Our Best Advice For Self-Employed Mortgages
- rgwarriner
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
In January, we spent a week on our social media platforms focusing on everything self-employed and the challenges that can arise when getting a mortgage. It is a well-known fact that getting a mortgage when one or both applicants are self-employed comes with its own set of challenges, but it is not impossible. Just as sole traders or a ltd company works to their own set of guidelines, it's the same with the mortgage application. Here is a rundown of the best things to keep in mind if you want to begin either buying your first house or moving, and you're self-employed or a ltd company.
Get your finances in order
It's an obvious first step and one that applies to everyone who is thinking about starting their mortgage journey, but getting your finances in order is vital. You need to know what your ingoings and outgoings truly look like so that you know what type of position you're going to be in for a lender to fully assess you. This is also the perfect chance for you to chase up any outstanding invoices that are yet to be paid.
Key documents
If you're in a regular PAYE job position, then you will have to supply documents like payslips and possibly a contract. But, if you're a sole trader or a ltd company then the documents you will need to supply look a little different and aren't typically as easy to get hold of. Keeping your accounts and bookkeeping in good working order will help this process move along with momentum rather than stalling every time your advisor or the lender requires a certain document from you. This is a list of key documents you will need for your application on top of all the standard documents, such as bank statements, proof of address and proof of ID.
SA302's
Tax year overviews
Finalised Accounts
Account Details
Proof of Deposit
Look at specialist lenders
Even in 2026, there are some lenders and brokers who simply do not understand self-employed income, as it's not as easy to package up as a regular PAYE income. This doesn't mean that it is harder for those of us who are self-employed; it is simply different, and it needs to be packaged differently. It is also preferable to go with a broker or advisor who understands your income, too, as they can help you prepare the best way possible to make the mortgage process as seamless as it can be.
Some of our videos you might find useful if you're self-employed
