or 5 to give a maximum mortgage amount. This method does not take into consideration your outgoings, so it is no longer considered a safe way to make lending decisions. Banks and building societies now use a more complex method to judge how much you can afford to borrow. To reach a decision, lenders look at your past income and your current expenditure to evaluate your maximum loan amount. Your lender may also want to know about any regular contracts you have as this will reassure them that your income is likely to remain stable. Your debts are also part of the affordability equation, which is why it is helpful to reduce your debts before applying for a mortgage.
Mortgage readiness checklist
Banks and building societies have different requirements – so ask your mortgage advisor to confirm which documents you need to provide. Typical requirements include:
Income evidence
- 2-3 years of company accounts
- 2-3 months of bank statements
- Partner’s payslips (or accounts)
- Partner’s bank statements
Financial readiness
- 5% deposit saved (minimum)
- Clean credit history
- Minimal debts Personal identification
- Drivers licence or passport
- Proof of address
Ready to talk mortgages?
We hope you’ve found this guide useful. The key thing to remember is that you stand a good chance of getting a mortgage if you can demonstrate a history of earning as a self-employed person. And even if your records are limited, there may be ways to work around the gaps. To ensure you get the best deal, talk to a mortgage expert who understands the unique factors affecting company directors and business owners.
Want to talk to one of our mortgage experts? We offer free, impartial advice, a free initial consultation, and our team is available Monday to Thursday, 9am-7pm and Friday, 9am-5.30pm. Speak to one of our specialist advisors today or give us a call on 01489 555 080.
Try one of our other calculators
Mortgage guides:
- Buying a property through a limited company
- First time buyer’s guide
- Buy-to-let guide
- Remortgaging guide
Speak to an expert
Arrange a free consultation with one of our specialist advisors or call us on 01489 555 080. What time would be best to contact you?